Dead Ducks

[starfish41]

We have had two ducks for five years. My son got them from FFA class as babies. Fenced in yard and in a totally fenced in enclosure.
Came home today. Male is completely gone, females head is taken off clean.
How could a predator have gotten to them? And what type predator? Is it possible the one squeezed out and flew away to get away from attacker. No notice of his feathers left.
Does appear to be small hole made in enclosure upon further inspection.
Any thoughts?

 

[danceswithronin]

We have had two ducks for five years. My son got them from FFA class as babies. Fenced in yard and in a totally fenced in enclosure.
Came home today. Male is completely gone, females head is taken off clean.
How could a predator have gotten to them? And what type predator? Is it possible the one squeezed out and flew away to get away from attacker. No notice of his feathers left.
Does appear to be small hole made in enclosure upon further inspection.
Any thoughts?

Sounds like a raccoon, they are notorious for eating the heads and leaving the rest. Plus they can squeeze through a whole the size of a grapefruit if pressed.

Wouldn't be a hawk unless the roof of your enclosure is not enclosed as well. If the roof is not enclosed, I would suspect hawk.

 

[sourland]

Many predators eat the head first as brains are a high protein treat. Coon is a very likely culprit. If pen is uncovered, and it happened at night the predator may be a Great Horned Owl.

 

[starfish41]

Many predators eat the head first as brains are a high protein treat. Coon is a very likely culprit. If pen is uncovered, and it happened at night the predator may be a Great Horned Owl.

Thanks. When I read some info, I thought it sounded like a raccoon. totally fenced in yard, and total fenced in enclosure. I get the female was attacked, but would the male have been drug off or got off somehow because of the trauma. Usually he is the aggressor and protector it appears.

 

[starfish41]

Many predators eat the head first as brains are a high protein treat. Coon is a very likely culprit. If pen is uncovered, and it happened at night the predator may be a Great Horned Owl.

Sounds like a raccoon, they are notorious for eating the heads and leaving the rest. Plus they can squeeze through a whole the size of a grapefruit if pressed.

Wouldn't be a hawk unless the roof of your enclosure is not enclosed as well. If the roof is not enclosed, I would suspect hawk.

Thanks. When I read some info, I thought it sounded like a raccoon. totally fenced in yard, and total fenced in enclosure. I get the female was attacked, but would the male have been drug off or got off somehow because of the trauma. Usually he is the aggressor and protector it appears.