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What would kill a Pekin Duck without eating it2007-11-24 17:17:36

I think it might be a weasel but I've never seen any around.

The Ducks head or neck was not touched but its guts we're pulled out and chewed up.(sorry so graphic but I thought it might help. Coyotes are around but I figured they would eat all of it or take it with them.

Any suggestions on how to help protect them besides a dog and fenced in pen?

Thanks

Answers:

Dogs usually kill for the fun of it and don't eat their prey. And, they will maim the whole flock at once.

Have you got any opposums in your area? They usually badly maul the birds. Coyotes are possibly the culprit depending on how far away the duck was found. They, along with the fox, will sometimes hide or bury their prey and get it later. I would suspect a hawk. The Pekin is too large for a hawk to carry away. Hence it would be eaten pretty close to the original place of killing. And they just love the gut first. Same with owls. Now, is it possible the duck died a natural death out in the open? Then suspect Turkey Vultures. It all depends on where you live and under what circumstance the living arrangements were for the ducks. And, where you found it. It it was a weasel - check the head and neck for tiny teeth marks. You need to start thinking about providing a safer environment for your ducks.

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This has happened to me before, it was a raccoon, they will eat the head and usually leave the rest of the body alone, sorry but I'm not sure how to stop it, they are smart animals and find ways to get what they want, the racoon only killed one and never came back, I put my dogs outside after it happened and they scared it away

good luck and hope you don't loose anymore ducks

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A dog probley killed the duck. domestic dogs don't loose their hunting instinct and will kill when not hungry

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Could have been a raccoon.

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dogs ,racoons ,foxes ,humans sickness.