Specific provisions for ducklings
RSPCA welfare standards
for domestic/common ducks
2 February 2015
* indicates an amendment
SPD 2.10 Supplementary feed trays and drinkers must be provided to the ducklings, in addition to the permanent
feeders and drinkers, for the first few days at the start of brooding.
Supplementary drinkers should be phased out by the end of 7 days.
SPD 2.11 Feeders and drinkers must be kept clean and free from litter.
SPD 2.12 The environment for brooding ducklings must be lit at a minimum of 25 lux for the first few days.
SPD 2.13 Supplementary lighting must be hung next to the brooder for the first few days after placement to attract
ducklings to the heat source and provide extra illumination of feeders and drinkers.
SPD 2.14 Drinker facilities must be of a design that prevents young ducklings from getting very wet or drowning
before they have had sufficient time to develop waterproofing on their feathers.
SPD 2.15 Young ducklings must be given appropriate experience of management practices (particularly feeding
and watering systems) and environmental conditions (e.g. natural light, sufficient water to fulfil biological
requirements, litter) to enable them to adapt to the husbandry systems they will encounter later in life.
SPD 2.16 On arrival at the farm, day-old ducklings must be thoroughly inspected for signs of injury or deformities.
SPD 2.17 All ducklings showing obvious signs of injury or deformity (including wrynecks) must be removed and
humanely culled.