Something killed my duck (GRAPHIC)

[Georgina Fritznoodle]

This morning when I went outside to take care of the animals, I noticed one of my ducks was missing. I started searching the coop and found her dead behind a dog crate in the run. It was very obvious that she had been killed by a predator of some sort. There is a 4-5 inch deep hole under the run. Any ideas on what could have done this? I think a raccoon might be too big to fit in a hole that size. could it have been a skunk maybe? Sorry about the big graphic picture. I would put a spoiler button but I'm not sure how.

Also, how should I fix the hole so I don't lose anymore ducks? If I were to just fill it in with dirt I assume the predator would just dig back under tonight. Here are some pictures of the hole under the run.

Outside the coop

Inside the coop

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Maybe use hardware cloth to cover it and the area around it. I would imagine a small raccoon could get under there or opossum? I wouldn't imagine it is a mink or weasel because they would take care of the whole flock.
So sad for your loss.

 

[Georgina Fritznoodle]

Maybe use hardware cloth to cover it and the area around it. I would imagine a small raccoon could get under there or opossum? I wouldn't imagine it is a mink or weasel because they would take care of the whole flock.
So sad for your loss.

Thanks. It was a pretty devastating discovery as she was my favorite duck. Okay, I think I will try the hardware cloth. I do see raccoons in my yard at night quite often, so I guess a small raccoon is a possibility. I have had this coop for 11 years and have never had a problem until last night.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

So sorry to hear that. A reminder that our birds might not ever be safe enough, but we do the best we can while they are with us.

 

[Howard E]

Or a large raccoon through a hole that size.

Your solution is to install an apron. Same wire as shown in the last photo, which looks to be 1" x 2" welded wire. Bend a short upright L into it.....about 3 inches or so will do...... and nail the short upright to the bottom board with fence staples. The long, heavy kind. The rest of it......the wire apron...... lay out flat on the ground and hold it down with landscape staples. About 2 feet or so out.

So next time they try to dig, they hit the wire and will be stopped cold.

 

[Georgina Fritznoodle]

Or a large raccoon through a hole that size.

Your solution is to install an apron. Same wire as shown in the last photo, which looks to be 1" x 2" welded wire. Bend a short upright L into it.....about 3 inches or so will do...... and nail the short upright to the bottom board with fence staples. The long, heavy kind. The rest of it......the wire apron...... lay out flat on the ground and hold it down with landscape staples. About 2 feet or so out.

So next time they try to dig, they hit the wire and will be stopped cold.

That sounds like a great idea! Thanks!