now only 9

[10ducks]

I lost one of my Khaki Campbell hens last night. I knew that if I let them free-range, I'd lose one from time to time, but after the first 9 weeks with no problems, I was unprepared, and I'm more upset than I thought I'd be. Poor duck!

The whole lot of them have been acting like unruly teenagers lately, feeling their adolescent oats. They've been staying out on the pond later and later into the evening. Last night they didn't come in when I first called, and when they finally came up from the pond long after full dark, they were all agitated and I knew something was wrong. Did the count and came up one short. I don't know what got her... probably a coyote; could have been a fox or a raccoon. This evening, they came up and demanded to be put away for the night just as soon as it started getting dark. Hopefully they will continue coming in early and I won't lose any more.

 

[DuckFanatic]

I'm so sorry for you loss!

 

[headred]

So sorry! Amazing how attached we get so quickly! Never thought that would happen with ducks.

 

[Cetawin]

I am sorry you lost one of your ducks. They sure ease into our hearts for sure.

 

[goosedragon]

Do you have a secure duck house? Whatever got your first duck will be back for more!

 

[10ducks]

Quote:
Yes, I have a nice secure duck house. I'm confident nothing can get them once they are in the coop for the night. The door are solid and I put a locking carabiner through the lock loops so raccoons can't open the doors. The windows are covered with heavy wire. Hopefully if I get them in there earlier that will help. I'm also going to make sure my dog stays out until the ducks are in... she's a good guardian when she's around, but she she was in the house sleeping when this happened.

 

[GrannySue]

I lost my light fawn drake yesterday. Early morning, around 9:30, so in broad daylight! I think it was a raccoon, maybe a hawk. I tried to find evidence but the place is overgrown with blackberries and it's hard to move around.
The ducks went through the fence to the empty wooded lot next door as they have been doing every day for the last week. I heard a great quacking noise, then 5 of the 6 came back through the fence, obviously upset.
The irony is that I was going to trade this particular drake back for a female but when i heard he was destined for the pot I offered to keep him.

 

[10ducks]

Oh, I'm so sorry!