Ducks and crows

[arrowti]

We have several large crows that have built a 'home' in our woods, which we've been tolerating (even when they pick in our rubbish) because they attack and chase off large birds like hawks who get anywhere near it, which makes our birds safer. We have had no issues with the crows and our own animals... however.

Our female ducks quack their heads off whenever they see or hear the crows. The male duck and the chickens don't care, but for some reason all of the females freak out and let out their alarm quack. Now I've seen videos of crows going after ducklings before, so is it just the females and their natural instinct that recognizes the crow as a predator of their young? (they have no ducklings and have never brooded).

These crows are really big, so maybe they think they're a threat to them as well?

Just curious, because I go out every time I hear them give an alarm quack to make sure it isn't an actual predator.

 

[Gray Farms]

Crows can be a threat to poultry and livestock for that matter. Its rare but it can happen. I'd just keep an eye out and if they start becoming a problem they should be removed.

 

[Quackalackin]

I have a couple crows that seems to live in the tree in my ducks yard as well. However, the ducks don't really seem to mind. The crows just hop around and peck at the food sometimes, and sometimes I see them sitting on the edge of the kiddie pool with the ducks. I've wondered too if I should be concerned with their presence? They don't seem like a predator type threat as really they seem to be in there peacefully most the day if I'm not in there as well, but should I be worried about a disease? And if they decide to lay a nest up there, might they suddenly become a danger to the ducks?

 

[chickens really]

The Crows are great for chasing off the hawks..My situation her also.
Its the Ravens that can and will kill your ducks..My friend just had a bad attack on her Indian Runners by a Raven and they killed one.

 

[arrowti]

Wow that's sad for the poor duck!

We've had crows for years and even last year the ducks were right by the crows eating off the yawn without problem so I was wondering why they are quacking this year when they weren't last year. Fortunately we don't have any ravens around!

 

[chickens really]

Wow that's sad for the poor duck!

We've had crows for years and even last year the ducks were right by the crows eating off the yawn without problem so I was wondering why they are quacking this year when they weren't last year. Fortunately we don't have any ravens around!

Not sure why they are quacking at the crows? Could be that the hens are mature now and telling the crows to leave.
We have Magpies and Crows but they leave the Ducks and Chickens alone.
I only have Ravens around here in the winter. The Crows chase them off in the spring.
My problem is a Fox...Bugger is around everyday.

 

[Welshies]

They're probably ravens. Ravens are bigger, live in the country, and have a lower pitched hoarser. Ravens go "wonk wonk wonk" and crows go "cah cah cah". Crows and Ravens are different species. Sorry- geeky, I know.
They are instinctually on the alert for predators. So they're nervous about the Ravens, for a while, at least. Is your coop completely secure? The ravens may be taking the eggs.