Asking for some Monday morning QB comments

[CP]

Longtime listener, first time caller here...

I built an A frame ark/tractor 2.5' x 6' up top and 4.5' x 6' screened below. We got our 4 hens (or so we thought until 1 began crowing) last week. They pretty much stay in the top unless I put them down below. They don't have any problem running back upstairs as soon as I lower the ladder but they don't seem to want come DOWN the ladder into the run where we keep the feed & water. So I have a few questions...

1. Should we just be patient and let them come downstairs when they get hungry/thirsty enough?
2. Do i need to add some windows to the ark top so that it's a little less dark/cozy?
3. Do I need to pull the ladder up at night and/or close the hatch so they can't go down into the run? Note that I haven't been offering food/water up top...should I?

 

[Imp]

1. Should we just be patient and let them come downstairs when they get hungry/thirsty enough?
2. Do i need to add some windows to the ark top so that it's a little less dark/cozy?
3. Do I need to pull the ladder up at night and/or close the hatch so they can't go down into the run? Note that I haven't been offering food/water up top...should I?

1-You may need to show them, but they will figure it out.

2-Not unless you want to

3-They won't eat at night if it is dark. So putting food up there isn't necessary.
3-Closing the hatch depends on your predator situation.

Imp

BTW- Beautiful tractor

ETA-

 

[buckabucka]

I don't even have chickens yet, so I am only guessing, - but maybe it is too steep for them? It seems like they would want to be down on the grass during the day, which makes me think the ramp scares them. Someone with more experience should have better advice.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

You have built a beautiful coop! But from what I see, there is no way even I would come down that ladder. It is to precarious. I would think they need to have a sort of runway, leading to the ladder. They just dont have enough room to get on the ladder from the right direction. Looks like they would fall first. Make sense?

 

[goochgirl]

I can't answer your question, but wanted to chime in that your ark is beautiful!! Can you please tell me what plans you used?

 

[Neil Grassbaugh]

The basic problem with this design is that it does not allow for a chickens natural behavior.
Think about it.
When a chicken is descending anything; a hill, a tree, jumping down from a fence rail, a ramp,anything, they want to have the assurance that they can escape the situation by being able to fly away. This is their #1 (and really only) natural defense.
When going down through that hole and at the top of the ramp the birds do not feel that they have the option of flapping their wings and flying away.
They will probably get used to the situation, but will never really be comfortable with it.

Expect them to roost on top the nest box.
You have to much exposed feed surface for three birds. It will degrade in the air and sunlight before they get it eaten up. I would not have gfeed and water in the upper part of the structure.

Why are the handholds different on the two ends?

 

[CityChook]

Your ramp is awfully steep. And when they get going too fast, they have a nice feeder to crash into at the bottom. I don't blame them for not wanting to go down.

PS - your ark is really really beautiful. Put some real hasps and locks on your doors, though, to keep them safe. Those spinning wood blocks are an invitation for disaster.

PSS - I only have 4 chickens and I feed them in cereal bowls instead of those big feeders. Looks pretty, food/water are always fresh and they take up substantially less space. And when I'm feeling especially OCD, I change out their bowls with the seasons. Grin.

 

[patman75]

Great looking coop.

I would agree that the ramp is too steep. My chickens go up and down all day in my a-frame.

I also agree that you need better hardware to secure all doors.

I changed my roost board to a 2X4.

I have the same feeder and it tends to spin and the nut comes off. I lost the nut and washer on mine in the grass.

I would also keep your tractor away from your well head. No need to chance contaminating your water.

 

[tammyd57]

I think they don't want to go down that ramp because they have to jump in a hole to get to it. If they had room to stand at the end of the ramp and look down, it wouldn't be so scary to them. But jumping sideways or backwards or tipping forwards down a hole? They aren't gonna do it.

 

[CP]

Thanks for all of the comments...and compliments on the coop.

It sounds like I need to moderate the slope of the ladder so I'll give that a go. I gotta believe they will "jump through the hole" since that's the only way to get down with this particular A frame design.

I didn't use anyone's plans...I just looked at several websites and made it up as I went along.

About the different hand holds on the ends, i'd like to say that I have an eye for design but the reality is that i just cut it wrong and since it was 1x6 cedar, I sure as heck wasn't going to pay for another board, so I made a matching pair. The upshot is that it's great for moving the tractor with one person who's taller!

I'll secure the doors with better hardware...just using the blocks until I can get them on.

Finally, that's not a well head...it's my septic tank so we're all clear

Thanks again for all the input!