Predator attacked Duck

[HomesteaderWife]

@BigTexChick - If you set a live trap, a little can towards the back with a bit of cat food (canned or dry) or canned fish will usually take care of raccoon and possum. Make a little trail of the canned juice out the trap to get the smell. We had to help some folks trap when their chickens got attacked, and this is a simple way to go about it. Another way is whole/cracked corn.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

@BigTexChick - If you set a live trap, a little can towards the back with a bit of cat food (canned or dry) or canned fish will usually take care of raccoon and possum. Make a little trail of the canned juice out the trap to get the smell. We had to help some folks trap when their chickens got attacked, and this is a simple way to go about it. Another way is whole/cracked corn.

We got a skunk that way that killed my duck and sprayed my dog who was protecting my duck...

 

[BigTexChick]

Everybody was free ranging when the attack occurred and I’ll keep them locked up for a while. The chickens alerted to a predator this morning at 3:10 a.m. so I know we still have a row to hoe. I’m confident in the chicken coop. Do the ducks need the same level of security? I have assumed that they just needed protection from dogs. They are in a 8’ x 8’ x 8’ dog kennel with chicken wire on top and hay bales for wind protection.

I think this is scat from the culprit. There are piles of feathers where I lost the other birds and drag marks in another spot away from the feathers.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Hmm, that’s some odd scat. Hoping someone can weigh in and identify as I don’t recognize it to be fox/coyote/possum/or raccoon

 

[aart]

. Do the ducks need the same level of security?

Absolutely.

I think this is scat from the culprit.

I'd guess raccoon...doesn't really matter, get the enclosure tightened up.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hardware cloth around top and at least 3’ up the sides and if there is a space at the gate wider than 3/4” best fix that too. Mink an weasel can get through 1” openings and chicken wire only keeps birds in nothing out. What ever is out there will keep coming and looking for breaches. Sad part is if you get this one there will be more and also make sure nothing can dig under. A skirt out a from the bottom of the pen at least A foot or more. I’d try the predator forum for help on identifying that skat. Hope your boy continues to heal and feel good again.

 

[BigTexChick]

Does anybody ever have trouble getting their ducks to move out after they’ve been spoiled like this?

The injured guy is on the left and he’s doing much better each day. We’re making plans to bring them when we travel to family this week for Thanksgiving. I can’t thank y’all enough for your encouragement!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think you have permanent house ducks I bet they will be the life of the party! So happy to see and hear he is doing so well!!

 

[Eggcessive]

LOL! If there are kids where you are foing for Thanksgiving, they will be entertained for sure.

 

[BigTexChick]

I failed to mention both ducks are having green watery poop since the attack. Could this be from the electrolyte solution they were on? Is there anything I can do to clear that up? They are now on solid (normal) food, some English peas and water + ACV.