Anyone else get annoyed at how stupid chickens can be

[jeratzlo]

I worked hard building a 12 foot elevated coop for my chicks and pullets, adjacent to the main chicken run, with a covered, secure tunnel to it. The tunnel didn't work out this year, because the adult hens (Amberlinks) in the main run are so aggressive towards the two month old pullets. (very different behavior from the Americana adult hens last year, which were accepting of the pullets). So I built a second ramp to the 12 foot coop, so the pullets could access the yard another way. All 30+ have no trouble going down the ramp and enjoying a day in the yard. But at nightime only about eight go back up the ramp. The others all situate themselves underneath the coop, and would be easy picking by predators. Every night after dark I have to go out and catch them all and put them into the coop, which gets old. Hoping they get a few more brain cells soon!

 

[sourland]

Widening the ramp and/or decreasing the angle can sometimes speed up their education.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Widening the ramp and/or decreasing the angle can sometimes speed up their education.

x2, some photos of the ramps could help with troubleshooting. Or, try switching to steps or platforms instead of ramps. Chickens don't seem to care for ramps, but I've never had to teach one to use steps.

 

[jeratzlo]

x2, some photos of the ramps could help with troubleshooting. Or, try switching to steps or platforms instead of ramps. Chickens don't seem to care for ramps, but I've never had to teach one to use steps.

Good advice, thank you sourland and rosemarythyme. The ramp is very long, with a mild angle, but I can lift up the end of it, and add some platforms next to it. Hadn't thought of that. (always in the mood for another chicken coop project!)

 

[Tstraub]

When mine were younger did the same as yours. I added a nightlight inside the coop. They were attached to the light and went to bed by themselves. After a week or so I unplugged the light and never had an issue since.

 

[Tonyroo]

You do realize they can't see well at dusk. Might want to provide a light in the coop or next to the door to guide them in.

Ramps aren't necessary, chicks and any age chickens can clear a foot. My coop is a foot and half off the ground at the main door and all my chicks and adults clear that easily.

 

[LuciferRoo]

I will second or third what others said.
I went though this last spring where I had to catch 23 chicks and put them inside their coop, closing the door after each one or they would go back outside......and these guys had no ramp. Their coop was sitting on cinder blocks, which were laying the short way.

Then it happened again a couple of months ago with a new batch. The newer ones were better because they were raised by a hen, but do have a ramp going up 2 feet.

Yes chickens are dumb. If they were smart, they would not be pooping into their food and water.

 

[aart]

We Plan, Chickens Laugh.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Aw the nightly yeeting of young birds into the coop… Who amongst us hasn’t done the same?

 

[Perris]

Those who think chickens are stupid might want to educate themselves, instead of getting annoyed, by reading
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bird-Sense-What-Its-Like/dp/140883054X and
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genius-Birds-Jennifer-Ackerman/dp/1472114361