If protecting your flock is your only reason for eliminating the cats, then it is only logical you make sure the cats are the ones threatening your flock, and not some other predator. I still think the cats may not be responsible for the missing ducks - cats, skunks and and raccoons leave plenty of feathers and body parts behind, almost like the animal exploded - where a fox, hawk or owl would take the bird cleanly away. Good luck and I wish you and your flock well.
I've been thinking about this. Shooting is probably the most humane way to go. Set out some tuna cans at dusk and wait. I am an animal lover AND for that reason euthanasia (or whatever you end up doing) is more kind than letting them breed and suffer a life of starvation and fighting. I have done cat rescue, the cats' lives are awful, and some crazy cat people want to trap and imprison these animals for the rest of their lives when euthanasia is really more humane for an animal that has always been free. I would not use poison for the reasons I have already listed but I think the OP's thoughts of shooting are probably the most humane of any given here, as long as any that weren't killed immediately were taken care of.
I've been thinking about this. Shooting is probably the most humane way to go. Set out some tuna cans at dusk and wait. I am an animal lover AND for that reason euthanasia (or whatever you end up doing) is more kind than letting them breed and suffer a life of starvation and fighting. I have done cat rescue, the cats' lives are awful, and some crazy cat people want to trap and imprison these animals for the rest of their lives when euthanasia is really more humane for an animal that has always been free. I would not use poison for the reasons I have already listed but I think the OP's thoughts of shooting are probably the most humane of any given here, as long as any that weren't killed immediately were taken care of.