Scared? Can they still sense the snake?

[SobbaChickens]

So here is my link from last night:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/802130/first-predator-and-a-kill#post_11589476

This morning the chickens eagerly went outside when I unlocked their door but when I went out to give them a cool treat they were all back in the coop. When they heard me opening the fence door they came out onto the ramp and even though I sat melon on the ground they wouldn't go to it. When I turned to walk back out they all were back in the coop by the time I shut the fence.

Almost their entire run is shaded and although it's hot outside there is a good breeze. The inside of the coop has got to be warmer than the run so I'm confused as to why they aren't wanting to come out. They have food and water both in the coop and in the run.

Last night when I walked out to find the snake the girls were already in the coop but they were acting upset. Normally when I go out to lock them up they are already asleep but even when they aren't they are completely quiet. I really have no idea how long the snake was out there, it was around 9pm when I found it caught in the deer netting.

Since this is my first experience with predators I was wondering if my chickens are indeed scared or I'm just imagining it lol

 

[chfite]

I am not sure that chickens remember all that. Last year, mine ate a black snake. This year, they wandered around, scratching and such, while a 4 foot black snake slithered through the yard past them, through the run, and into the neighbor's yard.

The snakes help keep the chipmunks and rabbits under control. My chickens are grown, so they are too large to eat.

I am more concerned about the hawk that sat on the roof of the shop watching the chickens wandering around the yard. The crows were not around, the rooster did not see it, and the dog was not amused. It flew off, but the hawks are around all the time.

I am not afraid of harmless snakes, so I don't kill them.

Chris