Sad day. Foxes got all our ducks and my son is heart-broken

[Quack Shack]

Foxes got into the bird yard and killed everything that couldn't fly away. Hard lesson to learn but my son now knows that when it's your job to pen up the birds for the night, then do it correctly and consistently. He awoke this morning to our beloved ducks scattered around the yard, dead. His favorte was still barely alive and passed as he petted him good-bye. I miss the eggs but the site of my kid crying was harder than picking up the ducks.

I found a lowpoint in the fence where they CLIMBED over. I didn't know the buggers could climb. Today dad and I are installing barbed wire on the exterior fence and I'm buying a airshot rifle (we live in the city limits so not firing bullets at my neighbors). My son promises to secure the inner fence from here on. Sad day when reality bites.

 

[quail newbie]

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I've got a doz eggs right now that I could send you if you want them, they are ancana ducks. If you have a 'bator or a broody, I just have a hard time with sad childern plus its a hard lesson to learn.

 

[Quack Shack]

That's beyond sweet. Thanks for the hugs and the offer. We had Rouens and Crested pekin ducks and they got along wonderfully with our chixs. I think he's willing to love again. The crests were only 3 months old and he had raised them from a week old. We are framing a special pic of them tonight for his room.

 

[farrier!]

So sorry, wish you were closer.....we have one young duck that could use a loving hme.

to you and your son.

 

[Quack Shack]

Awww, when he comes back in from patrolling the exterior fence, again, I'm going to let him read this thread. Nice to know there are others out there (even big folks!) that love their birds, too.

 

[Cetawin]

Oh gosh I am so so sorry your son had to find that.

A word of warning about airsoft rifles and foxes....the foxes ignore them. Get a BB gun. Okay in the city I am fairly sure (check with yours) and if need be, you can kill a fox with it. You are going to spend the same money either way.

I shot a fox here with hubby's airsoft rifle...unloaded about 50 rounds at the fox...he just ran out of range and came right back. So, I killed him with the next shot from a ral rifle.

 

[tia]

I'm so sorry.... My heart goes out to you.

Tia

 

[Judy]

Foxes can also jump a fairly high fence. So sorry.

 

[jmc]

Very sorry.

Yes, if the birdies aren't locked into a predator proof coop or pen/cage at night, surrounded by openings no larger than 1/2",

eventually they will be killed.