What predator did this?

[FlightsofFancy]

We had a mass slaughter of our 4 month old muckovy ducklings last night. Over half of the 12 are dead, very messy but not consumed. Just ripped their heads off....What kind of predator would kill but not eat them?

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Raccoons are notorious for removing heads from poulty as are dogs. Both types of predators (Coons and Dogs) will kill just for fun and not eat everything they kill.

Where were your ducks? If they were penned up, how much damage was done to the run/coop? It might help us narrow it down.

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Yes, I have heard/read that coons and skunks will kill and leave bodies behind. Sorry about your loss and I hope you can rid yourself of whatever did such awful damage.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

Thank you.....I posted for a friend so I am limited on the details right now as she is cleaning up the survivors.
This is what I do know....the animal knocked down a board that was at the bottom of the pen (don't know what size). The pen is open at the top and only 4 foot high. It chased and killed all of the light colored ducklings by ripping off their heads. It seems like the darker ducks came out uninjured. Most of the injuries on the surviors are on their heads and beaks. It is a very messy scene with blood splattered quite far.
This leads me to believe we are not dealing with an Owl, but possibly a weasle or raccoon.
What do you think?
Will a raccoon or weasel come back the next night?

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Quote:
Then I would say raccoon based on the entry point being high up. A weasel would not have removed the ducks heads. Yes it is a safe bet that the raccoon will be back, if not tonight than very soon. Secure the boards and put out a trap using one of the dead ducklings as bait. Then either kill it or have Animal control come out and remove it.

 

[clyde]

Weasel. They enjoy cutting the throat of chickens ducks swans etc.

Anyone know anything about weasel control?

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Coons.

I hate those little buggers

 

[cjs]

Same thing happened to my dad two nights ago, first night it killed 5 and the next night it struck again taking 2 more. Whatever it is can fit through about 3" by 3" hole in latis fencing and is only taking the heads. It is possible that it is crawling over the fence but we don't know. I put the survivers in with my girls (After Dark) but they are getting beat up in there. Don't know what to do about that yet. Good luck getting your predator, if we get ours, I'll let ya know.