what killed my ducks

[runningbeat]

Every morning I let my ducks out. I have had coyates take my ducks before. We fenced in most of our yard and have had no problem since, plus we have 2 large dogs. We live in the mountains in British Columbia. I have had hawks come and kill chickens before. The hawks will take their head off, a coyate just takes off with the ducks.
So I had my dogs in the house. It happened at about 10am. daylight. I find one duck in the pen (door was open as I had let them out), the other duck was also dead outside the pen about 20 feet away. Not one feather was out of place, I carefully looked the duck over, could find nothing. I carefully checked the necks, but they seemed fine. By the way, if a ducks neck is broken, can you feel it? My ducks are adults.
Finally I lifted a wing and there I found 5 puncture wounds in a line, almost looked like a pellet hole from a be be gun. no blood, but when I squeezed, the blood came out, I was just double checking if there was a pellet in there, but there was not that I know of.
So this is maybe what I am thinking, could it be a weasel? Why did they not kill any chickens up to now? Wouldn't they be much easier? I read they suck blood from the neck. This was under the wing? Do they kill in broad daylight? I have one poor lonely duck left.
So give me advice, what killed them? We don't have raccoons here.

 

[runningbeat]

Please help. i need your advice what it is. So far I am thinking martin, weasel, or mink, but not convinced.

 

[dorinda]

Hi, sorry to hear about your "attack" - I had a mink attack last year - in fact several - they killed and took away my pet duck who was sitting on 14 eggs, but they did kill broodies sitting on nests and didn't take them - when we plucked them to see the damage - they were covered in tiny hole marks - around the neck and under the wings - some other birds were taken away - which was surprising considering the birds were Cochins - and so heavy - some were left deplumed but not bled dry - it was a mass wanton destruction, - in total 19 birds died - we found remains near the river - and we did catch some mink in traps - (not easy and it took some time) one cockerel died 2 months later - he was never right, and the only hen that survived the attack - moulted and came through white (she was black mottled) we shouldn't ever have the same problem again as Otters have moved in - does your attack seem like mine??

 

[runningbeat]

I really appreciated your response. It does sound a bit like mine. I just don't understand why it has not been back so far, although it still could come back. I also don't understand why it didn't go after my chickens, which would be so much easier at night, and the ducks are running around free during the day when they got killed.

 

[Rebelodicus]

Hi runningbeat . I'm sorry to hear of your situation :| I/we do care, but had no knowledge of your local fauna 02

It sounds like a sharp toothed critter that tried to carry the bird of.. (The puncture marks under the ribs)... But I supose you had sussed that already.... I will be very interested to know the solution if you find it 17

Good luck sorting this out


BTW. imho a Duck neck can be broken without being easily detectable. The "little blood until squeezed" implys to me a quick death where the bird died before bleeding out.

JMHO

 

[runningbeat]

So far its been 2 weeks and what ever killed my ducks has not been back yet. I continue to let my one lonely duck out, but wait till noon. You would think if it was a weasel, ect. that it would of been back by now to kill last duck or chickens.