Central Iowa Duck Patrol

[AudreyHusted]

Hi-

I am an independent rescuer primarily involved with locating abandoned domestic ducks and geese (at local parks and ponds), rehabilitating them if necessary, locating homes for them, and caring for them in at my home if no home is found for them. No other organization in the area is interested in, concerned about, nor willing to be involved in the plight of the Easter ducks that are dumped at parks every year. The local animal rescue organization declares that they cannot invest resources and time in the rescue of farm animals. The city animal control offices will not take action because they are waterfowl. The Department of Natural Resources will not act because they ducks and geese are domestic and not wild. This segment of the animal population is left without the attention, respect, and resources that they desperately need. That is why I stepped up to help my feathered friends. I had re-homed several ducks and geese and adopted six myself.

I recently lost my home (and the property to house the ducks) after a really ugly separation. The ducks I care for are temporarily housed with "foster" parents and there is an increasing need for more homes for ducks that are in need of rescue. I am in search of housing that can support my operation, assistance with rescue operations, and persons with available space for ducks and geese. I have been caring for my six adopted ducks at home and about thirty abandoned ducks and geese at an area park this winter. It breaks my heart that they are stuck out in the elements this harsh winter. If you have any suggestions, would like to donate, or have a desire to help, I would appreciate it. We aren't non-profit at this point. I would prefer that any donations not be monetary but instead in the form or supplies, labor, or property. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Central Iowa Duck Patrol
Audrey Husted
audrey.husted79@gmail.com

[TAWhatley]

Hi Audrey and welcome! Thank you so very much for your efforts on behalf of our beloved ducks and geese.

I hope things will all work out for you and wish I were close enough to offer some real support to you. Please
do keep us posted about how you are doing and what's going on with ducks and geese in your neck of the
woods. Things are pretty much the same here in California .. nobody wants to be responsible for the well
being of the abandoned domestic ducks and geese .. it gets truly heartbreaking at times.

Terry

[ChickMom]

I'm glad you found your way here to join us in this forum, Audrey. I'm sorry things have been so tough. We need people in Iowa who are willing to help ducks - thank you for doing it! I'm in OK and not much use to you but please use this forum to try to make connections. Post under 'ducks needing homes' and check out any rescuers we have listed for Iowa. Best wishes.

[AudreyHusted]

Thanks for all of your supportive feedback. It is SOOOOO heartbreaking to see the little guys abandoned. I just saw today that the local animal shelter has two domestic ducks and two domestic geese that have been left at their facility. If they aren't adopted, they will be euthanized. I'm going to make contact and encourage them to keep me informed of their status. I'll spend the money to adopt them myself before I will let them be euthanized.

I may have some leads on an acreage that is vacant and in foreclosure. With any luck, this time next year I'll have a place to house the thirty or so ducks and geese currently abandoned in the city parks.

[Waterfowlrescue]

Would you be willing to drive the ducks and geese to Michigan or meet someone part way from michigan? I hate to see them get euthanized.

[AudreyHusted]

I visited the ducks and geese at the animal shelter and managed to find an employee you truly cares about their welfare. I received an assurance that they would NOT be euthanized. If it even becomes a remote possibility, she will contact me immediately. She has housed them in a barn with a stock tank for a pond and a heated area as well. When the weather improves here, they will be allowed to be outside during the day.

I have a donor who is willing to contribute up to $50,000 towards an acreage. That is really good news. We are searching right now.

As far as driving the ducks and geese somewhere, I would be willing to do it. If it gets to the point that they are in danger of being euthanized or not being properly cared for at the rescue center, I will get them out.

[ChickMom]

Wow, Audrey, that is a wonderful donor! It may make sense to buy some land for less than that and use the remainder to build secure shelters so you can get started. I know it would be better if you could live there so it would be easier to care for them but you certainly want to strike while the donor is interested! Best of luck.

[AudreyHusted]

Just an update. I am settled into a small acreage just on the north side of Des Moines in a small rural area. I have a small house (only about 500 square feet) but one animal shed 8x16 and another larger building in addition to an existing 12x12 enclosed chain-link kennel. I am working on building additional shelters and enclosing more of the property to allow free-range on most of the two acres. I have moved all but two of my ducks from their temporary homes to my property and everybody seems much happier.

A few days ago I was at a local park checking on the flock of abandoned domestic ducks and geese and made a horrifying discovery. As I returned to my car to leave the park, I noticed a white duck (Pekin) standing by my car. She allowed me to get closer and closer without responding in any manner. I thought something must be wrong and approached, picked her up, and quickly became aware that there was a serious problem. Warm liquid gushed all over my arms....blood. Soon, I was absolutely covered in blood (as well as my own tears). I pressed her side against my body and applied as much pressure as I could and called a friend nearby to come drive me to my home. We got here in the bathtub, rinsed the blood from her feathers, located the wound, cleaned it and wrapped her in a towel. She has been shot by a pellet gun. And lost a large amount of blood. She appeared in shock and was struggling to breathe. We managed to get the bleeding stopped, but I wasn't feeling too good about the situation. I held her in bed with me until she fell asleep. She has been on oral Baytril for three days now and is doing great! She is eating and drinking, preening, and even flirting with my pet duck Buddy, a Rouen drake. She is wonderful. I am horrified to think that she would have bled to death and died there in the park...and appalled that someone would shoot her. What have people become?

[TAWhatley]

I'm so glad you posted the update about getting moved and settled in. That is truly wonderful! I'm very sorry about the duck that was shot but very happy that you were there to help her and that she is now doing well. More power to you, and keep up the wonderful work!

Terry

[ChickMom]

Wow, what a story. She's such a beautiful Angel and I'm so glad you were there to help her. Best wishes for her.

I'm so glad you're moved in and getting everyone settled. Congratulations - that is wonderful!