Predator attack. Please help - who did it??

[HuffleClaw]

Last night something came and killed one of my ducks. Approximately 10 weeks old and a good size, basically the same size as the adult ducks.
I came out to check on everything and see this

***Graphic***

The worst part is - I always put a piece of wood over that side at night because the wire is so big... the one day I forgot, this happens.

We have just about every predator in Alabama... What creature did this?

If more information is needed, I will gladly provide.

 

[Painted Calls]

I obviously can't say for sure, but the way he's pulled through the fence looks like something a racoon would do with their grabby little hands. If you can, purchase a game cam and set it up facing that particular area. I guarantee the predator will return.

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[cmom]

My suggestion would also be, if you have a game camera put it up. The predator will be back and then you will know what is lurking. Good luck...

 

[HuffleClaw]

I do have a game camera. I will set it up. I really don’t want to risk my other ducks so could I move them to a safer area? Or would that defeat the purpose?

 

[rjohns39]

So sorry Kayla I vote coon as well.

 

[Painted Calls]

I do have a game camera. I will set it up. I really don’t want to risk my other ducks so could I move them to a safer area? Or would that defeat the purpose?

If you have a safer area, it wouldn't be a bad idea for them to sleep there. Odds are, the predator will return to that spot regardless of if your ducks are still there. Last the predator knew is that he got a free meal from that spot. He wouldn't know the ducks are gone immediately.

I would definitely put up a permanent solid blockade there from now on though. Unless that's an access point for you of course. In that case I'd cover it with hardware cloth and make sure the ducks don't sleep against it.

 

[ChickenLover08100]

im sorry. i think racoon

 

[Miss Lydia]

Raccoon!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I do have a game camera. I will set it up. I really don’t want to risk my other ducks so could I move them to a safer area? Or would that defeat the purpose?

Yes of course move them to a safer location. What purpose would you be defeating?

 

[HuffleClaw]

If you have a safer area, it wouldn't be a bad idea for them to sleep there. Odds are, the predator will return to that spot regardless of if your ducks are still there. Last the predator knew is that he got a free meal from that spot. He wouldn't know the ducks are gone immediately.

I would definitely put up a permanent solid blockade there from now on though. Unless that's an access point for you of course. In that case I'd cover it with hardware cloth and make sure the ducks don't sleep against it.

Thank you so much