Name that predator...

[dishfickle]

We have a pen that is comprised of hardware cloth on all sides and bottom, not the top (I know). Something got one of our runner ducks tonight. Back of the head and neck all torn up. It didn't make it. We had a mink once, and it looked different. Raccoon? Walls are 12ft

 

[SilverBirds]

Do you have pictures of the bodies and or the fencing? Where are you located? How many runners do you have?

 

[Izzy and the ducks]

It

We have a pen that is comprised of hardware cloth on all sides and bottom, not the top (I know). Something got one of our runner ducks tonight. Back of the head and neck all torn up. It didn't make it. We had a mink once, and it looked different. Raccoon? Walls are 12ft

It may be a coyote that got in somehow depending on where you live. I do not think a Raccoon would go after the ducks (I know this wasn’t that helpful but from my experience with chickens that’s my best guess)

 

[Miss Lydia]

OH yes a raccoon will def go after ducks. I doubt a coyote could climb a 12-foot fence of hardware cloth

 

[SilverBirds]

OH yes a raccoon will def go after ducks. I doubt a coyote could climb a 12-foot fence of hardware cloth

Agreed. Thinking raccoon or opossum.

 

[Izzy and the ducks]

OH yes a raccoon will def go after ducks. I doubt a coyote could climb a 12-foot fence of hardware cloth

Oh that’s actually good to know about the raccoons thanks! Umm I’m not sure what else could have done that:/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Raccoons are awful predators and if given the chance will stick their arms through fencing and try and drag a duck out through the fencing which is an awful gruesome way to die. Never underestimate a predator.

 

[SilverBirds]

Raccoons are awful predators and if given the chance will stick their arms through fencing and try and drag a duck out through the fencing which is an awful gruesome way to die. Never underestimate a predator.

Yes, it's very sad. Happened to two of my silkie chicks. Went outside to find a foot and head on the outside of the coop and the main body inside the coop.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Raccoons are awful. Coyotes just take them away to eat.

 

[dishfickle]

Do you have pictures of the bodies and or the fencing? Where are you located? How many runners do you have?

Yeah, it was a raccoon. Empty egg shells, and the neighbor saw one. We got a roof on it