Turkeys, Ducks and Geese
What are the animal welfare issues associated with duck production?
Ducks may be farmed in Australia for their meat, eggs or feathers. Domestic ducks used in duck farming all originate from the wild mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). The main breeds used are Pekin and Muscovy ducks. Ducks farmed for meat will typically be slaughtered between 6-7 weeks of age.
What are the animal welfare issues associated with turkey production?
Turkeys, along with chickens and ducks, are one of the more common species of poultry farmed for meat. Domestic turkeys were originally bred from wild turkey stock native to North America.
Is the practice of boiling pre-hatched duck embryos in their shell humane?
The practice of boiling a fertilised duck embryo in the egg shell and then eating it from the shell has the potential to result in pain and suffering for the unhatched bird.
What are the animal welfare concerns with the production of down (feathers)?
What is down? Down refers to the soft layer of feathers that is closest to a duck or goose’s skin, and is primarily located in the chest and belly regions. Ducks and geese are mainly farmed for the purpose of meat, liver and egg production.
How are turkeys farmed in Australia?
Turkeys are sociable, curious, and quirky creatures. Domesticated turkeys today are descended from several turkey subspecies originating from Mexico. A turkey’s natural lifespan can be up to 10 years, however in commercial turkey meat production they will be slaughtered at 10-18 weeks.
Why is access to water important for the welfare of farmed ducks?
Ducks are waterfowl and therefore adapted to spend a large extent of their life in the water. When ducks are provided access to water they use it to perform a variety of highly motivated water-related bathing behaviours such as sieving, dabbling, preening and head dipping.
What are the animal welfare issues with on-farm euthanasia of turkeys?
Commercial turkeys raised for meat production may at times need to be euthanased on-farm because they are weak, sick, injured or unable to walk, and will not recover with treatment.
Why is environmental enrichment important for turkeys?
For turkeys in commercial production systems to experience good welfare, it is important that their environment is stimulating, enriching and allows them to exhibit natural behaviours.
What are the animal welfare issues with the slaughter of turkeys?
Turkeys raised for meat production (e. g. whole turkey or drumsticks) are bred to grow and gain weight very rapidly, with birds ready for processing at around 10 weeks old.