Duck owners often worry about predators, particularly possums, consuming their eggs. Understanding the habits of these nocturnal marsupials can help safeguard duck nests and eggs.
Possums and Duck Eggs
Possums are omnivorous scavengers, meaning their diet is highly varied and opportunistic. They readily consume fruits, insects, small rodents, and carrion, and also have a fondness for eggs. Duck eggs, a readily accessible and nutritious food source, can become a target for possums, especially if other food sources are scarce or if the eggs are left unguarded.
While possums do not typically hunt adult ducks, they will eat ducklings and eggs if given the opportunity. This behavior is common because eggs provide a high-calorie meal that requires minimal effort. Their nocturnal nature means they are most active when ducks might be roosting, increasing the chances of encountering unguarded nests.
Identifying Possum Predation
Recognizing possum predation involves observing specific damage patterns to duck eggs. Possums are messy eaters, often leaving behind crushed shells. You might find mashed eggshells or small pieces of chewed shells scattered around the nest area.
Unlike some predators that consume an egg whole or carry it away, possums bite into one end of the egg and lick out the contents. This often leaves a large portion of the shell mostly intact, but with a crushed or bitten-off end. They may also leave only small shell fragments or ingest parts of the shell, making identification more challenging.
Protecting Duck Eggs
Protecting duck eggs from possums requires various preventive measures to secure the nesting environment. A primary strategy involves securing the duck coop or enclosure to prevent entry. Ensure all entry points are closed and reinforced, as possums can access surprisingly small spaces.
Using sturdy wire mesh, such as half-inch or smaller hardware cloth, on all exterior coop surfaces prevents possums from reaching through or squeezing into the enclosure. Burying the base of fencing at least 12 inches underground helps deter possums, as they are not excellent diggers in sturdy ground. Removing attractants like spilled duck food or garbage from the area also makes the environment less appealing. Collecting eggs daily and promptly reduces the availability of this food source.