Predator problem

[Bunnytrailfarm]

I lost 6 ducks and 18 baby chicks this year. I was gone for a couple of hours on Memorial Day and found the adult ducks killed laying on the doorstep of their pen. Also all the chicks were dead inside their brooder with the lid thrown off the top of the brooder. I could not see any wounds on anything and there was no blood or feathers anywhere. The Barn and pens are are all triple fenced and have electric wire fence around the perimeter. Everyone I asked hasn’t had a clue. Luckily I found people that have helped out in replacing all birds. I still feel terrible and I am keeping the new chicks and ducklings in the garage. I got two geese to see if they will help guard the others in the future. Can anyone name a predator that would kill like that? Should I set out a live trap?

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I would definitely set the trap. I can't think of anything that would kill without leaving blood behind. Weasels kill for sport, but I'm sure they would leave blood behind.
Let us know if you find out what happened.

 

[knobhillfarm]

Definitely seems weird. No hints as to cause of death? No missing bodies? Maybe a constrictor snake that just suffocated them? Or human foul play?

 

[rjmyooper]

What area? We have Ermine (Weasel) that will kill for the blood.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Welcome to BYC! I’m so sorry about your losses! I’m not really sure what would kill like that. Maybe try posting a thread on the predators and pests forum.

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.
So sorry for your losses

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[swampfox440]

Hi welcome to BYC! It's best to know what you are setting a trap for, so you know what kind and how big of trap to set. Perhaps a trail camera or two would help, that way you can identify the perpetrator ahead of time. Pleased to meet you and thanks for joining us.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm so sorry for your losses