Do hens get lonely after rooster is gone?

[Serenity4Angel]

We live within city limits so we had to get rid of the rooster we had. (I loved that guy!!) My question is do hens get lonely after having spent months with the rooster? They're kind of just sitting by the fence, preening and huddled together, all sad music video-like. They come running to me when I come out and give them some food, they'll roam around the yard eating tall grass and bugs, but other than that, it's just the sad music video looks.

Did I break their spirits or something? Should I have sent them with the rooster and just gotten new chickens? I really love these girls.

 

[LRH97]

Nah. Was your rooster sexually mature? If he started mating your hens, they'd probably thank you for it. They'll be fine. Just a little adjustment.

 

[sourland]

Most hens say thank goodness he's gone.

 

[adrikeen]

Most hens say thank goodness he's gone.

X2 (and x24 for my hens!)

 

[adrikeen]

On a serious note, I am sorry for your having to give up your beloved roo. I think it hurts us more than the hens. I had my beloved roo taken by some evil doing predator and it broke my heart. However, the hens did not have any changes in behavior and it made no difference in pecking order/egg laying/etc. Please keep your hens, there is no need to send them away. Love them just as you would your roo.

 

[chuckachucka]

I have to say that I think your hens could be missing the rooster. I have hens who will actually crow for their man if I let them out of the coop in the morning before I let the rooster out of the garage (he sleeps indoors to minimise crowing noise). They definitely notice when he is not around. All hens are different but they get used to having someone to follow around and see him as their provider. It will take some time for them to adjust to seeing you as their only provider.

 

[HuskerHens18]

I was going to say yes I had 4 Cochin hens and 2 Japanese roosters. One hen would ALWAYS follow the smaller Japanese rooster, they would dig holes and cuddle together, they slept on the ground together, they were inseparable. When the rooster died unexpectedly, she was visibly upset. She wouldn't group up with the other hens or rooster and just sat in the corner alone. The only way I brought her out of it was by giving her some eggs and she went broody right away, hatching out 6 half Jap babies. She's still an outcast and it's been 2 years.
Even in my Main Flock, the hens always like Rooster company. They follow King Zachary everywhere and are always pecking at his beak, hoping for his attention.

 

[sallysinnamon]

especially if they grew up together..they never really knew life without him. i find they always notice when someone from their flock isn't there, and some birds mourn more than others for their loss, be it death or rehoming. there will be an adjustment period for them..eventually they will appear to be acting "normal" again.

 

[Geena]

Most hens say thank goodness he's gone.

Hahaha, yep, whenever I remove a rooster my girls dance a jig.
OP, I think you might be projecting a bit, they are probably just taking it easy and enjoying their girl time. Could be they'll be a little aimless for a few days if they were used to following him around, but they'll get over it in no time.

 

[LRH97]

...they are probably just taking it easy and enjoying their girl time.

I agree. Behavior described sounds pretty normal.