Chicken can't hop into coop

[GeneticFreak]

Happy Thanksgiving! I have cameras around my coop/run. Last night I noticed something in the run. It was one of the chickens. After further exploration, I was able to determine that she can't hop back into the coop at night. She gets close and gives it a try, but she just can't get up there. Her legs appear to be fine, eating, drinking, etc. I did notice she sits down a little more in the sand. Also, the entrance to the coop isn't that high off the ground. All the other chickens get in fine. I am going to take her to the vet but was curious if anyone ever came across this.

 

[Tookie]

How high does she have to jump?
What breed and how old is she?

 

[GeneticFreak]

How high does she have to jump?
What breed and how old is she?

Hi, she has to jump about 16 inches and she is @ 5 years old.

 

[Tookie]

Hi, she has to jump about 16 inches and she is @ 5 years old.

I'm thinking this has to do with age. Especially since you notice her sitting around more.
Anyway you can add something else for her to jump? Like a perch or step?

 

[GeneticFreak]

I'm thinking this has to do with age. Especially since you notice her sitting around more.
Anyway you can add something else for her to jump? Like a perch or step?

Thank you. Tomorrow, I am going to make a ramp for her. My only concern is if she will know how to use it and will the other chickens get confused by this new "thing".

 

[Tookie]

Thank you. Tomorrow, I am going to make a ramp for her. My only concern is if she will know how to use it and will the other chickens get confused by this new "thing".

Sounds good!

 

[Tookie]

How's your hen?

 

[GeneticFreak]

How's your hen?

Thank you very much for checking in! Very kind of you! The hen is doing good. She can hop about halfway up the ramp and then get into the coop to roost. That said, I am still curious as to why she is having trouble. Going to keep my eye on her via my camera to see if her hop gets a little better. If not, I am tempted to take her to the vet just to see if something is going on.

 

[Tookie]

Thank you very much for checking in! Very kind of you! The hen is doing good. She can hop about halfway up the ramp and then get into the coop to roost. That said, I am still curious as to why she is having trouble. Going to keep my eye on her via my camera to see if her hop gets a little better. If not, I am tempted to take her to the vet just to see if something is going on.

Thanks for the update! Hope she keeps improving!