Help! Ducks attacked by mink!

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Because animals don’t think like humans? Humans are a much bigger threat (larger predator) to all of them. I guarantee they smell every chicken owner yet still take the calculated risk for a meal. They smell you but their eyes tell them you aren’t there same as coyote urine, bear, hippo or anything else. Mink run up and down creeks within inches of trails that coyotes and fox use regularly. The urine smell from other animals isn’t new to them. If you want to spend money on animal urines for deterrents don’t let me stop you.

I’ve always felt that the urine promotes a scavenging attitude in smaller game and attracts more than it would repel. It causes prey animals to disperse as well. I use coyote urine around my garden to deter deer. It works well for the prey animals.

 

[roosterhavoc]

I’ve always felt that the urine promotes a scavenging attitude in smaller game and attracts more than it would repel. It causes prey animals to disperse as well. I use coyote urine around my garden to deter deer. It works well for the prey animals.

Pure snake oil. Deer and coyotes live in the same areas obviously. Coyote urine is not a new scent to them that’s going to scare them off. Do you know how many deer snap off traps set for coyotes using gland lure (which is way stronger and longer lasting than urine) sticking their face in the hole loaded with all that coyote scent?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Pure snake oil. Deer and coyotes live in the same areas obviously. Coyote urine is not a new scent to them that’s going to scare them off. Do you know how many deer snap off traps set for coyotes using gland lure (which is way stronger and longer lasting than urine) sticking their face in the hole loaded with all that coyote scent?
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It deters newer deer to the area but I do admit that the old standbys that get used to it are not deterred. Those get a warning shot in the air. The ones who return are the ones that get terminated to a permanent end. But those are the laws in my state to protect people and their crops.

 

[Lukemjm]

The ducks continue to do well. I put up hardware cloth for their entire run, so I am not concerned about other deterrent methods.

I will update with photos periodically as they re-grow their neck feathers so you all can see how pretty they are, but they might molt before then.

Thank you all again for the invaluable support, advice, and encouragement through this insanity. Gregory and Carmella appreciate it too!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sure hope you all stick around we’d miss y’all if you didn’t

 

[SailorNoMore]

I just stumbled across this thread, and read it from end to end. Everybody did a good job. The illustrations and encouragement from casportpony, the videos posted here helped give me an introduction to tubing. I will be scared if I ever have to do it myself, but the knowledge in this thread will definitely help. I am happy that your outcome was as good as it was.

 

[Lukemjm]

Update!
Ducks are still doing well, and Carmella laid 2 eggs!! They were soft, gotta get some calcium supplements. Wife and I are out of state atm, will get photos when we return(a couple days).

Thanks again for all of your support and for being an awesome community!

 

[SailorNoMore]

Thanks for the update. We are looking forward to seeing the photos when you return!

 

[MasterZii]

Any updates since? How are they doing?

 

[shessowitte]

The ducks continue to do well. I put up hardware cloth for their entire run, so I am not concerned about other deterrent methods.

I will update with photos periodically as they re-grow their neck feathers so you all can see how pretty they are, but they might molt before then.

Thank you all again for the invaluable support, advice, and encouragement through this insanity. Gregory and Carmella appreciate it too!

I’m ashamed to say that when I started reading this thread yesterday, I was thinking to myself “dispatch them now”! For the first two days. Silly me. I should have known there would be someone on here with tons of experience who was willing to teach and guide through the situation, and someone who loves animals enough to do whatever it takes to heal them. I have always prided myself on my willingness to dispatch an animal for the sake of alleviating their suffering, but this thread has taught me that may not always be the necessary step and that healing can occur. I’m encouraged, knowing that there is always someone on this site who knows and is willing to teach, whatever the situation. Thank you @Lukemjm and @casportpony and all the other members who shared.