Witnessed interesting Hen/Flock behavior/noise

[krowl]

Has anyone ever seen this before within their flock???

Midday on Sunday, we were outside with the flock tending to the coop etc. The older hens were free ranging..all of a sudden they ALL simultaneously stopped moving sorta huddled closer together (while standing) and one hen started this growling noise (similar to videos I saw on the internet of broody hens growling when being bothered in a nesting box)...All of a sudden they took off into the door of the run in a rush and started filing into the coop....they were very hesitant to come back out...but eventually did...

There weren't any hawks in the sky...i didn't "see" or "hear" anything in the woods, it was veryyyy quiet out...

I assume they were spooked by something but it was crazy to witness the sound and behavior of this!!!

 

[sourland]

What you witnessed was flock reaction to a predator warning from that hen. She may very well have seen a Cooper's hawk flit through the trees - they are quick and stealthy. Smart hen = smart flock.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I wouldn't expect a Coopers hawk this time of year that far north. They are all on the party bus headed down to my place this time of year. My vote is for a brain dead confident sounding chicken false alarm that every one fell for.

 

[DaisyG2317]

I wouldn't expect a Coopers hawk this time of year that far north. They are all on the party bus headed down to my place this time of year. My vote is for a brain dead confident sounding chicken false alarm that every one fell for.

Party bus for hawks