Weather fluctuations can create a shortage of food for some wild animals. This makes predation of chicken flocks more likely to occur. Extreme weather can change things from a time of scarcity to a season of starving. The author shares techniques to prevent attracting predators and to help if predators are already there.
. . . chickens, their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to attack on all fronts.”
Source: Backyard Poultry, December 6, 2021. Link. The most common of predator suspects are: domesticated dogs, raccoons, raptors (eagles, hawks, owls, osprey, etc.), foxes, coyotes, wolves, skunks, possums, snakes, rats, cats (from house cat to mountain lion), bears, pole cats (which includes minks, weasels, martins, fishers cats, etc.), mice, crows and of course, humans.