Problem Otter

[Ulsta Dyook Wife]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get rid of an otter?

An otter has taken 5 of my 11 free range ducks. At the point it had taken 3 I locked the ducks up in their run/house compound. The otter then dug under the wire and has taken 2 more. The run was partially bricked up at the bottom so I have put a further layer of rabbit wire around the run and put stones on the top of the wire, and put large heavy stones all the way around the outside. The otter has been there this morning however has not succeeded.

Any ideas of how to get rid of it? I am hoping it will get fed up and go away and eat fish again. I had this problem from January-March this year. We locked the ducks up for nearly 6 weeks then let them out and had no problems - until now again 6 months later, as the winter is setting in.

We cannot keep our ducks long term in the run as it is far too muddy at this time of year. I've got a loan of a pump to pump out the water to make it drier and am letting the ducks out into the stream to wash at present.

All ideas gratefully welcomed 03

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Wow, you poor thing, to have a problem with an otter! What a dilemma.
It sounds like you have done everything possible to keep your ducks safe, and it is very hard work to keep them in muddy conditions and distressing for you too. Are they safe during the daytime? Or does the otter come at all hours? Have you considered an electric fence?
zo
x

 

[tygrysek75]

I think your only option is to trap it alive and relocate.Maybe you should contact RCPCA,I think otters are under protection.This is very hard,so sorry for your loss.

 

[Ulsta Dyook Wife]

Thanks for your posts. Yes I was starting to think about an electric fence, although unsure where to get one from but I might be able to get one second hand. That of course would only be of use when the ducks are locked in, and I plan to let them out.

As far as I can gather the otter hasn't been at the duck house for 7 days now, it was here last Wednesday but didn't get in thankfully. Its still too early to let the Ducks loose, but I did have them out Sunday afternoon for 3 hours and they were so happy. The otter seems to come anytime. I'm hoping it has gone away, but can't be sure yet. I even have a fox alarm set up, although not sure whether that bothers otters or not.

It is illegal to even try and trap an otter, never mind trap and relocate. They have been protected so long now the place is completely overrun with them - to the point its nearly getting impossible to keep wildfowl.

Not happy!