How chickens react to...

[G-Mar221]

Hello. I was curious to know how the other chickens react to the distress cries of one being preyed upon? Do they rally and try to fend off their attacker? Do they run? Is there just chaos, etc? Anyone wish to share their observations?

 

[coach723]

Hens will run, scatter, and hide if they can find a place to hide, so yes, chaos. Once it's over they may clump up in a tight group. A good rooster will try to fend off the attacker and may sacrifice himself in the attempt, his success would depend on the predator in question. Even birds that witness an attack can suffer from some shock for a while. And they will tend to be wary and afraid for days afterwards, and may be reluctant to leave their coop.

 

[chickens really]

Mine if in the Safety of the Run and Coop yell their heads off till I come outside to check...I have a Fox problem...
If out free ranging inside their fenced yard my Rooster lets off a distress call and all Hens run back to the Coop as my Rooster stands at the Door...The other day it was funny...My Husband was working on my Duck shed with power tools...The Rooster made everyone go back to the Coop...If Deer cross by close to the Run my Birds go crazy...

 

[G-Mar221]

Mine if in the Safety of the Run and Coop yell their heads off till I come outside to check...I have a Fox problem...
If out free ranging inside their fenced yard my Rooster lets off a distress call and all Hens run back to the Coop as my Rooster stands at the Door...The other day it was funny...My Husband was working on my Duck shed with power tools...The Rooster made everyone go back to the Coop...If Deer cross by close to the Run my Birds go crazy...

Wow. That's interesting. Like a close-knit family!

 

[G-Mar221]

Hens will run, scatter, and hide if they can find a place to hide, so yes, chaos. Once it's over they may clump up in a tight group. A good rooster will try to fend off the attacker and may sacrifice himself in the attempt, his success would depend on the predator in question. Even birds that witness an attack can suffer from some shock for a while. And they will tend to be wary and afraid for days afterwards, and may be reluctant to leave their coop.

I never new roosters where such guardians. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Red Banks]

I never new roosters where such guardians. Thanks for your reply.

Roosters are amazing. They manage the flock, tell them when there is food, warn them of danger, oversee the young pullets just beginning to lay by showing them good nesting sites and staying with them, settle disputes and shepherd the flock all day, of course the job has it's perks.

 

[Folly's place]

Mama hens will die trying to save their chicks; roosters will give warnings, and then may or may not engage with the predator. Smart chickens run, fly or somehow try to escape. Some birds crouch and 'freeze' in place when frightened. They get eaten first. Mary

 

[centrarchid]

Varies greatly with setting, age of birds and social context. Most of the time the remaining birds at least flee the immediate vicinity. Some will post positions and give alarm calls. Broody hens, especially those with younger hatched broods will engage predator physically or try to lure it away by feigning attacks and running off. Hen on clutch of eggs will either sit quietly or sneak quietly off nest. Roosters (adult) generally most vocal in part because of low voice. Some roosters that get into a broody / parental mode will engage predator physically like a broody hen. That approach is most effective against hawks.

Night time reactions differ greatly from daytime.

Over the years I have seen many events. Response also varies greatly with species of predator. Chicken breed can also be important. My predator savvy games can fly very well and behave much like wild pheasant or turkeys.

Actual answer worthy of a book.

 

[G-Mar221]

Varies greatly with setting, age of birds and social context. Most of the time the remaining birds at least flee the immediate vicinity. Some will post positions and give alarm calls. Broody hens, especially those with younger hatched broods will engage predator physically or try to lure it away by feigning attacks and running off. Hen on clutch of eggs will either sit quietly or sneak quietly off nest. Roosters (adult) generally most vocal in part because of low voice. Some roosters that get into a broody / parental mode will engage predator physically like a broody hen. That approach is most effective against hawks.

Night time reactions differ greatly from daytime.

Over the years I have seen many events. Response also varies greatly with species of predator. Chicken breed can also be important. My predator savvy games can fly very well and behave much like wild pheasant or turkeys.

Actual answer worthy of a book.

I was actually wondering about their night time reactions so thanks for your reply!