Traumatized Chickens?

drumstick diva said:

A rooster really doesn't do that much good. Some will abandon ship at first sign of danger. A good roo is one that sounds the alarm so his hens can try and hide or run. Roos don't stand a chance standing up to most predators. They will killed and then are no help at all.

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I have to disagree with you here. I KNOW my free ranging cocks have chased off hawks and fox, at least long enough for the ladies to find cover and the guard animals to come take charge of the situation. I have heard of many others that have given their lives trying to protect their flock. The key is to get a breed that still has the proper protective instincts. Most hatchery stock has been bred only to maximize egg and/or meat production and therefore have lost many of their natural instincts. The same with show stock that has been bred to meet a narrowly defined visual standard (SOP). Many of the cocks from landrace breeds still have these natural instincts and can be a definite asset to a free ranging flock. It is also so much fun to watch them find food for their girls and call them over to eat it.

As to the original issue of hens feeling safe again, adding hiding places to their run or range will help. The closer they are to a place they can hide if need be, the safer they will feel. Wide open spaces are intimidating, especially after an attack.

I feel your pain. We've had our share of predator issues. I have a mixed flock who had free-range access to a large area inside an electric fence. At 5pm (in August, no where near dusk), a fox jumped clear over the 4 foot fence, went to attack the hens and our roo very valiantly charged and sacrificed himself. My mother in law saw it happen but was too far for her screams to be effective. The fox jumped back out of the fence with our beautiful Speckled Sussex roo. My hens are still traumatized, some more than others. We don't let them out now without us sitting there with them. I also don't know how to get them to start laying again! We got another roo, but he's not mature yet and they don't follow him. Did the clock or radio work for you?

Just to chime in here....I've heard both sides of the rooster discussion. I guess I come down on the side of I would rather have one on the outside chance he does repel a predator or "take one for the team," than not have one and never know. They don't eat enough to be too much of an imposition.

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you. You've had some good advice above.