New coop....new predators...

[aboyer116]

We built a nice duck house last year with a door for us that locks, and a ramps for the ducks that we close up at night. The ducks have a large fenced in area with pool and some small structures. We have a pond about 30 feet away in a wooded area. Over the last week and a half, we have "lost 4 ducks- 1 female and 3 males that were used to roaming prior to the new duck house. The disappearances take place during the day or near dusk. We are wondering what it could be. We have found no signs of a struggle, feathers, or other clues...odd footprints. We have two dogs that we walk through the woods that I am sure predators would get their scent. The only protection we have against predators are the house, fence, doors, and a motion lights. Any suggestions to up our security? Oh...we have nine adult ducks at present and nine in the house. They will go out sometime at the end of May.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC and sorry about your losses. Can you tell us where you live and post pictures of your setup?

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.


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[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome! I hope you enjoy BYC as much as we do!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens and Ducks I am so sorry for you loss

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens

 

[Leahs Coop]

Hello and So glad you joined us! Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do and I'm so sorry about your losses!

 

[centrarchid]

Can you post pictures of dead birds as you found them. Predator ID can be important, especially is you need to selectively target coop upgrades to control cost.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your losses

If there are no feathers then its big like a coyote or a fox, whom are large enough to carry a duck off. Something big enough to carry the body off to eat in peace. If you search around the property you will find a pile of feathers. I usually would find my hens (and ducks when we had them) anywhere from 30ft-30 yards from the barn. Also both of these animals are opportunists and WILL continue to come back (every day or night-if possible) for another duck.

Good Luck!

 

[50-45-1]

So the ducks are disapearing during daylight hours, inside a fence.
No body or feathers to be found.
What kind if fence? Adding elecric hot lines may be the best bet.
Sounds like a 4 legged critter big enough to take the body away, but if its big how is it getting thru your fencing?