WHO KILLED DAISY???? (Graphic photo)

[vivaciouswoman]

Last night was a NIGHTMARE! We've had poultry for 3 years, and with the exception of the occasional hawk flyby, we have NEVER ONCE had a problem with predators.

Then last night I caught 2 opossums (opossi?) in the chicken run. Luckily, they had not yet gotten into the coop. It was right at dusk. We took care of that problem.

But then, at 4:00 am, we were awakened by the most horrible scream from one of our ducks. I ran for a flashlight, threw open the window, but couldn't see anything other than 2 of my 3 ducks. This morning, I found her: Daisy, carried about 50 feet from her duck house. Neck broken and bloodied and eviscerated. See below. *sob* Her mate, Donald, is wandering around like he's lost today.

What critter did this? The ducks were *not* behind a gate last night simply because of the opossum ordeal. All in one freakin' night! But what should we expect to be revisiting us tonight? Please help us so we can put the appropriate trap in place!

 

[vivaciouswoman]

Yes, the following are common around here: opossums, racoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks.

 

[lazy gardener]

First guess, coon. So sorry.

 

[vivaciouswoman]

First guess, coon. So sorry.

Thank you! Every piece of feedback helps us prepare for tonight.

 

[RodNTN]

So sorry Hope you catch whatever did this

 

[Table4Six]

My suggestion is to set a trap and capture the predator. Then relocate it to place far away from you birds so it can never come back. I am so sorry for your loss. Poor Donald.

 

[lazy gardener]

My suggestion is to set a trap and capture the predator. Then relocate it to place far away from you birds so it can never come back. I am so sorry for your loss. Poor Donald.

In most areas it is illegal to relocate a trapped animal to someone else's property without land owner permission. As a matter of fact, in most areas it is illegal to TRANSPORT trapped animals off your property. If you trap it, you must either let it go on your property, or kill it humanely.

Please don't ever live trap an animal unless you intend to kill it.

 

[poultry person]

I'm so sorry for your loss!I'm not exactly sure what killed her though. And I thought seeing a deer head on the ground was bad!

 

[BYC910]

Possoms you have more

 

[Nuffy]

Possoms you have more

Possums typically break the neck of a victim. Easy to trap and SSS. I dispatch when I see them, I have horses and they carry a protozoal that causes real problems. By the way they will eat each other, so that makes it easier for me. Nasty animals.