So during our usual free range time, "something" killed one of our ducks. Everyone was out: a full grown turkey, 6 chickens, and 2 other ducks. The poor duck who was taken did have a slight limp. (she was actually quite bad about a month ago, I had her in one of those portable chicken squares that I moved around to different places 2x a day) I would of put her back in if I thought she was too slow.
It just bothers me to no end to know WHAT it was that killed her?!! I guess everyone must think this when this happens to a bird in their flock? (this is obviously our first!) They are in a fully fenced off yard to themselves. It's probably 3/4 open 1/4 sheltered with trees. They have a really big coop that has a full roof on it (about 30' x 10'), and she was found in the fenced off part, behind the coop, in the sheltered part of the yard. She was completely gutted, only her head, spine, feet and feathers were left.
We do have neighbors with huge cats that I've seen lurking on our property, but they usually will run if they see me. We also have eagles and hawks that will fly over. This duck didn't have much going for her. She probably was slower due to the limp, and she WAS white! Such a beautiful crested swedish blue!! Ugh. Any of those are probably going to come back for seconds, huh? Do birds of prey eat their kill on the ground?? There are coyotes, possums, and raccoons too, but I've not ever seen much of them during the day. (totally daytime!!) I'm totally thinking cat or bird? What do you all think??
Yep. No one is free now. Even the poor turkey. I'll be darned if something wild gets to eat her!! That's thanksgiving!!! Ohh... it just makes me mad!!!
