Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Water Access Welfare

Ducks are waterfowl with strong motivation to bathe and immerse their heads in water, and deprivation of these behaviours in commercial systems causes significant suffering.

Key Facts

Ducks require water deep enough to immerse the head for eye and nasal cleaning
Lack of bathing water causes eye and nasal irritation, feather fouling, and frustration
Even simple open water drinkers provide significantly more welfare benefit than nipple drinkers
Many commercial duck farms use nipple drinkers that prevent bathing behaviour
UK law now requires that ducks have access to open water for welfare compliance

Welfare Considerations

Denying ducks access to bathing water causes chronic frustration and physical suffering. Open water access is a basic welfare requirement for all farmed ducks.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms providing open water access to flocks
Support legislative requirements for duck welfare including water access
Raise awareness of the difference between duck farming systems and welfare outcomes
Advocate for higher standards in duck welfare certification schemes