Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Stocking Density Welfare

Stocking density in commercial duck farming significantly affects behavioral expression, feather condition, and injury rates.

Key Facts

UK indoor duck maximum stocking density is 20 kg per square meter for Pekin ducks
Higher densities increase feather pecking, foot pad lesions, and respiratory disease
Lower densities improve feather condition scores and reduce behavioral indicators of stress
The absence of water access compounds density-related welfare problems
Outdoor access with adequate ranging density substantially improves duck welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Ducks at high stocking densities cannot engage in normal social and behavioral patterns, experiencing chronic crowding stress and increased disease and injury risk.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms with lower stocking densities and outdoor access
Support certification schemes requiring density limits and water access for farmed ducks
Advocate for stronger EU duck welfare legislation that closes gaps between member state standards