Should I worry about the birds being able to roost in the rafters?

[Long Last Farm]

Hi! We finished our remodel of an 8 x10 shed last week, and the chickens seem to love it. We provided them with a "ladder type" roost that has plenty of room for all the birds and then some.

The height of the ceiling at it's peak has got to be maybe 12-14 feet. The rafters are at about 10 feet.

I did a head count this morning when I went into the coop to fiil the water and food containers, and 4 chickens were nowhere to be found....until I looked up and saw them roosting on the rafters!

They are about 12 weeks old full sized chickens ( not bantys).
Should I be concerned or just chalk it up to normal chicken behavior? I suppose if it is dangerous, i could conceal the rafters in some way, but what do you think?
Pat

 

[ducks4you]

Not to worry. Though they LOOK like raptors, they are small prey animals. Roosting high gives them security.

 

[PortageGirl]

Well, they want to be as high as possible for two reasons. They feel safer... but also because being higher than another chook means they're 'better' than the other chooks

. It doesn't actually mean they're safer though. Raccoons can climb Oh SO well. The 'better' thing, well, that's all up to them I suppose.

If they're heavy breeds, or even dual purpose breeds, then getting down might be dangerous for them, especially in limited space. A friend who has golden comets, (not a very heavy hen) has hens that climb way up at least that high, probably higher and he's never had an injury. They're in a fairly roomy barn though and it's really your call!

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

If they can, they will! Just be careful not to stand underneath them!

 

[elmo]

Quote:
....and then look up with your mouth open...

 

[joebryant]

Yes, you have to worry. Their getting down can cause serious injuries. Put a wire ceiling up to prevent their going too high.