My favorite hen was killed by a predator around Christmas. She was also the alpha hen of my little flock, now 6 hens. Since she is gone, over two weeks now, I've noticed the rest of the girls stay in the coop alot. When they do venture out they rarely leave the vicinity of the coop itself. We have approx 1/2 - 2/3 of an acre in the back, fenced, which they can freely range during the day. They used to putter all over the place all day, even coming onto the back porch, and would only go into the coop to eat, lay eggs and to roost at night.
Before Ruby was killed, since she was so tame, if we came outside or opened the back door she would charge across the back yard to me, and the others would follow. She would let me pick her up, and 3 others would also often let me hold them. Their behavior has completely changed. Will another hen take over her role? She had such a strong personality and it never occurred to me how much her behavior influenced the others. It's kind of bumming me out!
Before Ruby was killed, since she was so tame, if we came outside or opened the back door she would charge across the back yard to me, and the others would follow. She would let me pick her up, and 3 others would also often let me hold them. Their behavior has completely changed. Will another hen take over her role? She had such a strong personality and it never occurred to me how much her behavior influenced the others. It's kind of bumming me out!