My chicks freeze!

[Hailbop1818]

I have two 4 month old hens and a 4 month old peacock that stick together like glue. Sometimes when of my older hens makes a warning call (I don't know if thats what you call it but kind of like a chicken in distress) or even with out a warning call my chicks(including peacock) freeze. They will stand motionless sometimes in strange positions, for five minutes at a time. I can walk up to them and talk really loud but even their eyes are unmoving. None of my older hens do it and I don't know if it something the peacock taught them even though he's never seen another peafowl before.

 

[lindalouly]

It's a defense mechanism they have as young pullets as they get older... They will freeze for a split and run for cover if they hear an eagle or hawk or other disturbing sounds. Mine did it when they were younger but now have some alpha girls that give a call and they run!!! It's a good behavior.

 

[Hailbop1818]

Thank you! I thought they had a real problem