ducks and rodents

[new2ducks]

I noticed this morning a little digging hole and I figured it could be mice. I want to put the poison out but I'm afraid that a mouse will go into the kennel and die and the ducks might pick at it.

 

[mnferalkitty]

Don't put poison out, because I have seen my ducks catch and eat mice, so I know ducks will eat a mouse if they catch it

 

[new2ducks]

Thank you for the input. I read somewhere that ducks could eat mice, how wonderful!Could you help me with another question? Yesterday when I was out feeding the ducks, I noticed just one dropping, larger than a mouse dropping, it was fresh and brownish/black and then this morning there was just one again on another side of their kennel. I've been trying to find out what animal could have been around it so I can take care of the problem, any ideas?

 

[Amiga]

Squirrel or rat?

 

[new2ducks]

I'm not seing anything around! It's so weird. I really don't want to put poison out. I've seen those poison holders that other animals and children can't get into but I'm afraid a rat or whatever it is will die out in the open and my dog would mess with it.

 

[zooweemama]

I'm not seing anything around! It's so weird. I really don't want to put poison out. I've seen those poison holders that other animals and children can't get into but I'm afraid a rat or whatever it is will die out in the open and my dog would mess with it.

You absolutely do not want to use poison. If it dies your ducks or dog could it. Now they are poisoned. If you really want to catch it- set up a live trap. You can get them at feed store sometimes. Get a small one, put some food in it, hide the trap and wait for something small to climb it. No one gets hurt. Then you can relocate or destroy the vermin once caught.

 

[new2ducks]

that's what i was thinking...thank you!

 

[zooweemama]

that's what i was thinking...thank you!

I say this from experience. This is how we do it. My 10 year old actually has been doing this since he was 5-6 years old. (yes he is weird) With his own money he bought a live trap to catch rats etc (his choice) I think he fancied them being pets. But he learned quickly that you cannot keep those critters for pets. But on the upside he is a pro at this now! And when he was 9 he bought a trap large enough to catch a raccoon. haha But anyway- we have success using this method.

 

[ducksinarow]

Are you sure the little hole was not made by one of your ducks. I thought the same thing and it turned out to be a duck drilled hole. They do this all the time now.

 

[new2ducks]

Well I got the live trap that I put right outside their kennel area and each morning I have 1 or 2 mice in it. I make sure I let them out before it gets too hot! There is a huge field across the street and I let them go there. I hate picking up the trap with my hands (still squeemish) so here I am, walking across the street with a snow shovel! lol Sometimes I think people drive by to see what I'm up to next...lol. My 5 yr old grandaughter likes the idea that we're not killing the mice so that's a good example for her. I'm glad your son is a pro at it, I hope to be some day soon! You had also given me the idea about frozen peas and it's working great! They are identifying the "pea call" as time to come to me and go into their kennel. Thank you again!