Ducks taken by something-need help!

[iheartchicks]

Hello, long time reader first time poster. We live in Northern Arizona, and about 4 months ago we got 3 baby ducklings and 11 baby chicks to add to our flock of 11 full grown chickens. We raised the ducklings with the chicks and when the weather got warm enough we moved them outside to our backyard which was surrounded by a block fence. They all shared an Egglu. Recently, we had to move to a new place. The new place has about 2.5 acres and is fenced with field fence. It had a nice sized duck pond in the back and two fully fenced chicken coops on the side. We decided to let the ducks stay near the pond, they seemed so happy, but I worried that a predator might get them. Sure enough, a few days later our jumbo peking was missing. We looked everywhere for him or any sign of him and nothing. No feathers, no duck, nothing. I had assumed he had been taken by something, but there was no trace of him. Later that afternoon we found 3 large piles of white feathers, in the front yard (not fenced) and backyard (fenced with field fence). I also saw some brown feathers mixed in with white feathers in the front so I thought maybe it was a hawk. My dh doesnt believe a hawk was big enough to take a jumbo peking (he was a pretty good sized duck). We had 2 ducks left, a runner and another type, not sure of the breed, she is faster and can fly at times. This morning the runner was missing with no trace. We were able to catch the other faster duck and put her in with the younger chickens in the fully fenced coop. These are our first ducks and i'm terribly distraught over losing them. Our kids do not know yet because they are with their grandma and grandpa for a few weeks because of summer vacation. I know they will be devastated to learn this news. One of the perks of moving into this new house was the duck pond, but if the ducks are not safe out there I don't want to keep feeding the local wildlife or neighborhood dogs and/or cats. I really have no idea what could be taking our ducks, but there is something out there getting a free lunch. The house is a rental, but the owner does not mind if we make improvements. Seeing as we dont own the home and are on a tight budget, I was hoping someone would have some suggestions of a way to make our ducks pond safer for them, otherwise I suppose they will just stay with the chickens and come out to free range with supervision. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[iheartchicks]

Also, I just thought of this, now we have 1 lone duck and 21 chickens. Should we get some more ducks, rescue ducks perhaps to keep the other one company?

 

[SJUDD]

I think leaving them out during the day shouldn't be a problem as long as they have somewhere to hide from the flying predators. My drake would shoo the hens under an awning every time a hawk would fly over the yard. The biggest concern would be that most predatory animals hunt at night so you would need somewhere for them to go in the evening to be safe. We built basically a box out of plywood with 2sq ft per duck (at the time I had 20 so it is pretty large) that has hardwire cloth on the bottom, and a door that locks to keep predators out.
Yes, if you only have one duck and you let it on the pond, it will get lonely. Ducks like to be with more ducks. I wish I was closer, I just had two mallard babies hatch a couple weeks ago.... they are precious but I just can't keep them.... I am finally back down to a manageable number and I think DH would kill me if I kept them lol.
I am sorry you lost your birds. Mine are like my kids so I can only guess how devastated you are.
Oh... a Hawk tried to get my Pekin and would have suceeded if it wasn't for the intelligence of my drake running her out of harms way. They are stronger than they look.

 

[mothergooz]

I don't think it was a hawk, I've never heard of one taking something that big. If it was coyote or fox you would find a pile feathers left behind where the animal was abducted.

The only thing I can think of is a turtle. Do you have turtles in your pond? They could take an adult duck easily.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

So sorry for your loss. Domestic ducks really need protection from predators, most especially at night... they typically can't fly and are otherwise defenseless. Pekins can't be left outside to fend for themselves like wild ducks. Also, if you are not sure this pond is safe they should be supervised if swimming there. Please don't get more until you are sure you can provide a safe home for them!