Why do chickens stop motionless for several minutes?

[Meli]

A couple times now I have looked out the window to see my 4 hens standing COMPLETELY still. It was as if time had stopped. One of them was even in mid-stride! They stayed like this for several minutes until we went outside with them. I am wondering if this means they heard a predator?

 

[dsqard]

I would guess yes that they either saw or heard something that alerted them.

 

[Sandy16]

Did anyone have their heads turned up, like they were looking at the sky? That's what ours do when they are free-ranging and see a hawk. If they see something that really is a danger, one of them sounds the alarm and they scatter to the bushes.

 

[bywaterdog]

Trying to decide on a reason to cross the road ?

 

[gritsar]

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Agreed. Someone gave the alarm call and they are all reacting.

 

[HHandbasket]

Mine do that when there's hawks circling the neighborhood.

 

[mamabigbird]

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Very funny post. ROFLMAO

 

[jomoncon]

I've noticed my little ones will do that when something flys by - even a butterfly. I had them out of the coop one day last week, and was just sitting nearby watching the antics. A butterfly passed by, and everyone froze. A while later, a small hawk landed on the run & was watching them. For that, some froze and some squawked real loud & headed for cover. Luckily, I was there & could easily chase the hawk away.

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

Same with me! But mine only stand still because another chicken is drinking one ofthe bearded's chickens beards ._.

 

[abhaya]

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