What to do with one duck left?

[Gracenotes]

We live in town, and have pampered, played with, and loved two large white pekin ducks for over 2 years. Yesterday two foxes (never saw foxes in town before) got one of them. We used my son’s bb-gun and chased them away but I know they will come back now that they found a food source. What do I do with my lone duck? She will be horribly lonely and also needs her companion to keep warm. We use a heat lamp and dog kennel at night, but during the day - funny as this sounds - they are “yard trained” so they know the property line and she is used to wondering about. I’m afraid she will travel the town looking for her mate if I let her out.... I feel so sad for her and I don’t know what to do.
- well she isn’t traveling the town. She seems to know he is gone. She just sits on our steps by the door looking sad and lonely.

 

[Quatie]

Sorry for your loss.

There are two options. You can get her one or two more companions so she is no longer lonely. I would recommend 2 females if you have the space. Or you rehome her with someone else who has ducks so she won't be lonely. Ducks are really social animals and don't do well alone. Until spend as much time as you can with her. A stuffed animal and a bird mirror may help as well.

If you are going to get more ducks, you will want predator proof the area the best you can. A lot of people build a covered run. Otherwise, that is the risk of having your ducks not in a covered area.

 

[neo71665]

If you can't find some buddies I'd rehome or cut your losses and butcher.

 

[Gracenotes]

Sorry for your loss.

There are two options. You can get her one or two more companions so she is no longer lonely. I would recommend 2 females if you have the space. Or you rehome her with someone else who has ducks so she won't be lonely. Ducks are really social animals and don't do well alone. Until spend as much time as you can with her. A stuffed animal and a bird mirror may help as well.

If you are going to get more ducks, you will want predator proof the area the best you can. A lot of people build a covered run. Otherwise, that is the risk of having your ducks not in a covered area.

We have a nice enclosure for them. A spacious run, and also a complete enclosure with roof within that run. The MN winter isn’t kind though and I can’t open and close their enclosure during the winter. There is no keeping up with snow once it comes, and it builds up do quickly it blocks and freezes the door. Both last winter and this, we ended up building them a hay bale shelter with a dog house inside and turn a heat lamp on when it gets below zero. Being in town, I never have had an issue until yesterday.

 

[Quatie]

We have a nice enclosure for them. A spacious run, and also a complete enclosure with roof within that run. The MN winter isn’t kind though and I can’t open and close their enclosure during the winter. There is no keeping up with snow once it comes, and it builds up do quickly it blocks and freezes the door. Both last winter and this, we ended up building them a hay bale shelter with a dog house inside and turn a heat lamp on when it gets below zero. Being in town, I never have had an issue until yesterday.

There are a lot of people here who deal with snow as well. They may have suggestions on ways they deal with the snow. I think some people just shovel around the their doors to open them, but I know it can be quite a bit to shovel depending on where you live. I would get some ideas from people and this spring or summer you may have a better game plan for the winter.

Unfortunately anytime you leave them out like that, it is possible to loose a bird. I dont have a covered area and accept the risks because my ducks love to forage. I have my dogs out with my ducks to act as a deterrent, but not everyone can do that. But others use electric fencing, which can have issues in snowy areas. Sometimes just a simple fence can help even without cover. My neighbors birds are constantly get eaten by dogs and foxes, but they don't confine them to the property. I am sorry it happened. It always sucks to lose an animal.

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. The fox will be back and will lurk for another opportunity when you least expect it and you may never see it.