Unexpected chick behavior

[elphabafalls]

We have a Rhode Island Red hen named Rita that's about 14 weeks old. When we went out to close the run door (because we let them free range it most days) and the coop door because it was bedtime, we counted the chickens and came up one short. After a brief heart attack and a an extensive ground search, we decided to look in the trees. She wasn't there, but while shining the flashlights in the trees, we caught sight of something on the roof. Rita was sitting on the highest point of our roof watching the show. Granted, we live in a one story house, but she had to fly at least 12 to 15 feet to reach the lowest part of the roof. Then, she had to walk the rest of the way up. My husband asked her to come down. Then, he yelled at her to come down. She just stared at him. We finally just left the run door open (not the coop), went inside and checked every few minutes. After about 2 hours, we came out to find her sitting just outside the coop door like nothing had ever happened. I didn't expect her to fly that high when none of the hens have so much as tried to even roost on our 6 foot privacy fence.

 

[RainbowHen]

What a brat! Perhaps she was startled and just stayed up there. Hopefully she doesn't make a habit of it!

 

[Hei 20]

We have a Rhode Island Red hen named Rita that's about 14 weeks old. When we went out to close the run door (because we let them free range it most days) and the coop door because it was bedtime, we counted the chickens and came up one short. After a brief heart attack and a an extensive ground search, we decided to look in the trees. She wasn't there, but while shining the flashlights in the trees, we caught sight of something on the roof. Rita was sitting on the highest point of our roof watching the show. Granted, we live in a one story house, but she had to fly at least 12 to 15 feet to reach the lowest part of the roof. Then, she had to walk the rest of the way up. My husband asked her to come down. Then, he yelled at her to come down. She just stared at him. We finally just left the run door open (not the coop), went inside and checked every few minutes. After about 2 hours, we came out to find her sitting just outside the coop door like nothing had ever happened. I didn't expect her to fly that high when none of the hens have so much as tried to even roost on our 6 foot privacy fence.

She needed time alone to herself.

 

[elphabafalls]

Then, she needs to leave a note so mama won't have a heart attack next time! lol

 

[Hei 20]

Then, she needs to leave a note so mama won't have a heart attack next time! lol

She could also be tired of being called by a number each day. She wants a real name.

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

That's a crazy story XD

Maybe clip her wings?

 

[elphabafalls]

What a brat! Perhaps she was startled and just stayed up there. Hopefully she doesn't make a habit of it!

Yes, she's a brat. She's always been the problem child....and my baby. She steals everyone's food. Strangely, she's also very picky about her food. She also demands that I feed her treats by hand. She honks like a goose instead of clucking like a chicken. If she makes a habit of it, I'm going to have to learn how to climb up there too.

 

[elphabafalls]

That's a crazy story XD

Maybe clip her wings?

Yep, that's what we're going to do. I cracked a rib on the bathtub, so when I heal. She's getting a haircut.

 

[elphabafalls]

She could also be tired of being called by a number each day. She wants a real name.

Her name is Rita - from the Beatles song. Did I not mention that. Perhaps she's not a Beatles fan?

 

[Folly's place]

Get a long handled fish net from the sporting good store, and unless it's freezing, have your garden hose ready to encourage her to get off the roof.
Is there some reason she doesn't want to roost inside? Were you out there too early in the evening?
If she roosts on the roof at night, some predator will get her!
Mary