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The Kaysville Quackery

Backyard micro-sanctuary for rescued domestic ducks

Our Story

The Kaysville Quackery is a tiny suburban micro-sanctuary with a big heart — and a flock of rescued domestic ducks who’ve happily taken over our backyard. Since early 2022 we’ve provided a safe, permanent home for ducks who can’t be released or rehomed, and after working with our city to update local ordinances, the aviary is now home to a cheerful crew of more than ten waddling residents.Outside the aviary, we partner with local nonprofits on rescue and foster cases, and we founded the Utah Dumped Ducks Network (UDDN) — a volunteer effort focused on feeding and monitoring abandoned domestic ducks and geese during Utah’s tough winters.If you’d like to follow our quacky adventures or chat about ducks, geese, or future collaborations, feel free to reach out. We love welcoming new friends into our little flock.

Contact

How can I get in touch with questions or collaborations?

If you have questions about domestic ducks or geese, want help understanding a situation, or would like to collaborate on a project, you’re welcome to reach out!

You can email Marissa directly at: [email protected]

They're happy to help, brainstorm, or connect you with the right resources.

About the Quackery

What is The Kaysville Quackery?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
A micro-sanctuary caring for our permanent ducks, plus one dramatic rescue husky. (We’re not a rescue and do not take in new ducks.)

Full Answer:
The Kaysville Quackery is a small, home-based micro-sanctuary dedicated to giving lifelong care to a small flock of rescued domestic ducks who now live here permanently. We focus on:

  • providing a safe, happy home for our residents

  • educating the community

  • advocating for domestic ducks and geese who need proper care and protection

  • encouraging kindness toward animals, people, and the planet

We’re also home to one emotionally dramatic husky — a rescue dog from Arctic Rescue.

We are not an intake rescue and do not accept new residents now or in the future. Our efforts center on caring for the rescued domestic ducks already in our flock and supporting the community by providing education and helpful resources.

To learn more about micro-sanctuaries, visit Microsanctuary Resource Center.

Rehoming & Intake

Do you take in ducks or geese?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
No — we cannot take in ducks or geese, but we can help connect you with resources and may be able to share a rehoming post depending on the situation.

Full Answer:
We do not take in ducks or geese. As a micro-sanctuary with permanent residents, we don’t have the space or capacity for intakes.

However, we can help point you toward the right next steps, such as:

We are able to assist only in cases involving:
✔ rescued domestic ducks or geese
✔ birds who recently lost a bonded partner and need a flock
✔ genuine welfare concerns

We cannot assist with rehoming requests due to:
✘ impulse purchases
✘ messiness
✘ lack of research
✘ “they got too big”
✘ convenience-driven surrenders

Domestic ducks and geese require significant daily care, predator-proof housing, year-round maintenance, and flock companionship. Rehoming should always be a last resort.

Interested in adopting?
If you’ve done your research, prepared proper housing, and checked your city’s zoning ordinances, you can reach out to our friends, Wasatch Wanderers, a reputable local waterfowl rescue that often has adoptable ducks and geese.

Dumped Domestic Ducks & Geese

How do I know if a duck or goose is dumped?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
If they can’t sustain flight and look domestic, they were likely dumped and need help. Contact animal control and check UDDN's (Utah Dumped Ducks Network) pinned posts for guidance. Animal abandonment is illegal in Utah.

Full Answer:
Domestic ducks and geese cannot survive on their own in the wild. They rely on humans for food, safety, and shelter.

A duck or goose is likely dumped if:

  • they cannot sustain flight

  • they look like a domestic breed (Pekin, Rouen, Cayuga, Swedish, Toulouse, Buff, etc.)

  • they hang around people or parking lots

  • they’re alone (domestic waterfowl rarely choose solitude)

  • they look dirty, thin, or confused

  • they’re unusually friendly

What to do

1. Contact your local animal control.

2. Check the pinned posts in the UDDN for clear, accurate rescue guidance.

3. Only capture the duck or goose if: they are in immediate danger, and you already have safe placement ready (resources are very limited).

Important

Dumping domestic animals — including ducks and geese — is illegal in Utah under Utah Code §76-13-202 (animal abandonment).

There are far more dumped domestic ducks and geese in Utah than there are rescues or homes. Responsible, informed intervention is essential.

Feeding

What should I feed ducks and geese?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
Bread harms ducks and geese. For helping dumped domestic waterfowl, follow the feeding guidelines in UDDN's (Utah Dumped Ducks Network) pinned posts.

Full Answer:
We do not recommend feeding wild waterfowl.

However, dumped domestic ducks and geese often rely on people for supplemental food until a rescue or placement is found (especially during winter).

For those birds, please refer to: The pinned posts in the Utah Dumped Ducks Network (UDDN).

These posts contain current, accurate feeding guidance that is reviewed by multiple local rescues to keep the information up-to-date and safe.

Why bread is harmful: Bread causes malnutrition, wing deformities, immune issues, and long-term health problems. Dumped domestic ducks and geese need actual nutrition to survive.

Helping Safely

How can I help ducks and geese safely?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
Give them space, feed thoughtfully, report domestic cases to animal control, check UDDN (Utah Dumped Ducks Network), and contact wildlife rehab for wild injured birds.

1. Reduce stress

Give ducks and geese space, stay calm, and avoid chasing or cornering them.

Stress can cause them to bolt into danger or injure themselves.

2. Feed thoughtfully

Only feed dumped domestic ducks/geese, and use the guidelines in the UDDN pinned posts.

3. Report abandoned domestic ducks or geese

  • Contact local animal control first — they are the official first responders.

  • You may also post in UDDN, but please know the group is volunteer-based and cannot guarantee placement. They can, however, help connect you with the right resources.

4. Only capture if you have a plan

Unless the animal is in immediate danger:

Do not capture a domestic duck or goose unless you already have a safe placement lined up.

Resources are extremely limited, and unplanned captures can unintentionally worsen the situation.

5. Create a safe environment for wildlife

Kindness extends to all the animals who share our space. You can help by:

  • keeping pet cats indoors or in “catios” to protect native birds

  • leashing dogs near ponds and nesting areas

  • planting native vegetation to support birds, insects, and local pollinators

Small everyday actions help sustain our shared ecosystem.

Injured Wildlife

What should I do if I find an injured wild duck or goose?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
Do not take wild birds home. Contact a licensed wildlife rehab center immediately.

Full Answer:
Wild birds (and all wildlife) must be cared for by licensed professionals. If you find an injured wild duck, goose, or other wild animal, contact one of Utah’s certified wildlife rehab centers:

These organizations can guide you on safe capture, transport, and emergency care.

Staying Connected

How can I stay updated on your flock?

TL;DDR (Too Long; Duck Didn't Read):
Follow us on social media for updates, rescues, education, and plenty of feathery shenanigans.

Full Answer:
We regularly share:

  • flock life

  • educational content

  • community duck/goose awareness

  • rescue stories

  • muddy antics

  • advocacy and local ecosystem notes

It’s the best way to stay connected while letting the flock enjoy their peaceful home.