5 ducks killed, no signs of a struggle

[GretelC]

2 of the ducks looked like they were asleep with their heads tucked into their wings. No visible injuries. The third had her entrails coming out her backend. 2 are missing with a few organs lying around but no bodies or feathers. I am completely perplexed. Could the 2 have died of fright? I am in California and have a few small tears in the chicken wire from squirrel damage. Please help if you have ideas.

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

2 of the ducks looked like they were asleep with their heads tucked into their wings. No visible injuries. The third had her entrails coming out her backend. 2 are missing with a few organs lying around but no bodies or feathers. I am completely perplexed. Could the 2 have died of fright? I am in California and have a few small tears in the chicken wire from squirrel damage. Please help if you have ideas.

This sounds like a type of weasel to me. They can fit through a hole as small as an inch and hunt for sport, the nasty little things. The weasel would have killed the one with the entrails, and another predator, maybe a large bird or a fox/coyote. The other two sound like they fainted of fright and just didn't get back up.
I'm sorry you lost them and I hope none of the others die from grief.

Sincerely,
Silkies4Days

 

[coach723]

Whatever it was, will likely be back. If you still have surviving birds you need to make sure they are secure. If you have or can borrow a game camera, set it up so you can try to ID whatever it is.