Other chicks appear startled at sight of dead flockmate

[WhiteWyan]

Am I just imagining this, or has anyone else observed this too?
I experienced a loss of a 6 week old chick today. She died out of sight of most of the other birds, in my boyfriend's arms. I was carrying her past the coop to bury her and the other birds all made a startled trill. They stood still and watched me with the dead bird in my hands for what felt like a few solid seconds.
Has anyone else noticed behavior like this? Maybe I'm imagining it, of course, but it seemed as if they were shocked by the sight of their dead flock mate.

 

[chickens really]

I lost a young layer to a Heart attack when my tarp blew off part of my run....My other Hens were scared of her body laying in the run....Chickens dont like change....

 

[aart]

Maybe I'm imagining it, of course, but it seemed as if they were shocked by the sight of their dead flock mate.

May be a bit of anthropomorphizing going on....
....you were shocked, but the chicks probably not so much-more wondering if you were going to give them some food or reacting to your being upset.

 

[BantyChooks]

I can't say I've ever noticed it. In fact, if there's a dead bird visible or in with the chickens, they'll be more likely to eat some of it than seem scared of it. Or, in the case of the cockerels, do unspeakable things to the carcass.