Ducks are the birds of choice at Ripley Farm in Montague.
The farm, which specializes in maple syrup production and sells Christmas trees for the holidays, began its “Duckworld” animal rescue mission during fall 2019 as the farmers collected lost, injured, and unwanted ducks from around the county. The project picked up steam at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as everyday activities grew limited. By December of 2021, Duckworld had evolved into a multi-structure mini-village for 18 waterfowl.
Riley Smith, who works on the family farm, called Duckworld the farm’s “pandemic project.” He said the family felt inspired after watching Netflix’s “Tiger King,” a series released in March of 2020 that documents the life and drama of a dysfunctional big cat sanctuary.
“We watched Tiger King,” Smith said. “We kind of wanted to be the nice version.”
The Duckworld complex evidences this dedication, consisting of homemade wooden structures fit for the most regal of birds. Each construct is juxtaposed with a “punny” name that emphasizes the farm’s playful attitude, such as “The Waddle on Inn” and the “Quack House.”
Farm co-owner Janis Doyle explained that 10 of the current 18 ducks in the tight-knit family have been rescued from situations such as unsatisfactory homes, animal attacks, and other accidents. Rather than carry out complex rehabilitation processes, Doyle said Duckworld is more of a place for the ducks to simply live in peace.
“They just exist,” she said. “They free range and have happy farm lives.”
The family’s efforts to develop Duckworld have turned it into a spectacle that has drawn eyes from all over the county, having even participated in Greenfield’s Franklin County Fair via parade float. She added that community response online has been “very good,” with Duckworld having built up a following that includes over 200 followers on both Facebook and Twitter. She spoke positively of the public’s real-world interest as well.
“We’ve turned into almost a petting zoo,” Doyle said. “People bring their kids up and they feed the ducks with their little hands.”
Going forward, Ripley Farm wants to grow Duckworld into an even grander attraction for both animals and people alike to enjoy.
“We hope to keep expanding and take in more ducks,” Doyle said.
Doyle encourages those who find injured ducks, chickens, and other farm birds and those who no longer wish to keep their fowl to call Ripley Farm at 413-367-2031.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.