Winter predation?

[NHMountainMan]

We had our first flakes of snow last night. Which got me wondering if the threat to my flock increases because less food is available to predator, or if predation declines?
Thanks for your advice

 

[Howard E]

I think you will find the threat cycles.......with early spring when predators are feeding their young being the worst.

 

[glassdragonfly]

Yup spring is the worst here!

 

[NHMountainMan]

Do you see a decline in raptor risk in winter? My gut says yes because of migration, but we’ll also see an increase in owls a the snowy owl moves in.

 

[slordaz]

This answer will vary for everyone do to where they are. we get cold and a lot of snow and the predators we have to deal with also, we actually tend to get hit both spring and winter harder than summer and fall, but Winter is still the worst.

 

[FortCluck]

Do you see a decline in raptor risk in winter? My gut says yes because of migration, but we’ll also see an increase in owls a the snowy owl moves in.

I think where you live in the mountains, you will see a lot less. The bears hibernate so they won't be a threat until the spring when they're feeding their young. I think a lot of the animals where you live will be worse in the spring so I would prepare for that. The amount of snow that you guys get will have an effect on the animals as well.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I have a real problem in late Spring and early Summer as a pair of Cooper's Hawks nest and raise their young across the street. The first year I was here they had triplets so there were 5 hungry hawks flying around honing their hunting skills for a few months. Thankfully they only had one baby last Spring. Winter is when I actually see the Fishers and raccoons (and deer and turkey but they aren't a problem). This winter should be interesting as the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a very snowy season. That will likely make food a little more scarce.

 

[sorce]

It's about what the weather is doing to natural food sources.

I've been in Colorado when Summer Drought brings in the bears.

Learned about how an extra cold winter in Canada had Lynx attacking dogs.

Fattening up in fall and spring.

Sorce

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I have problems in fall but my last death was in the spring so I am gonna say both of them.

 

[N F C]

So far, knock on wood, I haven't had an attack on my chickens. But here in southern WY, I see a lot more activity from raccoons, badgers, etc. in the fall/winter.