Chickens Roosting In Trees

Chickens roosting in trees might be somehow normal at a glance, since technically speaking, they are still considered birds.

However, these birds are not similar to the species out there in the wild.

While most of birds can perch or roost in trees, chickens should be kept out of high branches, especially the heavy-weighted ones.

Moreover, it is not a secret the place of chickens is not trees, but coops. 

But can chickens really roost in trees?

Ability-wise, these domesticated birds can still roost in trees.

In fact, many of them often stay up high in the branches, making their owners tirelessly trying to lure them out.

Roosting in the trees is just their natural instinct, as well as most likely trying to avoid ground predators.

After all, chickens are one of the most preferred meals by wild animals. 

So let’s get into more detail in this article

Here’s what you’re going discover

Sound good?

Let’s get fly “roost” right in!

Why Are My Chickens Roosting In The Trees? 3 Possible Reasons

Chickens should only stay in their coops to roost, and it is not actually advisable to let them in trees.

However, they often like to sleep and rest peacefully in high branches.

Though they can not fly as high as what other birds can do, they can still reach tall branches if they like.

But why do your chickens roost in trees exactly?

There are three possible reasons, and here’s why: 

1. It’s their instinct

Chickens are still birds, even if they are domesticated already.

While these poultry birds are often kept in low or slightly elevated areas, they might still act on their bird instincts to roost in high trees.

This still depends on their breed, however, such as how light-weighted chickens can fly up high and roost in trees whenever an opportunity allows them to. 

2. To get away from predators 

Chickens are one of the most common prey of many predators in the wild.

Looking at the hierarchy of the food chain, it is pretty much easy to say that they can be in the lower or often preyed group.

Having this fact on hand, it is not surprising when chickens roost in trees to get away from their predators, especially those living on the ground. 

3. They feel bored and curious

Roosting in trees still depends on the personality of the bird.

Each bird is unique, including chickens.

Some might like the feeling of staying up high in tree branches as they feel relaxed and comfortable. 

So now that we know the reasons chickens roost in trees,

You may be wondering,

How to actually stop them!

Carry on reading to find out..

How Do You Stop Chickens From Sleeping In Trees? 

While their ability allows them to roost in trees, letting your chickens to stay and rest there can lead to some bad complications like injuries.

Heavier chickens are discouraged to stay in high areas as they are likely to get leg and foot injuries when they try to jump down.

So, how can you exactly stop your chickens from roosting in trees? 

Staying in trees at night can potentially endanger these birds.

It is vital that you keep them on the ground to keep them soundly safe in their coops. 

Try to slightly adjust their roosting woods if they like it slightly higher.

You can freely adjust their woods a bit higher, but still in a considerable safe height for them.

It can help your chickens stop sleeping in trees, but rather in their newly-adjusted roosting bars.

If your chickens are roosting to avoid predators, making them feel more safe in their coops would encourage them to stay there.

Try to build fences around their coops to protect them.

This would also prevent them from hopping over as the fences would separate any trees they can roost on. 

Check out my article – Do chickens sleep during the day? 

If your chicken is already in the trees roosting, how do you get them out?

Let’s find out

How To Get a Chicken Out Of The Trees? 

Getting your chickens out of the trees might be pretty challenging.

After all, the most likely way to bring them down is to climb the tree with a ladder.

Luckily enough, some owners try some few simple tricks to get their chickens out of trees.

You can stop your chickens from roosting by providing them food and water in their coops.

You can lure them out with their meal. This should definitely make them won’t to come down to eat! 

Some also put their chickens back on the ground using a pole with a hook in the end, while gently grabbing their leg.

Putting fake and safe trees inside or near their coop would also prevent them from staying on real, high trees. 

Can Chickens Roost Too High? 

Chickens can averagely reach at least 10 feet high, but this height is discouraged as it might put a lot of tension in their feet, causing potential injuries.

Although some may still perfectly roost around 6 to 10 feet high above the ground.

As a general rule of thumb in terms of roosting height, around 2 to 4 feet above the ground would be ideal for your chickens.

This is enough for them to feel safe from ground predators, while also not becoming too risky for your chickens to get too high which can cause leg and foot injuries. 

While chickens can try to fly and roost in high trees, it is better not to let them do so.

Some chickens are heavy and given how limited their wings can be, they also tend to land heavily.

In other words, the higher your chickens go up, the riskier for them when they go down. 

Wrapping Up 

Chickens are domesticated birds often seen, placed, and housed in coops.

They can fly, but not as high as normal birds can.

Still, they have their bird instincts to perch and roost on high trees like any other birds. 

While they are capable of doing this, it can be pretty dangerous for them as possibilities of injuries may happen.

Chickens often roost on trees following their instinct, in an attempt to stay away from predators, or when they basically feel like it.

It is essential to give them appropriate roosting bars to discourage them from staying in trees.