Two more dead - failing management

[PheasantCreekFarm]

Hello- I was the one that lost my baby Rouen. Got up early around 4:30 am to check on them in the den and was missing one- Another duckling dead at 45 days of age (this time a Khaki Campbell) Got out of the holding area. Then when I went out to care for my November ducks a predator had gotten my poor Lily. I had separated her from the four drakes and put her by herself as the back of her head was missing feathers from them bothering her. Thought I was giving her a nice break and sealed the enclosure but a predator came through and broke in. Knowing predators come back I kept a close eye on my drakes and moved them- Saw a possible raccoon tracks but no there’s a possum out there and don’t believe a possum would necessarily attack like that. Set a live trap tonight with the baby duckling as bait and went out about an hour later and that trap was set off and moved but nothing caught.

 

[21hens-incharge]

That is horrible.

Tie your bait down. Not easy but helps.

 

[CrystaBub]

You are having just a horrible time of it - I'm so sorry for your losses.. Why did the baby Rouen and KC die? I hope you can keep your other babies safe from that predator....

 

[DuckyDonna]

So sad for you! What a horrible thing to face at any time and even worse so close together. I sure hope you get that predator quickly!

 

[PheasantCreekFarm]

Why did the baby Rouen and KC die?
Answer: Unsure of cause. Lil’ Jo Jo got out at least three times that day and was just sitting up by herself and so when I went to bed I ensured she couldn’t escape. Found her in the pen with her head in a water mug that was tipped on its side amongst the others. The one at 4:30 this A.M. was outside the pen kind of in a niche near the heat lamp. All babies inside- November drakes left in the carriage house in secure duck coop.