Need Advice

[MichaylaS]

I need some help. So recently my duck Juni had gotten attacked by a cat, so we took him to the vet and unfortunately, he had to be put down. This left me with 3 ducks, and although I suggested cautionary measures incase it happened again, I was blown off by my step dad. Then a second duck Ivy dissapeared and I once again suggest chicken wire to be aligned along the woods in the back of our house. I was once again blown off. Now the 3rd duck has gone missing and I just feel really guilty. I was relying on my step dad to guarantee their safety while I took care of their food, treats, pen, etc. Now I'm left with only 1 duck and I dont know what to do since i dont want her to be lonely. I just feel so bad about everything that's happened and I don't want to give her away, but I feel it's the better thing to do. I love my birds so much but I dont want what happened to them to happen to my other duck. I can't do anything like put up a fence in the backyard because I'm so young, but I feel it's just cruel to only keep 1 duck since they're such sociable animals. I feel like their deaths are my fault because I didn't ask my stepdad to do something enough. I just need some advice as to whether I should keep her or give her to a different family.

 

[Pierre duck drake]

I need some help. So recently my duck Juni had gotten attacked by a cat, so we took him to the vet and unfortunately, he had to be put down. This left me with 3 ducks, and although I suggested cautionary measures incase it happened again, I was blown off by my step dad. Then a second duck Ivy dissapeared and I once again suggest chicken wire to be aligned along the woods in the back of our house. I was once again blown off. Now the 3rd duck has gone missing and I just feel really guilty. I was relying on my step dad to guarantee their safety while I took care of their food, treats, pen, etc. Now I'm left with only 1 duck and I dont know what to do since i dont want her to be lonely. I just feel so bad about everything that's happened and I don't want to give her away, but I feel it's the better thing to do. I love my birds so much but I dont want what happened to them to happen to my other duck. I can't do anything like put up a fence in the backyard because I'm so young, but I feel it's just cruel to only keep 1 duck since they're such sociable animals. I feel like their deaths are my fault because I didn't ask my stepdad to do something enough. I just need some advice as to whether I should keep her or give her to a different family.

Really all you can do is get her a duck friend! To keep the pen safer, DO NOT use chicken wire. Use fabric wire. Chicken wire is not predator proof. It is NOT your fault, everyone has lost their ducks or chickens! I am selling a khaki Campbell rouen mix hen, I could ship her to you! But I'm in Washington.

 

[ruthhope]

I need some help. So recently my duck Juni had gotten attacked by a cat, so we took him to the vet and unfortunately, he had to be put down. This left me with 3 ducks, and although I suggested cautionary measures incase it happened again, I was blown off by my step dad. Then a second duck Ivy dissapeared and I once again suggest chicken wire to be aligned along the woods in the back of our house. I was once again blown off. Now the 3rd duck has gone missing and I just feel really guilty. I was relying on my step dad to guarantee their safety while I took care of their food, treats, pen, etc. Now I'm left with only 1 duck and I dont know what to do since i dont want her to be lonely. I just feel so bad about everything that's happened and I don't want to give her away, but I feel it's the better thing to do. I love my birds so much but I dont want what happened to them to happen to my other duck. I can't do anything like put up a fence in the backyard because I'm so young, but I feel it's just cruel to only keep 1 duck since they're such sociable animals. I feel like their deaths are my fault because I didn't ask my stepdad to do something enough. I just need some advice as to whether I should keep her or give her to a different family.

Michaylas I feel your pain and I recognize your desire to do the best for your remaining duck. You will be able to have ducks in the future when you are in a position to protect them from predators, as you know they need.

You might be able to rehome your duck locally where you will be able to visit her occasuonally.

I would try and find an animal rehabber or rehab organization as they have lots of local contacts. Emphasize that your duck is a pet and needs to go to a caring home that has backyard ducks. Or try the local chapter of the Humane Society or the ASPCA.

There are social media routes to rehoming too, but you would need your parents to advertise on social media: it is not safe for you to do that.

What state are you in?

 

[Quatie]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your ducks. It is always hard to lose a duck. This is not your fault. You did the right thing. You informed your step father about needing to protect the ducks. He should have been a responsible duck owner and seen clearly that they need more protection as they were being taken. Even if you were caring for these ducks, they are ultimately his responsibility.

If your step father is unwilling to protect the ducks, it is best to rehome the duck and not get anymore. I am very impressed by how mature you are. Many adults would have a hard time coming to these conclusions.

 

[Pierre duck drake]

I'm so sorry you lost your ducks. Ducks are great animals, you did everything you could for your ducks. And they knew that that were loved and well cared for. It is NOT your fault, AT ALL. Everyone loses ducks somtimes.

 

[WoDia]

Is there anyone else living close to you that can possibly help you with putting up a safe run for your duck? Otherwise, I think the others are right…. you should rehome your remaining duck as quick as possible. I understand that you love your ducks and want to have them there to care for, but your single duck will also fall prey to whatever predator is doing this. A good idea is to give your duck to someone living close by, if at all possible. This way, you can still help take care of your duck, but it will also be living in safe conditions. I do hope that you can figure out what to do before something happens to your last duck. Good Wishes.