RSPCA welfare standards
for domestic/common ducks
(i) February 2015
* indicates an amendment
Contents
Introduction iii
Specific provisions for ducklings 1
Duckling sourcing ............................................................................................. 1
Specific provisions for ducklings ....................................................................... 1
Food and water 4
Food ................................................................................................................. 4
Water ................................................................................................................ 5
Environment 11
Buildings ......................................................................................................... 11
Floor and litter ................................................................................................. 13
Lighting ........................................................................................................... 15
Space requirements ....................................................................................... 19
Air quality and thermal environment ............................................................... 19
Environmental enrichment .............................................................................. 20
Climate change and animal welfare ............................................................... 21
The range 22
Management 27
Managers ........................................................................................................ 27
Stock-keepers ................................................................................................. 28
Inspection ....................................................................................................... 29
Independent welfare audits ............................................................................ 30
Equipment ...................................................................................................... 31
Protection from other animals ......................................................................... 32
Health 33
Mutilations ...................................................................................................... 34
On-farm casualty killing (culling) ..................................................................... 35
Medication ...................................................................................................... 37
Biosecurity ...................................................................................................... 38
Transport 40
Management ................................................................................................... 40
Catching ......................................................................................................... 41
Transport ........................................................................................................ 44