Duck found dead in coop

[Feeblewav]

Sorry for the morbid first post but we are completely puzzled by what happened.

This morning we found one of three ducks in the coop dead. She had some lesions/cuts on back of the neck. We live in an area that weasels are rare and that seems to be the only predator that could sneak in. And there was an egg in the coop and other girls unharmed.

We are thinking it was a sudden respiratory death (no prior symptoms) or that the dominant female may have mounted and accidentally suffocated though we can find no info that even happens. They have also not done active aggression besides mounting.

Duck did have mud on bill from possibly foraging before retiring.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
I’m sorry for your loss.

 

[Feeblewav]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
I’m sorry for your loss.

Thank you it was my wife’s favorite and now we are moving the potential offender to a friends farm in fear that it may happen again. They’ve been brood sisters for a year and a half now

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I'm so sorry. Ducks and chickens sometimes seem to die for no apparent or obvious reason and it's often shocking or devastating when it happens, especially if you're new to the poultry-keeping game. The best advice I can give you is to check your coop and run thoroughly to make sure it's as predator-proof as you can make it, and obtain replacements. Fowl do best in groups and a "lonely only" needs companions. Best wishes going forward.

 

[Feeblewav]

I'm so sorry. Ducks and chickens sometimes seem to die for no apparent or obvious reason and it's often shocking or devastating when it happens, especially if you're new to the poultry-keeping game. The best advice I can give you is to check your coop and run thoroughly to make sure it's as predator-proof as you can make it, and obtain replacements. Fowl do best in groups and a "lonely only" needs companions. Best wishes going forward.

Thank you for the response, I am real doubtful it was a predator as only one duck was attacked and not even eaten. Furthermore i sleep about 10-15 feet from the coup with a large window and if they would have been surprised, I imagine I would have awoken.

I am not sure if it was heart, heat, infection or another duck. I haven’t seen any real reports of female ducks mounting and killing another even by accident and was hoping to speak to someone who would know.

I do not want to get rid of the possible offender but I cannot have it happen again. Might just be on the market for some runner ducklings soon