Do chickens get sad?

[Patoot]

One of my four girls died a couple days ago. She was the "leader". Since then, the other three don't come out of the coop much. They are eating well and seem okay. The second they hear me open the back door (or even undo the lock on the door), they come running out of the coop. They gobble up their sunflower seeds and seem okay in all other respects. Do chickens get sad? Or perhaps they are confused without their leader and need to establish new pecking order. I just want to make sure this sounds normal-ish and isn't a sign of illness even though I can't think of anything wrong with them. They seem totally healthy.

Thanks.

 

[americana-lover]

I think they are just missing their friend, they will soon get over the death, but you should try to spend more time with them

 

[cafarmgirl]

It does shake up flock dynamic's when the top hen or rooster is suddenly gone. And chickens do grieve, especially in a small flock. I have a little Sebright who grieved the loss of her best chicken friend for quite some time.

 

[Patoot]

Thanks. They seem to be okay. I spent extra time with them today and let them run around the yard and they seemed quite happy. I think they'll adjust. Thanks.