Dead Ducks. Any idea whay could have done this?

[featherfinder]

I have (had) 4 indian runners and 2 were just found dead. 1 with its head completely off and the other with a broken neck and half eaten. They have been in the same location for 2 years with no problems. I have neighbors on all sides of my back yard and the ducs have a raised house and shade area. I leave them out at night because I have never had problems in 2 years and they always put them selves to bed in the house at night. Any idea what could have done this in my type of area? I know I will be locking my 2 that are left in the house each night now.

 

[Amiga]

First, I want to say I am sad to read about your loss. Awful.

Sounds like it could have been a raccoon. You might try a post on the predators and pests forum. Once a predator finds a flock, it returns, generally speaking.

Make sure the house is fortified, no gaps larger than half an inch. Metal hardware cloth helps, and I set up a small electric fence for the outdoor house that zapped at least a couple of raccoons.

 

[featherfinder]

I have not seen a raccoon in my neighborhood in 10+ years. I hope they are not back! My duck house is a double dog house converted with all vents sealed in hardware cloth and a lock on a swinging door. I just hope nothing comes for them during the day.

I dont even know how I am going to bury them. I dont have the stomach to look again...

 

[Kevin565]

I'm so sorry to hear this FeatherFinder

. It defiantly sounds like a coon which shouldn't come back during the day.

 

[featherfinder]

Thank you Kevin and Amiga.

 

[Kevin565]

In my experience coons seem to stick around for awhile once they have found a meal. You might consider leaving out a trap to try to catch him.

 

[featherfinder]

What kind of trap do you think works best? Do you think they will be safe if I still let them out during the day and lock them up when the sun starts to go down?

 

[Kevin565]

Most people down here use the havahart live trap. They seem to be able to catch them fairly easily with the right bait. They should be fine during the day. The only time I've seen a coon during the day it was either a female with babies or rabid.

 

[featherfinder]

Ok. I will look into it. Thank you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ok. I will look into it. Thank you!

D you think Animal control would put out a trap? or maybe let you borrow one? This is so sad, I am so sorry.