About Ducks

Many of the ducks who live near the Safe Haven pond flew from a nearby shooting range after being released from dark boxes to be shot at by humans with guns. Of course, after being held in dark boxes while being transported to the shooting range, the ducks are dazed and confused when they are released. They fly up into the air and many are killed for sport; a few of them make it to the safety of Safe Haven.

Other ducks come to Safe Haven from people who purchase furry birds around Easter for their children. As the ducks grow, the purchasers find they can no longer care for the ducks and their children lose interest.

Adult ducks are fast flyers and, while flying, are able to escape from most predators (except from humans with guns). However, a duck floating or resting on land cannot move very quickly – so we have the phrase “sitting duck” to mean an easy target. Ducklings are especially vulnerable because they cannot fly and are often killed by wild animals. Safe Haven has recently added man-made islands in the middle of the pond to protect ducklings from local badgers and other creatures.


Stan, Oliver and Lionel

Stan, Oliver and Lionel



Our three ducks eagerly greet each other and explore their winter home, a large indoor space with clean warm straw and a few small discarded Christmas trees to play behind. In the spring, they move to quarters with access to the outdoors and a swimming pool.


Muscovy Ducks

Muscovies are often referred to as the “quiet” or “quackless” duck. The males vocalize with a “hissing” sound while the females make a sound called a “pip” which is similar to the sound of a flute. Muscovies have a “crest” on the top of their heads that they use to express themselves. The males often raise their crest during mating season to fend off other males and show dominance. The crest is also raised to impress and attract the female. Muscovies use body language to communicate. They will wag their tails and raise and lowering their heads at one another.



EJ was found in a family’s swimming pool one fine morning, just splashing around. The family call Wildlife Control, who took EJ from the pool. However, because of EJ’s clipped beak and white feathers, Wildlife Control knew EJ was a domestic duck destined for the slaughter house.

Safe Haven agreed to provide a forever home for EJ and he has been enjoying life ever since. He even comes to Ellen when called by name!