Annual Fundraising Photo Contest!

Our annual Duck-Duck-Goose photo contest is officially OPEN and open WORLDWIDE!

1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons will be awarded in each of the following categories:

Most Photogenic

Photos should show off your pet duck or goose. Remember... our judges prefer sharp, clear photos that showcase your pet's personality (that little sparkle in their eye). 

This category is for domestic ducks and geese only (this includes Muscovy ducks!). All feathered friends appearing in the photo must be domestic.

Best Nap

Photos should capture your pet duck or goose in the midst of a nice snooze... zzz... They can be alone or snuggled up with a friend.

This category is for domestic ducks and geese (again, this includes Muscovy ducks). All feathered friends featured in the photo must be domestic.

Best Mud on Face

Photos can be literal--actual mud on your duck or goose's face, OR... you can capture any embarrassing/scandalous moment in your duck or goose's day.

This category is for domestic ducks and geese, and "Wild Child" ducks and geese. What's a Wild Child?  They are domesticated Mallards and/or legally owned exotic ducks and geese. These pets are NOT to be confused with wild ducks and geese who happen into your backyard. Multiple Wild Child ducks and geese may appear in the same photo as well as other domestic breeds. This means, if you have a funny photo of a Mallard and a Pekin (for example) you would enter it into this category.

This year's photo contest closes at Midnight EST on June 15th. All photos and entry donations must be received by this time in order to be officially entered. Our winners will be announced in our July 1st newsletter!

Click Here to review our official rules and submission guidelines.

Esmae was our 2017 Second Place "Most Comical" Winner!

Photo Submission Directions:

All Photo entries MUST be sent electronically by Email:

1) Email your photo submissions to Majestic as an ATTACHMENT (using the paperclip icon). Do NOT embed them in your email, or we cannot transfer them over to our slide show for our judges review. Please email EACH PHOTO entry SEPARATELY, ONLY ONE INDIVIDUAL PHOTO PER EMAIL.

2) Specify the CATEGORY in which you want your photo entered in your email's SUBJECT LINE. Not all categories run every year, so be sure you choose one that's running this year. Any entries that are received without this specification will be categorically entered at the discretion of an impartial, Majestic contest organizer.

3) Be sure to include your Full Name, Complete Mailing Address, and Phone Number with Area Code in the body of your email along with the names of any ducks/geese featured in the photo.

4) Send your $5.00 entry donation via Paypal, or by making your check payable to:  Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary. When donating by snail mail, checks should be sent to:  Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary, Attn:  Photo Contest Entry, 17 Barker Road, Lebanon CT  06249. When donating please be sure to include adequate information with your donation, so we can accurately match it with your photo submission(s). REMEMBER: All entry donations must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by June 15th 12:00 midnight EST.

CONFIRMATION EMAIL:  We will send you a confirmation email once you have been officially entered in this year's contest. If you don't receive this email from us within 3 days of emailing your photos and entry donation to us, please contact us right away.

REMEMBER...

Photos may NOT be digitally modified in any way whatsoever EXCEPT for CROPPING, which is allowable. Please review our other rules and helpful entry tips before participating.

Ribbon Sponsorships

Don't have a duck or goose, but still want to get in on the fun? We still have a few Ribbon Sponsorships available! Ribbon Sponsors have their name or their business's name associated with a prize ribbon. We can also include a special message and a hyperlink to your website or Facebook page!

Remember... Our panel of unbiased judges have no access to contestant or sponsor information, which means... Contestants can sponsor ribbons too!

 2018 Sponsor-A-Ribbon

Most Photogenic Ribbon Sponsors:

1) Blue 1st Place Ribbon:  $25.00 (TAKEN!)
2) Red 2nd Place Ribbon:  $20.00  (TAKEN!)
3) White 3rd Place Ribbon:  $15.00  (TAKEN!)

Best Nap  Ribbon Sponsors:

1) Blue 1st  Place Ribbon:  $25.00 (TAKEN!)
2) Red 2nd Place Ribbon:  $20.00   (TAKEN!)
3) White 3rd Place Ribbon:  $15.00   (TAKEN!)

Best Mud on Face Ribbon Sponsors:

1) Blue 1st Place Ribbon:   $25.00 (TAKEN!)
2) Red 2nd Place Ribbon:  $20.00 (TAKEN!)
3) White 3rd Place Ribbon:  $15.00 (TAKEN!)

Honorable Mention Ribbon Sponsor:

1) Black, Orange & White HM:   $25.00 (TAKEN)

President's Pick Ribbon Sponsor:

1) Black & Silver PP Ribbon:   $25.00  (TAKEN!)

To sponsor a ribbon, please Email us first to confirm availability and then send along your Donation!

Name & Address Leg Bands

"Dear Majestic, I have microchips in my dogs and cats, but no way of ensuring the safety of my duck or goose if there's ever an emergency or accidental escape. Ideas?"

Sure! Here you go:  National Bird & Tag Company

Different leg band sizes may require their own special set of applicator pliers. Be sure to research carefully before ordering. If you need assistance putting the leg band onto your pet, make an appointment with your qualified avian vet.

Anti-Microbial Honey

Since treating Eve's toes with topical microbial honey, many of you have asked for more details. Our vet gave us a tube of Kruuse Manuka G to smear over Eve's dislocated toe joint, which was extremely swollen and infected. We covered this thin layer of honey with an antimicrobial non-adherent dressing and then used a strip of vet wrap to hold it all in place. You want to be very careful not to get any honey on your duck or goose's feathers during this process.

Tip:  Place the tube of honey into a cup of hot water for a few seconds prior to use, so that the honey will come out easier (not too long or you'll have a hot, liquidy mess!).

How does it work?  

Jorgensen Labs' website has this to say:  "For over 2,000 years honey has been used as a topical anti-microbial agent and dressing; specifically, honey derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Manuka honey contains glucose oxidase imparted by the bees during its collection and storage. The enzyme facilitates low level release of hydrogen peroxide when in the presence of wound exudates and thus supports cellular proliferation and metabolism through an antioxidant effect. The high sugar and low pH content creates a high osmotic potential which gives honey excellent debridement and anti-inflammatory properties."

In simple Momma Duck terms, Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory properties and it positively influences wound environments. It can be a potent anti-microbial agent when used properly under vet direction.

Handy Saline Ampules

The season of ducky eye pokes is upon us. Yes... Sadly... with spring comes the occasional poke in the eye. Sometimes a boy duck will accidentally poke his girlfriend during the throes of passion; other times, best friends and brothers turn on each other and, in a moment of haste... well... you know...

It's not uncommon for Momma Ducks (or Momma Geese) to find one of our little ones with a squinty or bubbly eye. Sometimes separations are in order (especially if boys have been squabbling) to prevent further incidents, but aside from that... you need to address the irritated eye.

We find that saline ampules are a great way to administer just the right amount of eye wash to a boo-boo. The other nice thing about them is you're not opening and closing a big container of saline out in your duck pen, risking contamination of the entire solution. Ampules are used once and then discarded, so each one is guaranteed sterile.

Remember... Vet care should be enlisted to make sure there are no scratches on your pet duck or goose's eye, which could become infected and result in vision loss.

You can find 0.9% Saline Ampules on Amazon and at $15 for a box of 100, they are very affordable.

Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with any guidance provided on this website. Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state or municipal law or regulation with which such guidance may conflict. Any guidance is general in nature. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any specific circumstances.

© Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary 2018