What ate my duck? Could it be an owl?

[Trampledbygeese]

Something killed and ate most of my female Muscovy duck early last night.

It wasn't like a regular raccoon attack. Normally they rip off one leg and/or one wing, and eat the head and only a small amount of the body.

This one, both wings and the back were left, both legs were left (attached to each other) and little else. Very few feathers remained.

The female Muscovy ducks are not as large as the drakes, but they are still quite large. Even still, I know the local owls eat rabbits which are only a little smaller. Could an owl have done this? What ever ate it, did so on the ground.

Any thoughts on what might have done this and what steps I can take to protect the others?

 

[jeslewmazer]

Yes it could have been an owl. I live in MS and it is illegal to kill a bird of prey. I don't know if that is the same in some or all states. So, you could make sure everyone is locked up at night or make the owl (if that is what it is) disappear.

 

[rufus]

Owls usually pluck a lot of feathers off and eat the head. They make a real mess.

I think you have another predator. Keep the chickens locked up, Sprinkle flour around and then check the tracks.

Rufus