My ducks only sister got killed, and now I’m waiting for more ducklings. How can I keep her happy and out of depression in the meantime?

[JacobH28]

I had two ducks, unfortunately a raccoon killed the older sister. I believe my littler one witnessed the whole thing, and I found big sis mauled this morning. I’m in the process of reinforcing the coop. We ordered four more Pekin ducklings tonight. How can I keep my other girl happy and healthy even after the loss of one of her sisters. Also, what are some signs she is going into depression?

 

[nuthatched]

Giver her a mirror of a stuffed toy to snuggle. Up the tlc. She'll get over the stress of the attack in a day or so and likely won't remember she even had a sister in a week-10 days.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Sorry for your loss, that must have been very traumatic to find.

@nuthatched has the right idea, give her a mirror and a stuffed toy. When you get the new ducklings, make sure to introduce them under supervision as your remaining duckling is probably much older (looking at the picture).

Also, since they are Pekin, make sure to give them extra niacin throughout their lives. They are big birds and will need it for proper joint health.

Good luck, and let us know how things go!

 

[JacobH28]

Sorry for your loss, that must have been very traumatic to find.

@nuthatched has the right idea, give her a mirror and a stuffed toy. When you get the new ducklings, make sure to introduce them under supervision as your remaining duckling is probably much older (looking at the picture).

Also, since they are Pekin, make sure to give them extra niacin throughout their lives. They are big birds and will need it for proper joint health.

Good luck, and let us know how things go!

Thanks!!

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please update us when your ducklings arrive!

 

[JacobH28]

Update: We have lost both ducks. The raccoon found it’s way into the coop somehow, and we found her body this morning. The ducks we ordered hatched on Monday. They will be here soon. We will be taking further precautions on these next four. Thanks to everyone for you help. I will update when the ducks arrive.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I'm so sorry. What an ordeal. Hope your new ducklings arrive safely!

 

[Lor]

Sorry to hear that you lost both.

 

[DuneDucks]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Many on here have had unfortunately similar experiences with raccoons. Were you able to identify where it's getting in? If not, a few photos of your set-up could be useful to post. There's a lot of experienced users here who will be able to spot and give recommendations on whatever fixes you might need before your new ducklings arrive.

 

[JacobH28]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Many on here have had unfortunately similar experiences with raccoons. Were you able to identify where it's getting in? If not, a few photos of your set-up could be useful to post. There's a lot of experienced users here who will be able to spot and give recommendations on whatever fixes you might need before your new ducklings arrive.

Yes we were. It climbed upwards and got onto the roof, where it tore open the wire on top the run. My dad and I are gonna build the ducks and some new chicks a different coop attached to the main coop.