What is wrong with my chickens?!

[Rcpopart]

Suddenly they seem terrified of an unseen predator. Don’t want to venture outside the coop. Even staying in the run. Tonight I heard these crazy sounds coming from my girls:

What the hell?!

 

[Mandrogora]

This is an alarm call warning of a predator. I'd look around really well for any signs of what they are seeing and make sure they are locked up securely at night. They sense they are in danger.

 

[Rcpopart]

Thank you! Not sure what it could be, as they are locked in their coop, that is securely inside their run that is also quite secure?

I will definitely be on guard and keep a look out! Much appreciated!

 

[aart]

Doesn't sound like much of an alarm, more like "hmmm, what's that sound".
...or could just be the trilling sounds they make as they settle for the night,
I call it' 'bedtime stories'.

Tell us more about your flock and coop/run.
-your flock size(numbers, ages, genders),
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics),
...and how long have you had your birds?

Oh, and.....Welcome to BYC! @Rcpopart
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Jealous Gypsy]

So my friend had a problem where his hens were making strange noises, and acting weird. Stopped laying. Wouldnt venture out and wouldnt go into the nesting boxes he converted from dog houses. Turned out there was a racoon stealing the eggs and hiding in one of the nesting doghouses in the daytime. Luckily it didn't attack the hens.

 

[Jealous Gypsy]

Do you have weasels, or maybe black snakes around this time of year?

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

Yes, I’ve heard of hens doing that when there’s a snake under the coop. Do you have a dog? When my birds start fussing they feel safe with the dog barking.

 

[Rcpopart]

Do you have weasels, or maybe black snakes around this time of year?

No. I live in Colorado. Too cold.

 

[DobieLover]

Suddenly they seem terrified of an unseen predator. Don’t want to venture outside the coop. Even staying in the run. Tonight I heard these crazy sounds coming from my girls:

What the hell?!

These are not alarm calls.
Some of my birds make these sounds when I'm cleaning the poop boards pre-dawn with just the very dim light of the exterior coach lamps so I can see what I'm doing. They can't see well. When I start quietly talking to them they settle down.
They probably hear something and don't know what it is.

 

[BullChick]

Despite the cold, predators can still be around. Check around just to be sure.
Things will likely return to normal in a few days.