Lost one of my Pekin ducks last night

[dixygirl]

Yes I did go check and unfortunately they are all dead and buried now.

 

[Richb353]

Sorry for your loss,
I feel your pain, the ducks that I have lost have been mostly to coyote, maybe bobcat, but one was from raccoon. Don't know about the bobcat, but here in Florida you can shoot coyote and raccoon all year round as they are pests.

The best preventative measure I have taken has been to build a sturdy "Quack Shack" and put the flock away at dusk everyday. It has become my normal routine: Let them out, feed them, gather eggs..go to work. After work it's feed them dinner and put them away. It's been like this for over a year now and they know the routine and I have not lost a duck since. There is a large grove next to my property where I know the predators approach from. I can tell this because I see coyote footprints along the fenceline almost daily. There are usually a pair of coyote and I can tell where they hop the fence when they do. I inspect the Quack Shack daily as well, but so far there have been no attempts to breach it or dig under it.

I like your idea of a fenced in carport. I would need to put a set of retractable wheels on it to move it to a fresh patch of grass from time to time.

 

[needlessjunk]

Yes I did go check and unfortunately they are all dead and buried now. 

I'm very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine. If you ever do want ducks again a 100% enclosed metal or wood house should keep them nice and safe. Hardware cloth screwed in with washers or like you have planned, an enclosed carport with no gaps and the bottom covered with some sort of hardware cloth would work. Again, I'm very sorry.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

don't give up dixgirl raccoons are probably the worse they have hands they climb and are smart, but we are smarter. I am in my 60s and do every thing my self it is hard some times. just fix a better place for them and get some more just think of all the little duckies out there that need homes. good luck.

 

[dixygirl]

May my beautiful babies find eternal rest and peace with God. He can protect you now. I am so sorry, my babies, that I could not protect you like you deserved to be protected. Forgive me and be at peace now.
I love you

 

[Invision]

00 buck shot will take care of the the coons. Go to the store buy some meat, pref Fish set it out in the middle of the yard (making sure of course no one is in or around the firing path), and the problem should be solved.

Remember this is probably not legal but hey, gota do whatcha gota do....

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Predator proof housing is critical, and I am sure that these stories will start coming up more often as we move toward warmer weather and as inexperienced folks acquire ducks. (Not saying anyone here is inexperienced). Even a doghouse is great, *if* you can lock it up securely every single night. But do be aware that while most attacks occur at night, attacks can occur anytime. The best defense is a well-built structure with buried hardware cloth (to prevent digging/tunneling under). @Invision don't you think 00 might be a bit much? I think 22 should handle it. Not picking a fight, just my thoughts.

Here's some eye candy for you to look at. I think this could be a duck's dream house.
http://www.pawmygosh.com/fancy-dog-house/

 

[Kaessa]

Here's some eye candy for you to look at. I think this could be a duck's dream house.
http://www.pawmygosh.com/fancy-dog-house/

Especially when that little basement fills up after it rains. LOL

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Especially when that little basement fills up after it rains. LOL

Planning and proper site selection should avoid that, eh?

 

[Invision]

Predator proof housing is critical, and I am sure that these stories will start coming up more often as we move toward warmer weather and as inexperienced folks acquire ducks. (Not saying anyone here is inexperienced). Even a doghouse is great, *if* you can lock it up securely every single night. But do be aware that while most attacks occur at night, attacks can occur anytime. The best defense is a well-built structure with buried hardware cloth (to prevent digging/tunneling under). @Invision don't you think 00 might be a bit much? I think 22 should handle it. Not picking a fight, just my thoughts.

Here's some eye candy for you to look at. I think this could be a duck's dream house.
http://www.pawmygosh.com/fancy-dog-house/

Yeah it's probably a bit much but if your going to make any noise, I would rather drop it without it suffering, that was my only thought.