Duckie 911: Help Us Save a Duck

About a month ago, my sister and I stopped by the state hospital park for a minute, and saw what looked to be a turkey & duck combined. He has a body similar to a goose, but is mostly black with some white markings on his wings. He begins to look like a turkey on his face where there is a big red patch. He was so excited about seeing us and being around the other ducks that he was wagging his tail like a dog. It was too cute. After some creative thinking, she and I named him Tom Doosey. Later, I found out that he is a male Muscovy Duck, native to Central and South America, but sometimes seen here and there in North America.

Monday I was back at the park, and happened upon Tom Doosey. I started to give him a piece of bread, but noticed he looked bad, like he didn’t feel well. When I looked closer, I noticed there was red piece of plastic around the middle of his neck. Your mother, father, and teachers all told you never to throw plastic on the ground, and if throwing it away, cut it in pieces. It was barely noticeable because it was under his feathers and digging into his neck. It is preventing him from eating and breathing easily. Even normal duck functions like walking, swimming, and flying are extremely difficult for him. He needs this plastic off his neck or he will die.

So even though this isn’t a typical article, I write It’s Evansville readers in a callout of help. I tried to catch him to cut the plastic off, but he kept ending up in the water. I don’t want anyone to go out on their own and try to catch him, because I don’t want this duck to get hurt even if we mean well. However, if anyone has any suggestions on who to call, it would be greatly appreciated. I have called my vet and Wessleman’s, but nothing came of it. So if you know of who could help catch Tom Doosey so the plastic around his neck could be removed, please leave messages here. It will be much appreciated.

photo courtesy of Backyard Poultry Magazine