Two interesting predator alert behaviors in our mini flock - sight and sound

[L7 Farm]

We have a small flock of six (limited by town ordinance, alas) we have a nice run for in the middle of our two acres of old farmlet, stuck in a suburb.

A couple of cute things I noticed this week:

- we're in the flight path of two airports (not as bad as it sounds, traffic is light); when a plane is visible in the sky, they all go into their "FREEZE IT MIGHT BE A HAWK" stance. They don't respond to the sound of the planes, however, just it darting across the sky.

- we were in the yard the other day relaxing next to the chicken run when all the chickens suddenly went alert and still, heads raised high. We looked around for hawks and airplanes, and didn't see or hear anything. Then about ten seconds later, a large branch ripped off a neighbors' tree (in still weather!) about 100 feet away from us. The chickens flinched a little at the sound, and then went back to an alert stance; then the larger trunk of the tree fell down, making a huge noise!

The girls definitely heard that tree about to fall before we did, or something that was subaudible about the branch and tree trunk starting to fall. It was kind of nifty to witness.

 

[sweaterthebroodyrooster]

Sounds like an amazing thing to witness! I firmly believe animals have a sixth sense. I trust no one more than my animals.

 

[Sally PB]

I firmly believe animals have a sixth sense.

I think you're right. Two of our dogs always knew when a storm was approaching.

 

[Iluveggers]

My dog did the same thing right before a branch came down in our yard! He was sleeping outside, then came sprinting over to the house. 5 seconds later the branch fell! Animals are so interesting!