Managing loss within a flock

[Holland89]

This morning my brother in law thought he was doing a favour by letting our ducks out when he came into work this morning. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but with the days becoming shorter it isn't as bright at 630 as it use to be. Anyways, I heard the ducks and chickens going nuts shortly before 7 and a fox had killed all but one of my ducks. Now im feeling really bad about this single duck who is just sitting under the same tree all day. I'm new to raising ducks and I know they like to have a little gang, but will she be okay with just the chickens? Or should I get her a few more duck friends? It's getting colder here (Canada) so I dont want to introduce new ducks unless it's absolutely needed. We've had ducks and chickens for almost a year now and this has been our first loss.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Araucana Nest]

I'm so sorry for your loss. That's awful and I know how you feel. An arboreal fox killed my drake when my duck was brooding a nest of eggs. She was inconsolable. My heart broke. She abandoned her nest and I incubated them. She never bonded with them totally but eventually took up nearby to them and so it was company. My experience was that the chickens harassed her and the rooster was mean to her. I had to section off the pond so the chickens would leave her alone.

 

[Hei 20]

This morning my brother in law thought he was doing a favour by letting our ducks out when he came into work this morning. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but with the days becoming shorter it isn't as bright at 630 as it use to be. Anyways, I heard the ducks and chickens going nuts shortly before 7 and a fox had killed all but one of my ducks. Now im feeling really bad about this single duck who is just sitting under the same tree all day. I'm new to raising ducks and I know they like to have a little gang, but will she be okay with just the chickens? Or should I get her a few more duck friends? It's getting colder here (Canada) so I dont want to introduce new ducks unless it's absolutely needed. We've had ducks and chickens for almost a year now and this has been our first loss.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sorry for your loss

 

[Holland89]

I'm sorry for your loss

My kids are pretty torn up about it.

 

[Hei 20]

My kids are pretty torn up about it.

I'm old, and I am too torn.

 

[Holland89]

I'm so sorry for your loss. That's awful and I know how you feel. An arboreal fox killed my drake when my duck was brooding a nest of eggs. She was inconsolable. My heart broke. She abandoned her nest and I incubated them. She never bonded with them totally but eventually took up nearby to them and so it was company. My experience was that the chickens harassed her and the rooster was mean to her. I had to section off the pond so the chickens would leave her alone.

Thankfully she seems toget along with the chickens, however with it just being her I'm not sure if the dynamics will change. If I wanted to get one or two more for her I dont even know where I'd get ducks at this time of the year.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd consider adding more ducks, but perhaps next spring, when it'll be easier to brood and integrate more birds. At least the chickens can keep her company for now, even if they don't quite speak the same language.

 

[Sammi_0411]

Id look at adding more ducks if u can really sorry for your loss xx