Honestly, it does seem like HOPE has some connection to the Chickens. John and HOPE have even begun to talk similar:
And well, they are both apparently things with feathers.
Yasu also made it clear Birds are sacred:
At least to her god who is likely HOPE.
Anyway, beyond that, it has been implied that something with tendrils has been consuming chickens:
Which sounds like the Tendrils of the Sky that seem related to The World Itself:
Pareidolia itself has also noted that it's not the only one growing stronger:
So, If I were to guess who the main culprit here is, I'd think it's probably related to The World Itself, and maybe USER4.
Overall: I don't think it's Pareidolia that's doing this. It is likely something is attacking and weakening HOPE in the background, though.
Yasu being scared of these Tendrils:
That are possibly consuming Chickens, is probably worth keeping in mind. Todd may have simply fell victim to them.
Btw, it does seem like Pareidolia was keeping Sensei away from Sana, who seemed to be HOPE's desired Sacrifice. I'm thinking HOPE may have been getting tag teamed by USER3 and USER4 as they grow stronger. They may have even been responsible for the Timeskip so that Summer (HOPE's season) ended sooner.