Ducks being killed

[Splandry]

i have had a few ducks killed. Nice and clean, big Muscovy male just the breast eaten, looked like someone would have cut the breast meat off the bone, female had her throat beaten and nothing else. I just caught a coon in a trap by the duck cage, has anyone ever heard of a coon doing any thing like this, are have any idea what would have killed them this way.

Thanks for any help

 

[Amiga]

Splandry, sad for your loss. You might also ask on the Predators and Pests forum. I have not had losses like that, so I cannot advise.

 

[Pekin1999]

. I have I feel your pain!!! Going through a very similar problem with mallards

 

[Miss Lydia]

i have had a few ducks killed. Nice and clean, big Muscovy male just the breast eaten, looked like someone would have cut the breast meat off the bone, female had her throat beaten and nothing else. I just caught a coon in a trap by the duck cage, has anyone ever heard of a coon doing any thing like this, are have any idea what would have killed them this way.

Thanks for any help

Might be a good idea to post pics of your set up too. sounds like raccoons or mink with the way they were killed and eaten. but good idea to post on the predator and prey thread lots of experienced folks there to help.

Very sorry for your losses

 

[Pekin1999]

This morning I went out to check on my two ducks the Pekin and the Rouen the first thing I noticed was that the Pekin was all alone so I looked and the Pekin was covered in scratches then I found one single spot of feathers and blood, then I looked again and under the propane tank a couple yards away I found my Rouen its head was ripped off and I can't find the head. What animal would do this????

 

[Miss Lydia]

This morning I went out to check on my two ducks the Pekin and the Rouen the first thing I noticed was that the Pekin was all alone so I looked and the Pekin was covered in scratches then I found one single spot of feathers and blood, then I looked again and under the propane tank a couple yards away I found my Rouen its head was ripped off and I can't find the head. What animal would do this????

Could be any number of predators. There are alot of preds roaming around at night looking for an easy meal. some even come out in the day light. Do you not lock your ducks up for their own protection at night. I hope your Pekin will be okay but if you don't begin to keep them safe inside a duck house at night what ever killed your Rouen will be back for your Pekin.

 

[Pekin1999]

Thanks

 

[Pekin1999]

By the way yes I do up until a few nights ago they slept in the heated shed every night. Now I live in town and they sleep in an old dog house that I adjusted for them but they're animals so I prefer them to be outside as often as I can but why would the animal take the head and leave the body under the propane tank. Are any neighbors with little dogs in danger of losing their pets?

 

[needlessjunk]

By the way yes I do up until a few nights ago they slept in the heated shed every night. Now I live in town and they sleep in an old dog house that I adjusted for them but they're animals so I prefer them to be outside as often as I can but why would the animal take the head and leave the body under the propane tank. Are any neighbors with little dogs in danger of losing their pets?

Usually that is a raccoon trait, but others animals will do the same. Raccoons will kill for sport. They need to be locked up completely at night. I live in the suburbs and everyone gets locked up tight. We have opossums and cats mainly, but there are raccoons, fox, snakes and many other predators and I will not take any chances with my flock.

 

[Pekin1999]

Usually that is a raccoon trait, but others animals will do the same. Raccoons will kill for sport. They need to be locked up completely at night. I live in the suburbs and everyone gets locked up tight. We have opossums and cats mainly, but there are raccoons, fox, snakes and many other predators and I will not take any chances with my flock.

Ok I wish I would've taken these precautions sooner! Thanks