Grieving Ducks

[PlantEater]

I lost 2 of our 3 beautiful girls two nights ago. One was killed by a raccoon, the other injured and we had to have her put down at the emergency vet. It was a very traumatic experience for me. I’m feeling horrible guilt because I didn’t realize they weren’t penned up that night. For 5 years I was so careful, but I made a mistake. Our one remaining duck is grieving for her sisters and so am I, more than I could have imagined.

I put a mirror in the pen for the remaining duck, and have been giving her extra attention. I know she needs companions and I’ll have to figure out what to do. Anyone have any experience with this kind of loss?

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I’m very sorry that happened. Don’t beat yourself up, we all make mistakes. I’m sure you’re heartbroken as is your remaining duck. I’m not too familiar with ducks but keep each other company and maybe get some more companions soon

 

[PlantEater]

Thank you. I am heartbroken. I loved them very much.

 

[My15Ducks]

I lost 2 of our 3 beautiful girls two nights ago. One was killed by a raccoon, the other injured and we had to have her put down at the emergency vet. It was a very traumatic experience for me. I’m feeling horrible guilt because I didn’t realize they weren’t penned up that night. For 5 years I was so careful, but I made a mistake. Our one remaining duck is grieving for her sisters and so am I, more than I could have imagined.

I put a mirror in the pen for the remaining duck, and have been giving her extra attention. I know she needs companions and I’ll have to figure out what to do. Anyone have any experience with this kind of loss?

I’m so sorry. I wish I didn’t have experience with this kind of loss but I do. Several weeks ago, mongoose killed 2 of my beloved 7 week old ducklings. I’d taken such good care of them - and then they were gone. The guilt, loss, and trauma was horrible and I’m still not “over it”.

I wish I could tell you some profound words to make you feel better but I can’t. I’m just really sorry that you have to go through this too. You were trying to protect your ducks and never meant for this to happen. Please try not to obsess about the “what ifs”.

As for your surviving ducks, I would spoil her with anything she likes: treats, swim time, cuddles, etc. And get yourself a treat too. It took my ducks awhile to get back to normal but they did.

 

[PlantEater]

I’m so sorry. I wish I didn’t have experience with this kind of loss but I do. Several weeks ago, mongoose killed 2 of my beloved 7 week old ducklings. I’d taken such good care of them - and then they were gone. The guilt, loss, and trauma was horrible and I’m still not “over it”.

I wish I could tell you some profound words to make you feel better but I can’t. I’m just really sorry that you have to go through this too. You were trying to protect your ducks and never meant for this to happen. Please try not to obsess about the “what ifs”.

As for your surviving ducks, I would spoil her with anything she likes: treats, swim time, cuddles, etc. And get yourself a treat too. It took my ducks awhile to get back to normal but they did.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

 

[KathiQuacks]

I too lost 2 of 3 ducks late last year; a coyote broke into my coop. I have a big pond, and it probably took my surviving drake about 3 - 4 days to come up off of it. I brought him inside and gave him a nice mirror to look in.

I found 2 adult hens a couple weeks after the attack and took them in.
When I say it was love at first sight My drake could not stop wagging his tail. He was so happy to see them!!

It will get better.. you kept them safe for 5 years, and you can do it again. You sound like a fantastic duck owner

 

[PlantEater]

I too lost 2 of 3 ducks late last year; a coyote broke into my coop. I have a big pond, and it probably took my surviving drake about 3 - 4 days to come up off of it. I brought him inside and gave him a nice mirror to look in.

I found 2 adult hens a couple weeks after the attack and took them in.
When I say it was love at first sight My drake could not stop wagging his tail. He was so happy to see them!!

It will get better.. you kept them safe for 5 years, and you can do it again. You sound like a fantastic duck owner

Thank you, I’m sorry about your 2 ducks. Glad to know that your drake did okay by himself for a couple of weeks. My remaining duck, Faye, is very vocal right now when she sees us or hears us but seems to settle down when I sit and hang out near her so I’m doing that when I can to help her be less lonely.