Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Duck Forced Moulting Welfare

Forced moulting of laying ducks through feed restriction extends productive laying cycles but causes significant welfare harms.

Key Facts

Forced moulting through feed restriction triggers a new laying cycle by inducing moult
Ducks deprived of feed for 5-14 days show significant hunger and distress indicators
Welfare-positive moulting through low-nutrient feed rather than starvation is possible
The EU allows force moulting through feed restriction despite its welfare implications
Alternative moult induction methods including low-protein diets exist

Welfare Considerations

Feed restriction-induced moulting causes prolonged hunger stress and weight loss of 20-30% body weight. The welfare cost is substantial and spread over a week or more. Low-nutrient diet alternatives can achieve moult without the hunger component, and their welfare advantage is clear. The continued use of feed restriction moulting reflects cost considerations rather than welfare necessity.

What You Can Do

Advocate for feed restriction moulting to be prohibited in EU and UK farm standards
Support certification schemes that require welfare-positive moulting methods
Engage with duck egg producers about their moulting management practices
Choose duck eggs from farms that do not use feed restriction moulting
Support research into optimal welfare-positive moulting protocols