Guidance

Codes of recommendations for the welfare of livestock - ducks

Updated 25 January 2024

Applies to England

Welfare Codes are intended to encourage stock-keepers to adopt the highest standards of husbandry. This new Code has been produced following advice by the independent Farm Animal Welfare Council and after consultation with a very wide range of organisations interested in the care of farm livestock.

An Introduction by Ministers

The Code, which has the approval of Parliament, has been compiled along similar lines to those issued for other livestock and takes account of five basic needs: freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; appropriate comfort and shelter; the prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment of, injury, disease and infestation; freedom from fear, and freedom to display most normal patterns of behaviour. Included in the Code are recommendations on accommodation design, space, standards, stockmanship and emergency precautions.

The preface to the Code identifies good stockmanship as a key factor in farm animal welfare. We are convinced that this Code is an essential tool for everyone concerned with the rearing of ducks. We therefore ask you, and all involved with ducks on your farm, to read it carefully and to bear its recommendations in mind at all times. The note explains the status of the Code in relation to the law of the land.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Secretary of State for Scotland

Secretary of State for Wales

Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 Part I

Note

The following Code, comprising paragraphs 1 to 63 is issued with the authority of Parliament and has been prepared following consultation as required by section 3 (1) of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 which reads as follows:

3(1) The Ministers may from time to time, after consultation with such persons appearing to them to represent any interests concerned as the Ministers consider appropriate –

(a) prepare codes containing such recommendations with respect to the welfare of livestock for the time being situated on agricultural land as they consider proper for the guidance of persons concerned with the livestock; and (b) revise any such code by revoking, varying, amending or adding to the provisions of the code in such manner as the Ministers thinks fit.

The following further extracts from the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 explain the status of the Code in relation to the law of the land:

1(1) Any person who causes unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to any livestock for the time being situated on agricultural land and under his control or permits any such livestock to suffer any such pain or distress of which he knows or may reasonably be expected to know shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

3(4) A failure on the part of any person to observe a provision of a code for the time being issued under this section shall not of itself render that person liable to proceedings of any kind; but such a failure on the part of any person may, in proceedings against him for an offence under section 1 of this Act, be relied upon by the prosecution as tending to establish the guilt of the accused unless it is shown that he cannot reasonably be expected to have observed the provision in question within the period which has elapsed since that provision was first included in a code issued under this section.

The Code came into operation on 1 September 1987.

Preface

This preface is not part of the Code, but is intended to explain its purpose and to indicate the broad considerations upon which it is based.

The basic requirements for the welfare of livestock are a husbandry system appropriate to the health and, so far as practicable, the behavioural needs of the animals and a high standard of stockmanship.

Stockmanship is a key factor because, no matter how otherwise acceptable a system may be in principle, without competent, diligent stockmanship the welfare of the birds cannot be adequately catered for. The recommendations which follow are designed to help stockmen, 4 particularly those who are young or inexperienced, to attain the required standards. The part that training has to play in the development of the stockman’s awareness of welfare requirements cannot be overstressed. Detailed advice on the application of the Code in individual circumstances is readily available through the official advisory services and in advisory publications.

Nearly all livestock husbandry systems impose restrictions on the stock and some of these can cause an unacceptable degree of discomfort or distress by preventing the birds from fulfilling their basic needs. Provisions meeting these needs, and others which must be considered, include:

• comfort and shelter
• readily accessible fresh water and a diet to maintain the birds in full health and vigour
• freedom of movement
• the company of other birds particularly of like kind
• the opportunity to exercise most normal patterns of behaviour
• light during the hours of daylight, and lighting readily available to enable the birds to be inspected at any time
• flooring which neither harms the birds, nor causes undue strain
• the prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment of vice, injury, parasitic infestation and disease
• the avoidance of unnecessary mutilation; and emergency arrangements to cover outbreaks of fire, the breakdown of essential mechanical services and the disruption of supplies

Not all husbandry systems in use for ducks equally meet the physiological and behavioural needs of the birds. An attempt has therefore been made, on the basis of the latest scientific knowledge and the soundest current practices, to identify those features which could place the welfare of ducks at risk unless precautions are taken. The Code sets out what these precautions should be, bearing in mind the importance to the birds of their total environment and the fact that there is often more than one way in which their welfare can be safeguarded.

Certain aspects of livestock husbandry can present hazards to the health and safety of the stockman. Advice on these matters is available from the local Agriculture Safety Inspector of the Health and Safety Executive.

Code of recommendations for the welfare of ducks

This Code covers ducks of the Pekin / Mallard types and does not apply to Muscovies.

Introduction

1. The welfare of ducks can be safeguarded under a variety of management systems. The system employed should be appropriate to the health and behavioural and physiological needs of the ducks. This, together with facilities available and the skill of the stockman, will determine the number of birds kept at any one time, and the way in which they are grouped.

2. Consideration should be given to the question of animal welfare before installing more complex or elaborate equipment than has previously been used. In general the greater the restriction imposed on the bird and the greater the complexity of the system or of the degree of control which is exercised over temperature, air flow or food supply, the less the bird is able to use its instinctive behaviour to modify the effect of unfavourable conditions and the greater the chance of suffering if mechanical or electrical failures occur. Thus systems involving a high degree of control over the environment should only be installed when conscientious staff skilled in both animal husbandry and the use of the equipment will always be available.

3. Large flocks can be managed successfully, but in general the larger the size of unit the greater the degree of skill and conscientiousness needed to safeguard welfare. The size of a unit should not be increased nor should a unit be set up unless it is reasonably certain that the stockman in charge will be able to safeguard the welfare of the individual bird.

4. All stockmen should know the normal behaviour of ducks, watch closely for signs of distress or disease and, where necessary, take prompt remedial action.

5. The good stockman will know the signs which indicate good health in ducks. He should be able to recognise impending trouble in its earliest stages and may often be able to identify the cause and put matters right immediately. If the cause is not obvious, or if the stockman’s immediate action is not effective, veterinary or other expert advice should be obtained as soon as possible.

6. Important indications of health are alertness, clear bright eyes, good posture, vigorous movements if unduly disturbed, active feeding and drinking, normal feathering, clean and healthy skin, shanks and feet. Attention should be paid to any departure from the normal.

7. The early signs if ill-health may include changes in feed and water intake, in preening, in general activity, and diarrhoea (although ducks normally have watery faeces), in coordination and drooping of the eyelids. In laying birds there may also be a drop in egg-production, and changes in egg quality such as shell defects.

8. Ailing birds, and any birds suffering from injury such as open wounds, or fractures or from prolapse of the vent should be segregated and treated or, if necessary, be humanely killed without delay.

Housing

General

9. Advice on welfare aspects should be sought when new buildings are to be constructed or existing buildings modified.

10. Ventilation, heating, lighting, feeding, watering and all other equipment should be designed, sited and installed so as to avoid risk of injuring birds.

11. All floors, particularly slatted or metal mesh ones, should be designed, fitted and maintained so as to avoid injury or distress to the birds. Remedial action should be taken if either of these occurs.

12. Nest boxes and roosting areas should not be so high above floor level that birds have difficulty or risk injury in using them.

13. Adequate litter should be provided on solid floors and in nest boxes.

14. Accommodation should be designed and maintained so as to minimise discomfort, distress or injury to the birds.

15. The type and arrangements of accommodation should allow for efficient working and for each bird to be properly inspected.

16. Accommodation should be of sufficient height to allow standing birds free movement of the head and neck.

17. The front and sides of raised pens for ducklings should be kept properly adjusted so that birds have access to feed and water but cannot escape and fall to the floor.

Fire and other emergency procedures

18. Farmers should make advance plans for dealing with emergencies such as fire, flood or disruption of supplies, and should ensure that all staff are familiar with the appropriate emergency action. At least one responsible member of the staff should always be available to take the necessary action.

19. Fire precautions should be a major priority for all stockmen. The provisions of Section 1.3 of British Standard BS 5502 relating to fire precautions should therefore be followed. Expert advice on all fire precautions is obtainable from fire prevention officers of local fire brigades and from the Fire Prevention Association.

20. In the design of new buildings, or alterations of existing ones, there should be provision for livestock to be released and evacuated quickly in the case of an emergency. Materials used in construction should have sufficient fire resistance and adequate doors and other escape routes should be provided to enable an emergency procedure to be followed in the event of a fire. Where possible straw storage should be separated from livestock accommodation to reduce the risk to stock from fire and smoke.

21. All electrical, gas and oil services should be planned and fitted so that if there is overheating, or flame is generated, the risk of flame spreading to equipment, litter or straw (where used) or to the fabric of the building is minimal. It is advisable to site main power on / off controls outside buildings. Consideration should be given to installing fire alarm systems which can be heard and acted upon at any time of the day or night.

22. In case a 999 call has to be made, notice should be prominently displayed in duck houses stating where the nearest phone is located. Each phone should have fixed by it a notice giving instructions to the Fire Brigade on how to reach the duck houses.

23. There is usually some warning of interruptions in the supply of feedingstuffs and, so far as possible, arrangements should be made to lay in adequate stocks of feed or water to offset the worst of such a contingency.

Ventiliation and temperature

24. Ventilation rates and house conditions should at all times be adequate to provide sufficient fresh air for the ducks. In particular, accumulations of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and dust should be avoided.

25. Excessive heat loss or gain in buildings should be avoided.

26. Care should be taken to protect confined birds from draughts in cold conditions.

27. Ducks should not be exposed to strong direct sunlight or hot surroundings long enough to cause heat stress as indicated by prolonged panting.

28. A newly-hatched duckling has poor control of its body temperature. Environmental conditions during the early part of its life should therefore allow it to maintain its normal body temperature without difficulty. Whatever method of heating is used, the behaviour of the duckling should be regarded as the best indicator of the adequacy of the environment. Young ducklings should not be subjected to conditions which cause either panting due to overheating or prolonged huddling and feather-ruffling due to under-heating. After about one to two weeks birds can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures, but every effort should be made to avoid creating conditions which will lead to chilling, huddling and subsequent smothering.

29. A high stocking rate affects the birds’ ability to maintain their normal body temperature, but under any management system ambient temperatures hot enough to cause prolonged panting may occur, particularly when humidity is relatively high. All accommodation should therefore be so designed that even when fully stocked its ventilation is adequate to protect the birds from overheating under any weather conditions that can reasonably be foreseen.

Lighting

30. During the hours of daylight the level of indoor lighting, natural or artificial, shall be such that all ducks can be clearly seen. In addition, adequate lighting should be available for satisfactory inspection at any time. (See also paragraph 15).

31. Housed ducks may be frightened by disturbances such as passing car lights and vermin if kept in complete darkness at night. It may therefore be desirable in windowed housed to provide subdued lighting rather than allow total darkness. It is however equally important that birds should be accustomed to the dark. In windowless houses with artificial lighting the birds should be given a period of reduced light intensity every 24 hours. Dimmers or other devices to avoid sudden changes in light intensity should be used.

Mechanical equipment and services

32. All equipment and services including feed hoppers, drinkers, ventilating fans, heating and lighting units, fire extinguishers and alarm systems should be cleaned and inspected regularly and kept in good working order. All automated equipment should incorporate a fail-safe device and, where the birds’ welfare is dependent upon such equipment, an alarm system to warn the stockman of failure. Defects should be rectified immediately or alternative measures taken to safeguard the health and welfare of the birds. Alternative ways of feeding and of maintaining a satisfactory environment should be ready for use.

33. All electrical installations at mains voltage should be inaccessible to the birds and properly earthed.

Stocking rates

34. Irrespective of the type of enclosure or system of management used, all ducks should have sufficient room to be able to move about freely and to spread their wings at will.

35. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that birds kept under any system can be prone to stress, injury and disease if management and husbandry are not of a high standard. Within the present limits of scientific knowledge it is not possible to relate stocking rate to welfare in any simple manner. Stocking rate is only one aspect of a complex situation involving such things as breed, strain and type of bird, group size, temperature, ventilation, lighting and quality of housing. The observance of any particular rate cannot, by itself, ensure the welfare of the birds.

36. The following figures are a guide to the minimum available floor area per bird which is acceptable in most circumstances:

(a) Ducklings

On slatted, perforated or metal mesh floors:

Age	Maximum stocking rates
Day-old to 10 days	50 ducklings per m2
10 days to 3 weeks	25 ducklings per m2
3 weeks to 8 weeks	8 ducklings per m2

Qualifications: Floor area to include any area occupied by feeding and watering equipment

On solid floors (littered):

Age	Maximum stocking rates
Day-old to 10 days	36 ducklings per m2
10 days to 3 weeks	14 ducklings per m2
3 weeks to 8 weeks	7 ducklings per m2

Qualifications: Floor area to include any slatted, perforated or metal mesh area and any area occupied by feeding and watering equipment

In grass runs:

Age	Maximum stocking rates
3 weeks to 8 weeks	2,500 ducklings per m2

Qualifications: In well-grassed runs this stocking rate could be increased to a maximum of 5,000 ducklings per hectare

(b) Breeding ducks

System	Maximum stocking rates	Qualifications
On slatted, perforated or metal mesh floors	5 ducks per m2	Floor area to include any area occupied by feeding and watering equipment and nest boxes
On solid floors (littered)	3 ducks per m2	Floor area to include any slatted, perforated or metal mesh area and any area occupied by feeding and watering equipment and nest boxes
In grass runs associated with housing on floors	4,000 ducks per hectare	-

37. If disease or vice becomes evident, expert qualified advice should be sought to deal with the problem. Stocking and ventilation rates should also be checked and variations in stocking and ventilation should be considered in order to minimise the likelihood of recurrence of the problem.

Feed and water

38. Birds should have easy access to adequate fresh feed each day, and have fresh water at all times. Care should be taken at any change of system to ensure that the birds find the feed and water points. Consideration should be given to the provision of water troughs which are deep enough to allow the ducks to get their heads completely under water.

39. Whatever feeding and drinking system is used sufficient trough space for feeding and drinking should be provided to prevent undue competition for feed or water. As a guide the minimum trough space per 100 ducks should be:

Age	Feeding space	Drinking space
Day-old chicks to 8 weeks	0.5m	0.5m
8 weeks and over	0.6m	0.6m

40. Stale or contaminated feed or water should not be allowed to accumulate and should be replaced immediately. Efforts should be made to minimise the risk of drinking water freezing.

Management

General

41. Frequent inspection of the stock is essential because the condition and reactions of the birds are the main guides to their welfare. An inspection must be made at least daily in addition to the looking-over which birds receive during routine management work (see also paragraphs 15 and 30). Injured or dead birds should be removed promptly, as should individual sick birds.

42. It is desirable to establish a regular work routine. Care should be taken not to frighten the birds with sudden unaccustomed movement or noise, but without placing too much emphasis on quietness.

43. Adequate control measures should be taken to protect the birds from disturbance by foxes, rodents and other animals.

44. Mouldy litter should not be used. There should be frequent checks to ensure that litter does not become excessively wet or dry, or infested with mites or other harmful organisms.

45. Premises and equipment should be regularly cleansed. Thorough disinfection should be carried out at suitable times (for example, before restocking) to reduce the danger of continuing infection.

46. Vaccinations, injections and similar procedures should be undertaken by competent, trained operators. Care should be taken to avoid injury and unnecessary disturbance of the ducks.

Bill trimming

47. Bill trimming should be carried out only when it is clear that more suffering would be caused in the flock if it were not done. It should be done by a skilled operator or under his supervision. If practised, only the rim at the front of the upper bill should be removed and before the birds leave the brooder or the rearing accommodation. Normally it need be done only once in the lifetime of the stock.

Dewinging

48. Dewinging, pinioning, notching or tendon severing or other operations which involve mutilation of wing tissues, are prohibited. When it is necessary to prevent flying the flight feathers of one wing may be clipped.

Disposal of unwanted ducklings and hatchery waste

49. Unwanted ducklings awaiting slaughter should be treated as humanely as those intended for retention or sale.

50. Ducklings should always be killed humanely by a skilled operator. The method which should be used is to place them in an atmosphere with the highest obtainable concentration of CO₂ and a source of 100 % CO₂, should therefore be used as the disposing agent. This is the most humane method and detailed advice on its use is given in ADAS advisory publication P568. However, where very small numbers of ducklings are involved they may be killed humanely by dislocation of the neck or by decapitation. Whatever method is used the ducklings should be thoroughly inspected afterwards to ensure that all are dead.

51. Methods of killing which involve suffocation by tightly packing the unwanted ducklings in a confined space, or by drowning, or in which irritant liquids such as carbon tetrachloride are allowed to come into direct contact with the ducklings, are inhumane and should not be used.

52. All hatchery waste should be treated (for example, by rapid maceration) so as to kill instantaneously any living embryos.

Handling and transport of stock on the premises  

General

53. The proper handling of ducks requires skill and it should be undertaken only by competent persons who have been appropriately trained. It should be carried out quietly and confidently, exercising care to avoid unnecessary struggling which could bruise or otherwise injure the ducks. Day-old and young ducklings should be picked up bodily in the palm of the hand. It may be necessary to catch older ducks by the neck and they should be supported either by taking the weight of the bird by a hand placed under its body, or by holding the bird with a hand on either side of its body with the wings in the closed position. Birds should never be carried by the legs.

54. Care must be taken in catching ducks to avoid creating panic and subsequent injury to or smothering of the birds.

Day-old ducklings

55. Ducklings for despatch should be healthy and vigorous, and should be placed in suitably ventilated boxes without overcrowding. Care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation of the boxes, particularly when they are stacked, and to protect the ducklings from direct sunlight and cold draughts.

56. Packing materials used inside boxes should be dry and free from moulds.

57. Ducklings should be transferred to the brooders as soon as possible.

Growing and adult birds

58. The design, size and state of repair of any container used to carry ducks should allow them to be put in, conveyed and taken out injury. Care should also be taken when crates are loaded on to vehicles, and in their transportation and unloading. Adequate ventilation for the birds is essential at all times.

59. Birds should be protected from bad weather and from excessively hot or cold conditions. They should not be allowed to become distressed (as indicated by prolonged panting) by being left in containers exposed to strong direct sunlight.

Additional recommendations: range birds  

Management

60. Enclosed range areas should be used in rotation, and flocks should be moved before the land becomes contaminated with organisms that can cause or carry disease to an extent which could seriously prejudice the health of the birds. The time taken for land to become heavily contaminated depends on the type of land and the density of stocking. Portable houses should be moved regularly to avoid continuously muddy conditions. Drinking facilities should be moved every one or two days to avoid the immediate vicinity becoming contaminated.

61. Shade and shelter from extreme weather conditions should always be available. Windbreaks should be provided on exposed land. Water sprinklers may be useful in very hot weather.

Housing  

62. When birds are transferred to range houses, precautions should be taken to avoid crowding and suffocation, particularly during the first few nights. Cannibalism is a danger under this system and birds should not be confined for too long during hours of daylight or subjected to direct sunlight during confinement. Attention is also directed to paragraphs 28 and 29.

Feed and water

1. Feed and water should never be allowed to remain in a stale or contaminated condition. In freezing conditions, particular attention should be given to the provision of water. (See also paragraphs 38 and 40).

References

(1)Training courses which follow the Code recommendations are arranged for stockmen at the Agriculture Training Board, Agriculture Colleges and local educational authorities. Proficiency testing in relevant subjects is carried out in England and Wales by the National Proficiency Test Council, and in Scotland by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

(2)The Slaughter of Poultry Act 1967, as amended by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 1984, lays down provisions concerning the welfare of poultry at the time of slaughter wherever it takes place. More detailed provisions concerning the slaughter of poultry for a commercial purpose are laid down in the Slaughter of Poultry (Humane Conditions) Regulations 1984 (SI 1984 No 2056).

(3) The Health and Safety Executive recommends that, for human safety, the following gas levels should not be exceeded.

Name of gas	Long term exposure limit (ppm) (8 hour day)	Short term exposure limit (ppm) (10 minutes)
Ammonia	25	35
Carbon Monoxide	50	400
Carbon Dioxide	5,000	5,000
Hydrogen Sulphide	10	10

(4) The Welfare of Livestock (Intensive Units) Regulations 1978 (SI 1978 No 1800) requires stock keepers of intensive units to inspect their livestock and the equipment upon which such stock depend at least once daily.

(5) Any installations or extension involving mains electricity should comply with the Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings issued by the Institute of Electrical Engineers.

(6) The Welfare of Livestock (Prohibited Operations) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No 1884) prohibit operations on birds (other than feather clipping) to impede their flight and the surgical castration of male birds.

(7) Regulations for the protection of poultry when being carried by water, rail or road, or exposed for sale, are contained in the Conveyance of Live Poultry Order 1919 (SI 1919 No 10091), the Poultry (Exposure for Sale) Order 1937 (SI 1937 No 5494) and the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 (SI 1973 No 1377). The recommendations made in this Section of the Code relate to handling and transport operations which are not covered by those Orders.