Are Roof Shingles Toxic?

[SuperChiks]

My girls went in the new coop this weekend and were having trouble using the ramp. I attached some steps on the ramp but they keep slipping and sliding. So I cut up some of the Roofing Shingles we had left and Stapled them inbetween the steps. Its working beautifully but I'm concerned if they might be toxic at all to the chickens?

 

[tanyizzle]

Are they eating them? If not I wouldn't be too concerned. I did the same thing for my dog ramp and they're still alive, plus birds spend a lot of time on and near roofs in general.

 

[SuperChiks]

Quote:
No they don't bother them at all. They are using the ramp much more and actually walking instead of hopping. I just wanted to make sure they wouldn't get sick from them. I have no idea what's in them.

 

[Phoenixsw]

Hi
I needed to re-visit this topic as we just had a very large hail storm and our backyard is now covered with tiny particles of asphalt from our roof. I'm afraid bcuz of the small size and the vast quantity of it, that they are going to eat it. My question is, does anyone know if they will eat it, we'll they stop when they realize it's not food, and how toxic is it to them?

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
Sorry about your roof damage. In a few weeks any damage will start to show as darker spots on the roof. Our insurance gave us a new roof for just the deductible. Take pics. Also has your house siding been 'scored" by the hail? The store we had here 5 years back actually punched a hole in the neighbors vinyl siding. We have US Steel siding and hail ( ping pong ball sized) scored it like a wire brush. Insurance got a new coat of special paint.
Maybe ask a roofing company or your State agricultural extension service?
Best,
Karen