Mysterious Duck Deaths

[Pekin1999]

This morning I went out to check on my two ducks the Pekin and the Mallard and the first thing I noticed was that the Pekin was all alone so I looked and the Pekin was covered in scratches then I found one single spot of feathers and blood, then I looked again and under the propane tank a couple yards away I found my Mallard and its head was ripped off and I can't find the head. What animal would do this???? And why under the propane tank, and where's the head????

 

[casportpony]

This morning I went out to check on my two ducks the Pekin and the Mallard and the first thing I noticed was that the Pekin was all alone so I looked and the Pekin was covered in scratches then I found one single spot of feathers and blood, then I looked again and under the propane tank a couple yards away I found my Mallard and its head was ripped off and I can't find the head. What animal would do this???? And why under the propane tank, and where's the head????

A skunk might.

-Kathy

 

[thomasboyle]

Very sorry for your loss. I have Pekins and Mallards, and have lost a number to predators. You didn't say where you live, but weasels are notorious for killing and taking the heads. Could the mallard have run under the propane tank, and been attacked there? What type of shelter were they in? You will want to find how the predator got in, as now that it has found a food source, it will be back. If you are near CT, I have two male mallards I am looking to re-home for free. They don't get along with my other 6 mallards, and it would restore order in my flock to find them a new home!

 

[cppeace]

Yeah I'd say raccoon or weasle. They like to eat the heads I guess cause they often just take the head or a little shoulder meat too.