More Duck Death

[gilbert2]

After last year, when coyotes broke in and killed two of my ducklings (and the third one died a day later from the trauma), I was optimistic that this year would be better. I have a strong door and latch on the coop, and I diligently put the three ducks in long before dark.
It has happened again. I was just taking a cup of thawed peas out for their midday treat, when I saw a huge crow flying away, and then......the carnage. My blue swede and my cayuga had both been decapitated. There was blood and feathers everywhere, and the pekin was walking in circles. My only thought is that he is so much huger than the others, he must have fended for himself.
Folks, I don't know how much more of this heartbreak I can take. How much more must I learn? A **** CROW? Since when are they predators?
I have had those ducks out every day since they moved outside from the garage. I have let them out during the day, and have them swim in their pool, too. Since they figured out how to get out of the pool, it has freed up my time, since I don't have to constantly watch them.
Well, those happy days are over. It looks like I must build a fully enclosed pen and keep them inside it always, if I am ever to have the pleasure of keeping ducks!
Now I will have to decide if I need to find a home for the pekin, since she is alone--no more flock buddies. The next couple of days should help me decide if she is happy or not, being by herself. I have also read that to get new babies for company is not a good idea.
Today is a horribly sad day. They had just started to quack two days ago! I am including some pics of happier times.

 

[aurora14]

I am soo sorry (hugs)

 

[TLWR]

I am so sorry, but yes, at that size, they are still in danger from crows.

 

[ChickenPox]

I didn't know crows would go after chickens/ducks either. All of mine are in a fully enclosed. I want to let them have more room, but I want to keep them alive. I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a hard believing a crow could decapitate ducklings that size, sounds more like hawks and the crow was just being advantageous. Very sorry for your losses.

 

[gilbert2]

Miss Lydia, I hear your logic, but you can believe it. There is a pair of massive crows now in the vicinity. I am not sure--they might even be ravens. I admit I have seen an occasional hawk from time to time, but today, these marauding crows were definitely the culprits. I was outside quick enough to see whoever it was, and they were the only ones present. The cawing is what made me hurry out of the kitchen in the first place. With their sheer mass and razor sharp beaks, I can easily see these black giants taking apart a young duck. I just never even knew that this was a threat.

Of course I feel terribly guilty, since I should have known. You all seem to know. And thanks for your condolences; I really needed a kind word or two.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Miss Lydia, I hear your logic, but you can believe it. There is a pair of massive crows now in the vicinity. I am not sure--they might even be ravens. I admit I have seen an occasional hawk from time to time, but today, these marauding crows were definitely the culprits. I was outside quick enough to see whoever it was, and they were the only ones present. The cawing is what made me hurry out of the kitchen in the first place. With their sheer mass and razor sharp beaks, I can easily see these black giants taking apart a young duck. I just never even knew that this was a threat.

Of course I feel terribly guilty, since I should have known. You all seem to know. And thanks for your condolences; I really needed a kind word or two.

We have crows in masses here too they keep the hawks away, but have never had them come down to the house. Or never knew they would do something like this.

 

[SouthernPride]

I thought I liked crows but thanks to this string I found that they are a real problem for waterfowl and song birds. Here is a link. Not sure what is worse though, hawks or crows.

http://www.crowbusters.com/whyhc.htm

 

[Cassie Collins]

We have crows in masses here too they keep the hawks away, but have never had them come down to the house. Or never knew they would do something like this. 

I'm so very sorry . My heart is breaking for you. I will be praying for you. Ur ducks seemed pretty good sized. Unfortunately, crows are opportunistic & they will kill other small animals. They will attack rabbits, squirrels, even cats! A flock of crows is actually called "a Murder of crows". The more they are the more dangerous they are & unfortunately, they are very smart. They r hanging around looking for an opportunity to get your last baby .

 

[TLWR]

We have a handful of crows that hang out in the far back yard in the woods. They do a pretty good job chasing the hawks away, but I've also seen way more hawks this year than I ever have around the house and a variety of them too. The crows leave the ducks alone. But I don't let the little ones out on their own yet as our crows could still do damage to the littles.