My ducklings just lost their mum :'(

[CayugaJana]

So a little update - our drake seems to be taking on the protective role in looking after the ducklings, keeping them in line and they are keen to follow him wherever he goes. He insisted in following them into their pen for the night, staying outside of the house where they sleep and almost guarding it, pushing them into the house with his beak if they weren't inside or tried to come out the little door. I'm trusting him that he doesn't hurt them or worse try to mate with any of them! Fingers crossed for a safe night!!

That is really sweet. I’d say he’s thankful for company. You are one lucky duck to have such a wonderful Daddy! Any chance you could post a cute video?

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[happyquacky]

Awww....so sorry for the poor mama. Did this happen during the day? That really worries me for my own.

It happened in the evening as I went to put them away for the night. They have a free-range area which is fenced off from the field and stream at the back of the garden but I think she had wriggled through a gap at the bottom of the fence and panicked as she couldn't find a way to get back under. The fox must've heard her quacking and our drake rasping for attention to get help. Awful :'(

 

[happyquacky]

That is really sweet. I’d say he’s thankful for company. You are one lucky duck to have such a wonderful Daddy! Any chance you could post a cute video?

I will try to post a video!

 

[stuka123]

It happened in the evening as I went to put them away for the night. They have a free-range area which is fenced off from the field and stream at the back of the garden but I think she had wriggled through a gap at the bottom of the fence and panicked as she couldn't find a way to get back under. The fox must've heard her quacking and our drake rasping for attention to get help. Awful :'(

So sorry. It will make me more cautious about my babies as it gets dark. They want to stay out later on these warm nights before going in their house and so far I’ve been lucky but I can’t allow that anymore. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Lil Drake40]

How’s dad an kids doing?

 

[1 true Phoenix]

So sorry. It will make me more cautious about my babies as it gets dark. They want to stay out later on these warm nights before going in their house and so far I’ve been lucky but I can’t allow that anymore. Thanks for sharing.

Foxes will hunt day or night... We've been trying to get the fox that keeps taking our chickens that free range... They are very crafty and smart.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I just saw a fox yesterday morning about 50-80 yards from where my poultry set up is. It was around 8:00 am. I don't think it is coincidence as I have never seen a fox so close to the house. I am thinking it has been going by because one of my chickens has been sounding an alarm cackle lately. Hopefully the electric wire is enough to deter it.

 

[arrowti]

I remember seeing a video once about a drake sitting on ducklings and keeping them warm... I'll try to find it since it was sweet. I'm glad your drake is looking after your ducklings and keeping them safe! I've found a motion detecting, bright outdoor light around the coop scares off a lot of curious predators at night and then makes them decide to go somewhere else. Even just going out at night if you're awake and shining a bright flashlight around the perimeter and walking around just to let them know there's a human on guard even at night.

Many predators (not all) will likely try to find an easier, safer place to catch food if there's too much human element.

 

[Lil Drake40]

Hopefully you electric wire is enough of a deterrent and