Roos gone - Hens depressed

[Lostbody]

I have to think that there's already a thread on this topic, but I haven't been able to find it.
If anyone knows of one, please paste a link. (I haven't completely figured out the search features here)

We had two boys who grew up with the hens (the chicks were sold to us "sexed" but someone made a mistake), and we had to process them both last Monday.

The hens (20 of them, ages 8 months to 4 years) are all behaving differently now.
I expected as much on Tuesday, and Wednesday/Thursday had some nasty weather. Today is Friday, the sun is shining and I fed them treats, but they are still looking kinda down.

Is this common?

Is there some other animal I could replace them with? Cockerels are not allowed in my city, but I would like the girls to have a little "protection."

 

[Ridgerunner]

Flock dynamics change when you take out chickens, especially dominant chickens. It takes them time to sort it out.

Don't be too surprised if you see one of your hens assuming many of the rooster's duties. Probably not immediately, but over time. Hawk watch, breaking up fights, even trying to crow.