Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Water Access and Welfare

The welfare implications of water access for farmed ducks and the importance of bathing opportunities.

Key Facts

Ducks are waterfowl with strong motivation to bathe and swim
Deprivation of water for bathing causes significant welfare deficit
UK government recommends ducks have access to water allowing head immersion
Open-water access enables ducks to maintain feather condition and eye health
Certification schemes increasingly require meaningful water access for ducks

Welfare Considerations

Restricting duck access to open water frustrates strong natural behaviours and causes chronic welfare deficits that are rarely visible from outside the building.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products certified under higher welfare standards
Support organisations campaigning for duck water access legislation
Advocate for mandatory water access requirements for farmed ducks