Ramp too low?

thedigitale

In the Brooder
Aug 11, 2015
34
5
24
We just got our 6 new pullets last night and opened the door this morning, but they're not coming out into the run. I'd probably be pretty scared if someone tossed me in a box and I woke up in a new place, so I imagine there's an adjustment phase, but I want to make sure that they're able to comfortably get out. That said, is the distance between the door and my ramp too big for them to comfortably jump down to, or is the adjustment time natural and keeping them inside for a bit?

Thanks!

400
 
Thanks,that's what I figured, but wanted to be sure. I put some carrots on the ramp and a trail of scratch grains from the entrance down to the run. Hopefully it entices them to make their way out eventually.
 
The stain was still drying when we went to pick them up... I'm not good with patience. Lol
 
Yeah, what they said. Sometimes when I first open the door they are all on the ground within fifteen minutes. Well actually only once was it that fast. Sometimes it takes three days for the first one to build up the courage to try it outside. It’s funny watching them at the open door looking out but afraid to risk it.

What’s more normal (if anything can be considered normal) is that they look at it for a few hours, especially the braver ones, and eventually one or two hop outside for a bit then soon go back inside. But after a while they go out and stay longer and others slowly join them. Quite often that can be the next day. The end result, whether it is fifteen minutes or three days, they eventually go in and out as they wish.

Something else to prepare for mentally. Even if you have housed them in that coop for weeks and they think of it as a safe place, don’t be surprised if you find them at the foot of that ramp or even under it at night instead of going into the coop to sleep. Mine tend to do that a lot. Just pick them up and toss them in the coop if that happens. If you wait until it is really dark and don’t have much light out there it is pretty easy to pick them up. If it is pretty light it is more challenging. I’ve had some learn to go inside at night after doing that once. I’ve had a few that it took close to three weeks to learn. Each brood is unique, no consistency whatsoever.

You might be able to lure them in with treats just before dark and lock them in. If you train them to come to you for treats many things get easier.

Good luck!
 
One way to get help ensure that they go inside in the evening is to put a light in the coop- when it gets dark out, they'll go to the light ..... then shut it off when you close up the coop. After they get in the habit of going up the ramp to roost in the coop, you won't need the light.
 
Quick update...

They've had no problem learning to use the ramp. We're still working on getting them in the coop every night, but they're getting better. Last night at dark, 2 were in, 2 were in the doorway, and 2 were sleeping at the top of the ramp. We're getting there.

Now the next challenge is going to be teaching them to use the roosts. Right now they just huddle in a corner. I've been picking up anyone outside and putting them on the roosts every night, so hopefully they'll get the idea soon.

Thanks for all the help!
 
The ramp on my coop fell off earlier this summer. They were all older hens who had lived there about a year. They navigated the two foot drop down and return jump up just fine. I only put the ramp back when the broody hatched a few chicks so the chicks could get in. There is an 8 inch lip on the inside from the floor to the door and the day old have no problem getting up to go down the ramp. Two week old will roost on a roost 28 inches off the floor. I have no idea how they get up to it, but they do.

4-6 inches is no problem for chickens of almost any age. As others have said, your birds are just learning their new surroundings.
 
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