My Duck Disappeared!

[Sleek28]

Hello,

*Context*: I️ have 3, 4 month old Khaki Campbell ducks. I️ have 2 drakes and 1 duck named Bonnie (we are in the process of getting more females). My Family and I️ went on a camping trip from Friday Night to Sunday morning, we got home at around noon on Sunday.

I️ went out to do inventory of the birds (which I️ let free range all weekend because it was 104 degrees and one of the birds died of heat stroke while laying an egg in the coop on Friday) and I️ noticed that the 2 drakes were together by the pool I️ have set up. I️ thought that was odd because the 3 of them are ALWAYS together. So I️ looked around the yard, front yard, and neighbors yards, and she was nowhere. There was definitely no sign of a struggle, she just vanished. So I️ waited because she might’ve been laying an egg. By the time I️ locked the birds up at 9:30pm, there was still no sign of her. I️ was hoping to see her this morning, but still no luck. She definitely was one of the harder birds to catch in the flock, so I’m still doubtful that a predator got her.

Any ideas?

P.S. We have a lot of Juniper Bushes, I️ looked under them to the best of my ability and still didn’t find her.

Thank in Advance!

 

[sourland]

I would be on high alert as to the possibility of a predator. Good luck.

 

[Sleek28]

I would be on high alert as to the possibility of a predator. Good luck.

Ok sounds good, I’ll keep an eye on the rest of my birds.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

3-4 months is too young for ducks to lay in MY experience.

Only time a bird disappears without a trace.. is predator related if broody isn't a possibility. I always wonder if not knowing is better or worse than knowing..

Being creatures of habit.. they would do everything they could to get back together. She appears to be MIA.. ANY chance she was stolen?

Sorry for your loss.. both this and the heat stroke.

We all make the best choices we can.

Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make their best suggestions possible at a glance.. regarding possible predators, available resources, etc.

In this instance since you don't have any idea if she disappeared at night or in the day.. could have been any number of predators.. skunk, raccoon, owl, coyote, fox, hawk, etc.. being the most difficult for you to catch has nothing to do with a natural predators ambush skills and natural camouflage that make them much more suited to catching prey than we are.. which moves faster than us and can hear and see us coming.

In chickens.. the gals are *usually* the flightiest, least confident, and hardest for me to catch as well.. Yet, somehow... will also get preyed on first every time!

Secure your borders, identify your suspect,

 

[Sleek28]

3-4 months is too young for ducks to lay in MY experience.

Only time a bird disappears without a trace.. is predator related if broody isn't a possibility. I always wonder if not knowing is better or worse than knowing..

Being creatures of habit.. they would do everything they could to get back together. She appears to be MIA.. ANY chance she was stolen?

Sorry for your loss.. both this and the heat stroke.

We all make the best choices we can.

Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make their best suggestions possible at a glance.. regarding possible predators, available resources, etc.

In this instance since you don't have any idea if she disappeared at night or in the day.. could have been any number of predators.. skunk, raccoon, owl, coyote, fox, hawk, etc.. being the most difficult for you to catch has nothing to do with a natural predators ambush skills and natural camouflage that make them much more suited to catching prey than we are.. which moves faster than us and can hear and see us coming.

In chickens.. the gals are *usually* the flightiest, least confident, and hardest for me to catch as well.. Yet, somehow... will also get preyed on first every time!

Secure your borders, identify your suspect,

Thank you so much,

I️ was wondering whether someone stole her as well. I️ live in Reno, NV and I️ don’t believe we have any foxes around here. Personally, I️ believe it’s better to know what happened to them for closer reasons. I’m thinking about getting an camera and setting it up pointed at the chicken coop.

Their wings aren’t trimmed, is there any chance she flew away? I️ figured the males would’ve gone with her or at least have been more distraught, but they act like there’s nothing missing.

If so, do you think she will come back?

Thanks again!

 

[Rammy]

If you get a camera make sure its concealed from 2 legged predators if thats what happened to your duck. I use a python cable and a good padlock on mine as well as a steel camera box it goes inside of that also has a lock on it for extra security. Put it up high above eye level since most people dont look up. Hopefully she will return soon. If not and she was taken by a human they might come back for the rest, especially if things get worse with food shortages. Wouldnt hurt to get a good gun if you can too. Sorry for your loss.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

What water options do your ducks have available? If it was 104 degrees and your ducks are flying breeds with unclipped wings, she very well may have tried to find a deeper source of water to cool off.

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

Depending on the breed and the season, you can expect your first eggs when your ducks are 4-7 months old, or when breeding season starts. Ducksmature and become old enough to layat 4-7 months or 16-28 weeks of age.

 

[LT71689]

Nevada has a ton of potential predators, not having seen them is generally the point for them, that doesnt mean you dont have them in the area. I've only actually SEEN a skunk that wasnt road kill twice in my life, but they're for sure out there everywhere I've lived. Never seen a possum but they're out there. Staying hidden is half their job.

Foxes, coyotes, wolves, bobcats/mountain lions, eagles falcons and hawks... they'll all more than happily take off with a duck. No blood or feathers might just mean they got her quick and easy, took off instead of sticking around. Or she may have wandered. Hopefully the latter.

 

[Sleek28]

If you get a camera make sure its concealed from 2 legged predators if thats what happened to your duck. I use a python cable and a good padlock on mine as well as a steel camera box it goes inside of that also has a lock on it for extra security. Put it up high above eye level since most people dont look up. Hopefully she will return soon. If not and she was taken by a human they might come back for the rest, especially if things get worse with food shortages. Wouldnt hurt to get a good gun if you can too. Sorry for your loss.

Ok, I️ will look into Human proof locks for the coop just in case. I️ definitely don’t want to chance losing the rest.
People stealing poultry, what has society come to?
Thank you!