Predators of ducks

[Duckmom246]

I had 4 beautiful ducks. One Pekin, one silver apple yard and two anconas. These wonderful ducks brought so much joy to my life. My husband and I loved taking care of them. Three days ago I went out with my daughter. I was gone for about 45 minutes. The ducks were in the fenced yard like they always are during the day. My husband called me saying that the ducks were dead. I rushed home. There were feathers all over the yard. All four ducks were in their house. Three were dead and one was still alive. She died 2 days later. Their backs had been shredded. I’m heartbroken! My daughter thinks it was a weasel.
Would it help if we had let the dog stay with them in the yard?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Sounds like a hawk.
The dog might be able to prevent an attack, but you have to be 100% sure it will not go after your birds even playing with them can be detrimental.
Sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking to lose such sweet animals.

 

[sourland]

sorry for your loss. A dog may have helped, but can't be on guard 100% of the time. It's so difficult to determine the actual predator.

 

[Duckmom246]

Thank you.

 

[Duckmom246]

Sounds like a hawk.
The dog might be able to prevent an attack, but you have to be 100% sure it will not go after your birds even playing with them can be detrimental.
Sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking to lose such sweet animals.

Thank you. I feel very sad. My dog wouldn’t hurt the ducks. She’s an old girl but full of spunk. She barks at everything.

 

[cmom]

It could be most any predator. My suggestion would be to put up a camera if you have one because the predator will be back and then you will know for sure what you're dealing with and then can form a plan on dealing with it. I love my cameras. Good luck...

 

[Duckmom246]

Great suggestion. Thank you