Duck disappeared

[Miss Lydia]

One of mine disappeard today! I am so devastated. Absolutely no trace. Happened from 8-10 am

So sorry for your loss, it will be back so vigilance if necessary.

 

[Rlacouette]

Okay! Thanks!

 

[MBWeber]

I have personally lost 6 in one day to a coyote, it was in May and it was around 7pm, still very much daylight, he was Mangy and alone, and he is no more he came to get one while I was out looking for them, fortunately I was working an armed security job at the time and he was mine

 

[Shellz]

I watched a coyote stalk my ducks at 10 a.m. last year. Told hubby to get his gun. Shot the 40lb male yote just before getting one of my ducks. Had all sorts of fox problems midday for last few years. I now have my licence and arsenal to get them this year.

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

so sorry for your loss. I have three babies who I plan to turn out in a few weeks when the weather is warmer. I am going to make sure they are predator proofed in their pen, but I want them to be able to roam in my fenced yard during the day....I know I will be worried sick!

I've put some serious consideration into getting a couple baby monitors, it may help me hear any commotion going on in the yard. Anyone have any expert advise on deterring predators?

 

[Quack Addict]

Get a Great Pyrenees and raise it with your animals. Outside 100% of the time. Little contact except when feeding and caring for it, DO NOT treat it like a pet. It will bond with your other animals as part of his "pack" and protect them against anything that does not belong.

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

Call me crazy, there is no way I could have any animal and not "treat them as a pet"...I guess, unless it were a tiger or a great white shark or something. My five dogs are quite accustomed to their indoor life, no way I could leave them outside as cold as it has been. With me, ALL my family gets treated like family!

Anyway, I do have a female Australian shep/Chow mix who is VERY interested in helping me raise my new pekin duck trio. (not aggressively, just very attentive..especially when they start peeping!) She sleeps inside, but I am hoping to turn her out during warmer weather to help keep an eye out for predators trying to get in the fence. She is kinda a big baby herself, but will at least bark to alert me.

 

[Quack Addict]

Quote:
I know that some folks have a hard time with this approach to livestock security but it is extreamly effective. When raised outside and given basics like a dry warm dog house to get out of really nasty weather, the dogs do quite well and are very happy with thier role as "pacl security". Living outdoors they naturally develop a thicker coat and fat layer as colder weather moves in so they don't have issues with it. As a matter of fact, if you move them indoors during the winter after being outside they can actually overheat from the inside temps. No judgements if this solution isnt right for you, just offering some info hoping it may help someone.

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

Absolutely, Quack Addict! (and what a FANTASTIC name you have, btw)

I understand completely, no judgements from me! I know that a lot of dogs are bred to work, others to protect. I understand that many breeds thrive with this type of "work role" to stimulate them, and they live for such a routine. I'm just way too much of a 'softy' to have such relationship with a dog. I am hoping my spoiled mutt will help me anyway, hehe

 

[Rlacouette]

Does anyone know how I can prevent hawks from getting my call ducks that I'm getting next week??!!