Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Slaughter Welfare

Duck slaughter welfare presents specific challenges compared with chickens, including vulnerability to stunning failure and scalding injury.

Key Facts

Waterfowl require higher current settings for effective electrical stunning than chickens
Incorrect stun settings result in conscious birds entering scalding tanks
Ducks are not easily handled by automated kill lines designed for chickens
Effective stunning and immediate neck cut are the recommended welfare standard
Monitoring of stun effectiveness is required but inconsistently implemented

Welfare Considerations

Ducks inadequately stunned at slaughter regain consciousness and experience the scalding tank fully conscious - one of the most severe welfare failures possible in a slaughter facility. Ensuring correct stun parameters for waterfowl and rigorous monitoring of stun effectiveness are urgent welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Support welfare auditing at duck slaughter plants
Advocate for species-specific stunning parameters and monitoring requirements
Choose duck products only from welfare-certified producers