Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Water Access: Welfare Standards and Industry Progress

Ducks are waterfowl with strong behavioural needs for open water that are rarely met on commercial farms.

Key Facts

Commercial duck farms rarely provide swimming water despite it being a core duck behaviour
Ducks use water to maintain feather and eye health, not just for enjoyment
EU Directive 2007/43/EC does not mandate open water access for ducks
Higher welfare schemes including RSPCA Assured require open water access

Welfare Considerations

Denying ducks access to open water frustrates a core biological need and compromises feather condition and eye health. The industry has the capacity to provide water access - consumer pressure and certification are the key drivers.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from RSPCA Assured or equivalent welfare-certified sources
Support campaigns for mandatory open water access in duck farming regulations
Avoid products from farms with no water access provision