The Duck Thread

[Miss Lydia]

Coyotes came in last night a killed 4 of my muscovies. My big drake, a 1yr old white hen and 2 dark 4 month old hens. The risks of free ranging. Tonight the rodeo starts. Everyone in at dark. Should be interesting. The ducks love sleeping in the yard





Quote:
Originally Posted by Ren2014


So sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you

Good luck getting them all rounded up and locked up tight tonight.

X2!! and even though they like to sleep in the yard as you have found out that isn't the safest place for them at night, free ranging during the day is one thing but being a sitting duck at night is another. Very sorry for your losses.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Coyotes came in last night a killed 4 of my muscovies. My big drake, a 1yr old white hen and 2 dark 4 month old hens. The risks of free ranging. Tonight the rodeo starts. Everyone in at dark. Should be interesting. The ducks love sleeping in the yard

I'm very sorry for your loss. Like others here have said, it's not a good idea to keep them out at night regardless what they like. It's really very much like caring for human toddlers who never grow up. You have to make decisions for them because you really do know what's best for them more than they do.

 

[Julie Birb]

Coyotes came in last night a killed 4 of my muscovies. My big drake, a 1yr old white hen and 2 dark 4 month old hens. The risks of free ranging. Tonight the rodeo starts. Everyone in at dark. Should be interesting. The ducks love sleeping in the yard

Oh so sorry. That is sad. I am glad you are taking the others in at night now.

 

[duckies1230]

Yes, hop on top, especially with young ducks, can force eggs out early - before they have a shell.  At least, I think that's what happens, because we saw a bit of that when our all girl flock came of age.

Thanks for the help. I believe you helped ren2014 too even though I can't speak for other people yet I feel better knowing this is not that abnormal. You should feel special knowing I have now added you to my list of ppl I come to for help/advice. Lol. Which is quite often just to warn you!!!!

 

[Amiga]

I am happy to help as I am able (c:

BYC folks have helped me innumerable times over the years.

 

[RedIII]

Coyotes came in last night a killed 4 of my muscovies. My big drake, a 1yr old white hen and 2 dark 4 month old hens. The risks of free ranging. Tonight the rodeo starts. Everyone in at dark. Should be interesting. The ducks love sleeping in the yard

Oh no! So sorry Everyone's gotta eat, but dang predators!

 

[duckies1230]

Since Lily layed the shell less egg yesterday, she hasn't laid another one. As I said, I've only had her for almost 2 weeks but she lays every morning like clockwork. And I haven't seen her sitting on her nest today but she has her eggs covered up with straw since she's not in there. Think she's OK?

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Since Lily layed the shell less egg yesterday, she hasn't laid another one. As I said, I've only had her for almost 2 weeks but she lays every morning like clockwork. And I haven't seen her sitting on her nest today but she has her eggs covered up with straw since she's not in there. Think she's OK?

I don't think I'd be too worried about a single day, especially since she laid one in addition to the soft one yesterday. Pekins are good egg producers, but they typically don't lay every single day year-round anyway. I might be getting a little concerned if she doesn't lay again by Saturday, but not right now if she seems okay otherwise.

 

[Lynn Manes]

Congratulations! I wouldn't have had my hopes up at this point, but I'm very happy for you!

x2

 

[magicdave]

Oh no! So sorry Everyone's gotta eat, but dang predators!

Muscovie females like to roost high and normally are good flyers. The makes get too heavy to fly. Build them a roost high enough that the coyotes can't reach them.