By early summer, the female herds have combined with other herds to form groups upwards of 100 animals. The older, solitary males also migrate to these fog-shrouded mountains. In autumn Sichuan takins disband into smaller herds while descending to lower elevations before the onset of winter. Because of their size and because they live in herds, takins have few predators besides man. It is possible that packs of dhole or wolves might prey on takins.
Takins are slow and deliberate in their movements and tend to use well-worn trails.
They ascend and descend sheer rocky areas in a ponderous manner, though they can leap nimbly from rock to rock. Takins are alert and retreat to dense vegetation when alarmed. When aroused they produce a warning consisting of a hoarse cough or burp. Sichuan takin are herbivores and have been observed to eat more than 100 different types of forbs and leaves from shrubs and trees. A short list includes bamboo, rhododendron and oak leaves, pine, willow and cherry bar, as well as horsetail.