Chickens in extreme distress?!

[ChiffonCake]

I usually let my chickens out of their run into the yard so that they can get some grass and explore. Today when I let the out, they seemed normal so I went inside to do something. However, about 5 minutes later, I hear my chickens clucking in extreme distress. I went outside and see them flying everywhere, going absolutely ballistic. If I get within 15 ft, they go crazy and start flying all over. I somehow manage to get them back into their run and they immediately flew inside their coop. anyone can please explain what’s going on with them, that’d be extremely helpful.

note: we sometimes have a hawk fly by every now and then, but there seemed to be no hawk when I went outside. Last time a hawk came by, I was also outside and my chickens didn’t even bat an eye. My neighbor has a dog, but my chickens never really seemed to care for it either.

 

[SulkyBantam]

I usually let my chickens out of their run into the yard so that they can get some grass and explore. Today when I let the out, they seemed normal so I went inside to do something. However, about 5 minutes later, I hear my chickens clucking in extreme distress. I went outside and see them flying everywhere, going absolutely ballistic. If I get within 15 ft, they go crazy and start flying all over. I somehow manage to get them back into their run and they immediately flew inside their coop. anyone can please explain what’s going on with them, that’d be extremely helpful.

note: we sometimes have a hawk fly by every now and then, but there seemed to be no hawk when I went outside. Last time a hawk came by, I was also outside and my chickens didn’t even bat an eye. My neighbor has a dog, but my chickens never really seemed to care for it either.

There must be something scaring them. Are they afraid of people they don't know?

 

[ChiffonCake]

There must be something scaring them. Are they afraid of people they don't know?

They usually do fine with strangers. They just won’t get close, but I’ve never seen them act like THAT before

 

[21hens-incharge]

Any time mine have done that it has been a predator.

I hope they calm soon and don't injure themselves.

 

[Aapomp831]

They we’re definitely spooked by a predator.... very likely a hawk swooped

 

[BellasBackyardRanch]

Maybe a Fox or a cat or a neighborhood loose dog.