Gave rooster away, hens seem stressed

[Sand blister]

rooster is gone. The girls seem to not take it well. Runny poop and not eating much. Yesterday they didn't even touch the corn which typically gets devoured.

Anything I can do to ease the pain? Or is it a time thing.

I understand the socialization of birds so since he was the boss man, I'm assuming they are trying to figure out what's next?

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change - sounds as if they are adjusting. Give them time, they should be okay.

 

[donrae]

It's a time thing.

you also have to look at it from the chicken's perspective. They're a prey animal and know full well everyone likes chicken dinner. They don't know if the rooster got sold, butchered or taken by a predator, they just know he's gone. It will be normal for them to be on edge until they realize no one else is going to disappear. Just go about business as usual and they'll settle down.

 

[aart]

Probably just some stress....a couple few days and they should adjust.
How long has he been gone?

Has the temperature risen significantly since he's been gone?
Heat will make them drink more water and that makes poops looser......so can extra treats of fruit.

Stress can also bring out latent disease that normally don't cause symptoms to show.