Spring

[Chicks Galore3]

As spring isn't far away, I had a thought- Are predators more likely to bug my flock after they come out of hibernation, hungry? Are there certain times of year that predators pose more of a threat? Thanks!

CG3

 

[WinterLadyAK]

As spring isn't far away, I had a thought- Are predators more likely to bug my flock after they come out of hibernation, hungry? Are there certain times of year that predators pose more of a threat? Thanks!

CG3

i think it depends a lot on what type of predator you're worried about. for me, bears coming out of hibernation might be a threat. not sure you have a bear issue in Iowa? what predators do you have?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Thankfully, I do not have bears!!!! I have hawks/eagles (doesn't everybody?) Raccoons, Possums, Skunks, and maybe fox, we haven't seen any in a while.

 

[redsoxs]

Thankfully, I do not have bears!!!! I have hawks/eagles (doesn't everybody?) Raccoons, Possums, Skunks, and maybe fox, we haven't seen any in a while.

No kidding!! I can't even imagine a "bear proof" coop!!! I have enough trouble with raccoons, hawks, and coyotes!!!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Quote: I hear you have to use electric wire. I hear you on that one, thankfully, the chicken coop is within the barn, so nothing has gotten in yet. For the run I have a dog run with the diamond links, with chicken wire on the bottom.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

.... Are predators more likely to bug my flock after they come out of hibernation, hungry? ...
.....Are there certain times of year that predators pose more of a threat?

None of the predators in Iowa are likely to hibernate. Raccoons do become lethargic if the temperature is cold enough, but I doubt that it has been that cold in Iowa since the last ice age.
Predators are hungry and have their eyes peeled for their next meal all of the time. The K9 type predators, (fox and coyotes) become hyper active hunters when their kits are old enough to come out of the den. Each parent may take several birds daily at this time of year.

 

[blucoondawg]

Skunks hibernate as well they start moving around my area again this time of year as we get a warm night now and then. I don't know about possum I would assume they'd hibernate but there aren't many of them around here.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Skunks are in full rut mode now or else they are finishing up another breeding season. In my opinion that is why you are beginning to see or smell them along the road sides where you live.

 

[blucoondawg]

In northern wisconsin skunks hibernate. I have not begun to see them yet as it has remained quite cold this year, what I meant to say was in a warmer year they usually start to venture out about now, but it's spotty and relys totally on the weather being warm enough, if it mostly stays below freezing they aren't out if it gets warm then cold again they are gone again.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

We are in for about 10-12 inches of snow...Hope those skunks are back to hibernating! Brr... I am so paranoid about something getting in....