Ducks have evolved for aquatic environments and their welfare in intensive farming systems is severely compromised by the near-universal absence of open water access.
Duck welfare in commercial farming is one of the clearest examples of a mismatch between species behavioral needs and production system design. Ducks are profoundly adapted for aquatic life — their sensory apparatus, social behavior, and preening requirements all involve water. Industrial systems that deny water access cause chronic eye disease from inability to clean the orbital area, inability to display courtship and social behaviors, and intense frustration of bathing motivation. Even simple water nipple systems are insufficient — ducks require sufficient water to submerge their heads. Welfare improvement requires genuine open water provision.