Attaching a ramp to a tractor-coop

[iread]

I need ideas on the best way to attach a ramp to my coop in the tractor. It will have to be either detachable or attached very well to stay stable when the tractor is moved. The students cannot agree on the best way. Hinges maybe? I defer to you all--knowers of all things chicken!!!

 

[bigredfeather]

I would think a couple of 2-3" butt hinges would do the trick. Then maybe put a chain on the coop that is long enough to attach to ramp via a hook. Make the chain short enough that when hooked to the ramp, it elevates it off the ground. If you make the chain a length that holds the ramp off the ground just a few inches when attached, you would never have to raise or lower. Chickens can jump up on the ramp and get into the coop.

 

[iread]

Thanks for the advice! You'll have to check out the finished product to see what the students decide to use.

 

[Alley]

I have a tractor that has a ramp. It has hinges and a latch on each side. It's dark here now but I can take a pic and add it tomorrow if you want to see it.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The ramp on our tractor is attached at the top with a hinge. At the bottom, I added a 2x2 to the frame for it to rest on. All I did was add a crosspiece at the bottom, where I needed it.

 

[TerriLaChicks]

Here's a pic of ours. You can't see it well but we ran a 2x2 across the tractor which the bottom of the ramp attaches to.

The door to the coop part is open in this pic--it opens & closes by means of a rope that runs through the top of the hardware cloth & attaches outside of the coop.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I'm not sure if you can tell or if this will even work for you but this ramp sets on the tractors' frame board so it lifts with the tractor. If you could put a board across for the ramp to set on then it shouldn't hinder you.

 

[iread]

These are all great ideas!