What Happens when a Domestic Duck is Injured?

by Devon Day… approved by Linda Slauson 

Did you know that Domestic Ducks cannot fly? In past years, visitors to the El Dorado Park Duck Pond dumped domestic ducks and geese thinking they would live happy and healthy lives. It’s likely that many of these feathered creatures were initially Easter gifts to children from parents who did not realize that these creatures are unprepared to cope with life in the wild.  

When the Duck Pond was renovated beginning in October 2022, the ducks and geese were relocated to El Dorado Park West where they face the risk of injury from fishing line and hooks, predators, and a poor diet. (Bread is NOT nutritious for ducks and geese).

If a domestic duck or goose is injured, there are very limited resources to provide rehabilitation and quality of life. 

One resource to know about is Howard Berkowitz. He operates Howie’s Duck Pond in Anza, CA. Howie devotes his life to providing a safe, loving, and quality life for domestic ducks, geese and even a few roosters (AND with a healthy diet!)

How can you help?  Howie’s Duck Pond recently relocated to Anza (originally in Lake Elsinore) and finances are stretched. Sending $10, $20, $50 would really help him continue his work. Howie is one of the very few who will take injured domestic ducks and geese. If you look closely at the photo, the little duck — relocated from the Duck Pond in 2022 — has a badly injured beak (most likely from a dog or coyote attack). After looking into resources, Linda called upon Howie, who immediately offered to take the little duck, who is now thriving in his care. Just this week, he also took in an injured domestic goose from El Dorado Park. Both of these sweet creatures will now have a forever home with Howie.

When I learned that Howie needed help, I wrote a check and sent it immediately.  If you would like to help, send a check to Howard Berkowitz at P.O. Box 390926 Anza, CA 92539.  

Also, it would be fun if a child in your family sent a hand drawn picture of a duck like this one for our EPSNA newsletter!