I need help on identifying what kind of predator killed my duck.

[mommaduck11]

I have lost two ducks this week. I have had them since March and this is the first time I have had a problem. I lost one on Tuesday night and another Thursday night. I do not coop them up at night but they are in a large area surrounded by a 6 foot fence. I did find a open spot in the fence Wednesday and feathers outside the fence but no body. I patched the fence and thought that would solve the problem. Yesterday I found one of my female Pekings dead in the corner. The predator only ate the feathers and neck and it looks like they are her heart. I have pictures if that would help. They are very disturbing but if it would help I can post them.

 

[jducour]

I'm sorry I can't help identify what has gotten your ducks, but you need to have them in a shelter at night. Now that a predator has found an easy dinner at night, he will come back until they are all gone. Do you have something you can set up temporarily until a permanent structure can be built? I know not all duck owners think they should pen their ducks up at night - but this is why. A 6' fence just isn't enough protection for a determined predator. Can you put them in the garage tonight - or a shed? I am just afraid you will lose one a night, or every other night until they are all gone.

Where I live, there aren't a lot of daytime predators, but we have racoons at night. I get my ducks in their cozy little house every night at dusk, and I can sleep soundly knowing they are safe.

I hope the rest of your ducks are ok! It can be hard on them to see a friend hurt.

 

[lomine]

So sorry you lost two ducks. I suggest you ask your question in the predators and pest forum under managing your flock. There are lots of helpful folks on there that should have a better idea as to what is attacking your ducks.

I agree with @jducour that you need to provide a nighttime shelter.