frozen in fear??

[krjwaj]

Chickens were outside in their coop...totally frozen for at least 5 minutes. 3 out of 4 sat down eventually but the other stayed standing.
DH thought he heard a hawk in the distance.
Can 3 month old pullets pick up on this 'distant danger'? They are protected anyway.
What else could have been the reason for playing statue?

 

[MagsC]

I have heard of other animals going absolutely still at the presence of perceived danger so I imagine chickens could sense this as well with a same reaction?

 

[debilorrah]

Here's the thing. They don't KNOW they are protected so they instintually act upon a perceived threat. My babies, when they see Big Scary Hand coming toward them all go to one corner and huddle. So silly!