Chickens suddenly very scared huddled in corner

goldfinch68 · Post by **goldfinch68** » 11 Apr 2016, 15:07

I've had my four chickens just over a year. Because I live in a town where there are foxes they live in a large run. They usually come running to the door when they see me. Two days ago I heard lots of clucking, went down to investigate, saw nothing but they were huddled in one corner of the run and would not move all day. I have had to move their food and water to that end of the run because they wouldn't come for anything even grapes!
I thought that after a night in their coop they might be ok today but no, they will not move from the corner.
I am guessing a fox has scared them. Run is surrounded by a concrete edging so its fox proof. My dog has been laying near the run most of the day and they are used to her, I have been to see them and so they know we are there but they are still huddled at one end. Does anybody have any advice? Do they take a while to stop stressing and calm down? Three of them have laid this morning.

Post by Mo » 11 Apr 2016, 15:41

If it isn't a fox could it be a rat or stoat in the run?

goldfinch68 · Post by **goldfinch68** » 11 Apr 2016, 15:55

I have had a good look round the run and checked the chicken wire for any entry holes and can't see any intruders. The mesh itself has small holes which a rat couldn't get through. I will keep my eye out though just in case so thanks for the suggestion. Ive just turned a lot of the soil over and they're showing a bit of interest in scratching for worms and diving on the garden fork so hopefully they are feeling happier. they are usually so bold and it was such a change in behaviour I wondered what to do! Thanks for your help.

sandy · Post by **sandy** » 11 Apr 2016, 16:18

Thats weird, are you sure there are no burrowing holes ? Have you found any rodent poo? Really bizarre they were scared for so long

bikesandbirdsbob · Post by **bikesandbirdsbob** » 12 Apr 2016, 08:03

Hi , Maybe it is not down but up you should be looking .
Birds of prey , rooks etc. They dive for cover when helicoptors fly over my house.
But it seems a visit by something has disturbed them .
As long as they are safe from harm that is the main thing .
Fox could have jumped at the wire also leaving no sign .
Dog should keep them away .
Bob