Sensing predators

[spiritliz]

I have a flock of 18 chickens about 3 1/2 months old right now. Every morning I go back an open the coop up and they run out of the coop like water being poured from a glass! (I always give them a plate of fresh veggies) Well, twice now, (2 weeks apart) when I open the door they stop short of exiting and just stand there as if afraid to exit.
They seem scared and make little almost peeping noises. Finally if I walk back and look around to see if I am missing anything lurking outside a couple of the friendliest ones come running out and stand right up against my legs - touching my legs. if I walk they walk and follow me around like puppies. The rest won't even come out! They finally come out after a few minutes but the whole flock follows me around. When I go out of the run they run back inside the coop!
takes a while like maybe 1/2 hour then they finally come out.
How are they sensing a predator or is it something else?
Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[sourland]

It may very well be that a predator is trying to access the coop during the night, and they are aware of that.

 

[spiritliz]

It may very well be that a predator is trying to access the coop during the night, and they are aware of that.

Thank - I never thought of that.
Any ideas on why I have found 2 eggs that have been laid while they are on the roosting bar at night?