Last night’s 7.30 Report featured a story on the factory farming of ducks with disturbing images of animal cruelty.

The saying ‘like a duck to water’ suggests something that one is so naturally good at, or something that one finds so easy to do, they don’t have to think twice about it.  The analogy so poignantly highlights the biological significance of water to a duck.  Sadly, such a message hasn’t hit Australia’s factory farmers of these aquatic birds.  Devoid of access to a water source other than a nipple drinker means in a year 8 million ducks instinctive need for water related behaviours is thwarted along with having no clean air, comfortable resting area or good ventilation for their short impoverished lives.

Water really is a key element in the life of a duck.  It  enables them to clean their eyes and nostrils as well as preen themselves.  Ducks also like to feed in water  – it is what nature has designed their complex bills for.  If you look closely at a duck’s bill you will see tiny little comb like bristles along the inside.  These act like sieves to filter seeds, bugs and other foods from water and mud as the ducks forage in dams and ponds.

Such a lack of access to water is not only frustrating to these gentle creatures it creates serious animal welfare issues.  Factory farmers of ducks argue that it is impractical to provide ducks with access to water troughs as they would need to be constantly cleaning them and to do so would make the areas water logged.  Such a callous disregard for the welfare needs of ducks casts these factory farmers in a very poor light.

The kindness factor for ducks;

1. Don’t support factory farming of ducks
2. Write a letter to your state Minister of Agriculture telling them the factory farming of ducks is unethical, wrong and has no place in a compassionate society. (please feel free to include any of the above points)
3. Please take a moment to contact the 7.30 Report and thank them for airing such an important issue. Tell them that animal welfare matters to you and that you appreciate stories that inform you on how animals are treated in our society.
4. Try some of the delicious duck free alternatives. If in Melbourne check out “roast mock duck” at the White Lotus Restaurant, in Elizabeth Street, North Melbourne.  This dining establishment is totally vegan, with many gluten free options.

Interesting duck facts;

• Ducks have three eyelids.
• Only female ducks quack, the males make a rasping ‘haaaaaaaaaa’ sound
• The natural life span of a duck can be up to 12 years, factory farmed ducks are slaughtered at around 7-8 weeks of age.
• Ducks have no nerves or blood vessels in their feet, this enables them to withstand freezing temperatures on ponds and dams.
• Duck’s feathers are extremely waterproof, so much so the their downy underlay feathers will always stay dry.
• Today’s more than 40 breeds of domestic ducks have descended from either the Mallard or Muscovy duck.  The white Pekin is the most common variety used for meat and egg production.