Behavior Changed

[godzillaandfriends]

Hello, we currently have 3 chickens. Since the fourth died, all 3 suddenly would stay by our doorstep. They also became very quiet, frightened easily, and sometimes wouldn't leave their coop. Are they sad? Maybe scared of something I don't see?

 

[nuthatched]

If the chicken who died was the top chicken, they maybe be looking at you as the leader now.

 

[godzillaandfriends]

If the chicken who died was the top chicken, they maybe be looking at you as the leader now.

My family thinks that, but I'm not so sure. Our oldest, Fries, always asserted her dominance over her.

 

[Katie386]

Sounds like they are afraid of something. Do they have shelter like bushes and trees to hide under? Maybe it’s a hawk.

 

[godzillaandfriends]

Sounds like they are afraid of something. Do they have shelter like bushes and trees to hide under? Maybe it’s a hawk.

They have a lot of foliage, and some places they can hide in, but I'm pretty sure we don't have hawks here.

 

[Shadrach]

As far as your hens are concerend you are the nearest thing they have to a rooster and therefore security. It doesn't matter who the lead hen is. It's a different issue.

 

[aart]

the fourth died

How did it die and was it a male?

 

[godzillaandfriends]

How did it die and was it a male?

Sorry for the late reply:
Fourth was attacked by our dogs
And female.

 

[Katie386]

Are the dogs put away? The chickens could still be scared of them and they could be traumatized

 

[godzillaandfriends]

Are the dogs put away? The chickens could still be scared of them and they could be traumatized

The dogs are always kept in another cage while the chickens are awake. And it is possible, but they still walk around the dog cage.