Ducks farmed for meat and foie gras are highly motivated to access open water for bathing, swimming, and feeding, yet most commercial duck production denies water access beyond drinking nipples, causing significant welfare compromise.
Ducks denied bathing water cannot properly maintain feather condition, as preening requires water immersion to distribute preen oil effectively. Eye and nasal health deteriorates without the ability to flush nasal passages. Studies show strong motivation for water access, with ducks working hard in operant conditioning tasks to access bathing water. Welfare standards that require open water access represent meaningful improvement.