Female duck slit throat

[Betsyg16]

We have about 25 chickens only one silkie rooster and 2 ducks mallards male female. We found the female right at dark with her throat slit. No appearance of anything eaten. They free range all day and go in coop at night. This has been a routine for 2 years with no issues. What predator slits the throat and leaves
Thanks Betsy in Tennessee

 

[horror_trashcan]

That is horrible, pictures may help for a better conclusion. I am so sorry. Weasels tend to go for the neck.

 

[Betsyg16]

This happened at my daughter’s house. I’m sure she didn’t take pictures. I’ve researched this and it seems most animals, fox raccoon hawk eat their prey. I’m getting to the bottom of this.
We’ve got so many chickens that I don’t want this to be reoccurring

 

[horror_trashcan]

This happened at my daughter’s house. I’m sure she didn’t take pictures. I’ve researched this and it seems most animals, fox raccoon hawk eat their prey. I’m getting to the bottom of this.
We’ve got so many chickens that I don’t want this to be reoccurring

It's understandable, I had my entire last flock (23 birds) killed by a weasel and not a single one was eaten save for a head or two, all injuries were to the head and neck several just had their throats torn out. It was an hour after I had checked on them and took about two hours for me to find out so they're not afraid to just attack and run quickly.

 

[Betsyg16]

It's understandable, I had my entire last flock (23 birds) killed by a weasel and not a single one was eaten save for a head or two, all injuries were to the head and neck several just had their throats torn out. It was an hour after I had checked on them and took about two hours for me to find out so they're not afraid to just attack and run quickly.

 

[Betsyg16]

Some stories don’t end well
And once in awhile Lord willing some do

 

[Betsyg16]

This guy went after the chickens within 12 hours after he got the duck.
My son in law heard a commotion in the coop. Ran outside picked up a level
Ran in the chicken yard, which yes is covered, coopers hawk was on a hen
Took one look at Lee and didn’t know what hit him
That’ll teach ya. And yes I’m going to have to figure out this free range situation. Problem is I’ve got way too many hens and a small run

 

[horror_trashcan]

This guy went after the chickens within 12 hours after he got the duck.
My son in law heard a commotion in the coop. Ran outside picked up a level
Ran in the chicken yard, which yes is covered, coopers hawk was on a hen
Took one look at Lee and didn’t know what hit him
That’ll teach ya. And yes I’m going to have to figure out this free range situation. Problem is I’ve got way too many hens and a small run

While I am glad you found out what was attacking your birds I do feel I need to mention that it is a federal crime to kill coopers hawks, I would suggest preventive measures if more come by.

 

[gimmie birdies]

They are brave also, I have seen one sit on the fence and not fly away when I was in the coop. I have a goose and one time he told on the hawk.

 

[horror_trashcan]

They are brave also, I have seen one sit on the fence and not fly away when I was in the coop. I have a goose and one time he told on the hawk.

I've been considering geese just as alarms, I think the hawks know they're protected working for the government or something...