Earthquake-Did they know it was coming?

[modfan]

This morning we are out in the pen with our girls. Feeding treats, doing chores etc. Everything as usual. But today, when the treats were gone, the girls went over to a corner of the pen and layed down, very close to each other. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?
We got more treats, they came over, scratched, ate and enjoyed. Once again, as soon as the food was gone, back to the same corner huddled together. They have never done this before. 5 minutes later, we had an earthquake! Since the earthquake they have been up walking, scratching, pecking as they do every day.
What do you think? Did they know it was going to happen? Has anyone else ever noticed their animals acting differently before an earthquake?

 

[gamebirdsonly]

I have heard of it. they are more intune with mother nature then us.

 

[Ron]

That type of behavior is very well documented. Animals seem to be able to sense the electro-magnetic or other types of changes that take place as a prelude to an earthquake.

 

[gumpsgirl]

I have also read where animals have the knack of knowing mother nature's things that are to come. It is very interesting! I'm sure that was strange to see your chickens doing that, but neat once you sit back and see how things unfolded! To bad we couldn't have that same tuner that they have to tune into mother nature with.

 

[tiki244]

Thats awesome,,,,thanks for posting that,,,,,better watch your chickens closely the next few days

 

[CarriBrown]

Where in Ca are you, modfan? I'm about 5-10 miles from the epicenter and we were rockin' and rollin'!
I know they know it's coming. My parents house is surrounded by pine trees and there are always birds chirping all day long. More than once, I have witnessed the dead silence before an earthquake. The horses will always act a little nervous and the dogs will start barking like crazy.
Incredible, isn't it?

 

[happyhen]

We live along a fault here in NE Ohio and can have frequent tremors. Our biggest was a 5.2, but most are under 4 mag. The animals do seem to "predict" these events, no wildlife to be seen or heard and domestic animals usually seek a "safe" spot.

I've learned to trust their insticts.

 

[tiffanyh]

I would think they would know...pretty neat.

 

[adeledamate]

My chickens wouldn't come out of their laying boxes this morning and now I know why. I thought there had been an animal in the yard and they were afraid to come out and roam around like they normally do. They are now out playing in the dirt and eating bugs. Really weird. I'll make sure to take note if they do that again. My very own earthquake predictors.

 

[modfan]

I live in Ventura County.
This was the first time I have been outside when a quake hit. MUCH easier on my nerves. I didn't even think to look at the chickens while the shaking was going on. For the rest of the day the girls have been acting just fine. Thanks for all the input.