Farm Animals

Duck Water Access Welfare in Farmed Systems

Access to open water for swimming and bathing is a fundamental welfare need for farmed ducks that is often unmet.

Key Facts

Ducks have a strong motivation to immerse their heads and bathe in open water
The majority of commercial ducks are raised without swimming water, only nipple drinkers
Research shows ducks will work hard to access bathing water even when feed is freely available
Head immersion enables ducks to clean their eyes and nasal passages critical for health
EU and UK welfare codes recommend water provision beyond drinkers but rarely mandate it

Welfare Considerations

Denying ducks access to open water for bathing and head immersion causes frustration and inability to maintain basic hygiene. Eye and nasal problems are more common in ducks without water access. The evidence base for duck water access as a welfare priority is strong and consumer pressure for higher standards is growing.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms with documented open water access
Support Compassion in World Farming campaigns for mandatory water provision for farmed ducks
Ask retailers about the water access standards of duck products they sell
Advocate for EU and UK regulations to mandate open water access for farmed ducks