What is This Horrid Crying?

[BellaBlueBell]

Out of nowhere, one of the 3 hens started crying out just a few minutes ago, a rather blood-curdling scream. I went out, nothing going on. They have fresh water, a cleaned out coop, and food. There are no predators around. There are no eggs in the nest box. It has stopped but jeez Louise! It's unnerving! Why do they do this?

 

[sourland]

Hard to say without hearing it, but generally it's an aerial predator warning.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Out of nowhere, one of the 3 hens started crying out just a few minutes ago, a rather blood-curdling scream. I went out, nothing going on. They have fresh water, a cleaned out coop, and food. There are no predators around. There are no eggs in the nest box. It has stopped but jeez Louise! It's unnerving! Why do they do this?

Mine seem to do this at least once a day and I walk out and everything is calm and normal. I agree, it's hard to say without hearing it. There's never any harm in walking around and checking for unusual signs of activity and doing a head count.

 

[BellaBlueBell]

I was quickly at the door watching soon as I heard - there's nothing going on. Went out and walked all around, looked everywhere - nothing.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I was quickly at the door watching soon as I heard - there's nothing going on. Went out and walked all around, looked everywhere - nothing.

It was probably a little scuffle between your flock. It happens sometimes. Or it could have been a false alarm predator call perhaps.

 

[BellaBlueBell]

Thanks for the replies. My heart is still pounding!

 

[aart]

It was probably a little scuffle between your flock. It happens sometimes.

Yeppers!

My heart is still pounding!

It does make your heart pound!

After awhile you'll learn to discern between 'chick fights' and a real threat.