Help them recover.

[Twrichie]

Finally learned to stop feeding the raptors and my flock stays in covered runs vice free range now. It has been over a month since last attack but they still act very skittish. One hen in particular will suddenly just flap wings and run into coop with the rest following her. Feel bad for them as they stay in coop now most of the time. Will come out when we are around but even then will frequently run back inside even when there is food offered. Our first flock and they are almost a 9 months old. They used to be so care free free ranging all over yard. Will they ever recover mentally from the experience and is there anything we can do to help them feel safer in the run. Have 3 large and 2 bantam hens, and bantam rooster (Cluck Norris) who does not help and kind of just follows the lead hen’s lead on everything. Egg production dropped to almost nothing (winter partly to blame for sure). Anyway was just wondering if flock shock is normal after several repeat hawk attacks.

 

[STACEYH]

They are in survival mode. It could help if you had things in the run tht they could hide under. I have an old exlarge dog crate. I took the door off and this gives them safety and shelter from wind. You can use anything a flipped over chair would even work. If you are outside and laying is done for the day close off the coop. This will show them they don't need it to stay alive. Good luck I am sure other will chime in and offer what they do.

 

[cmom]

Maybe give them something to peck at like a flock block. They will recover with time as they get used to their pen. Give them some goodies to peck at like a head of lettuce. Treats are the way to a chickens heart. Good luck and have fun...

 

[theoldchick]

Yes, that is normal. In Zoo facilities they give the animals 'hide areas'. It is a place an animal can go to feel secure when the constant stares of humans rattles them. In the avian world you can give your chickens a small place to hide under or behind. Many folks make A frames from pallets. Use your imagination to create these 'comfort stations' in your coop.

 

[Twrichie]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Will try all.