After the loss of Emerald a couple weeks ago I hoped and prayed my heart wouldn't have to deal with anymore loss... Sadly I woke up today to find that Slinky and Mr. Blue had lost their lives to another predator last night. Blitz has a huge wound on her chest and I don't think she'll survive... I wrapped her up but we might put her down later. It kills me to see her in pain... These animals always seem to take my favorite ducks... Slinky was the first duck I ever hatched and Mr. Blue had the most personality of any duck I've ever had. Here's Blue strutting his stuff. He was such a beautiful drake... I'm sorry I couldn't protect him... Here's Slinky as a first time mom this past spring. Zippy is going to really miss her... And here's Blitz, the second duck I hatched. She popped out right after Slinky. Please pray that she pulls through. If we lose her Zippy is going to be so heartbroken.. And lastly, here's Emerald and Jazzy. Poor Jazzy has been very down lately after loosing her best friend. Mr. Blue and Trooper are in the back. Blue has such a cute pose! What a great Valentine's day.
Soooo sorry! I wonder if maybe we could help you reduce your losses? I apologize if you've already been over this in another thread, but maybe if you post a thread about your set-up and asked for feedback on preventing further predator attacks, folks could help you with that. I lost my entire first flock to a fox, then I thought I'd fixed everything and lost most of my second flock (probably to the same fox), then I lost a few more to raccoons before finally managing to get my set-up completely predator-proof (as much as that's possible). I still have to check the perimeter's regularly to check for weaknesses. I probably would have perfected my set-up faster if I'd had help from the fine folks here. Anyway, hugs & best wishes. Losing them is always hard.
Thanks guys. =] iamcuriositycat: That would probably be a really good idea. I'll try to take some pictures of my set up later. We have a good idea of where the predator might have gotten in, but we have no idea where it could have gotten out. Thanks for the tip. I'll get on it!
I can't think of any words of comfort for you - you must be absolutely devasted! I am trying to type this out through my tears (difficult) and I pray that your injured one survives..... they are all incredibly pretty and it is so sad for you and for anyone who has ever lost any of their flock to predators Suzie
Have you tried patching up your survivor with super glue. I thought I was stupid for fixing up my duck with it but talked to a vet and he said that was its original purpose. Just make sure it's clean and disinfected and then glue the opening together. It's really pretty easy and I know it saved my duck.
Absolutly stunning birds. Such a great loss. I agree, perhapsyou could try supergluing her wound as I have seen some great results too. She will need a lot of attention and will benefit from your company and the sound of your voice. Make sure she is snuggly and with fresh, clean water. May I ask how the predator managed to get to them? I know how difficult it is to lose your little one to a predator - I lost my beloved Daisy last month
