chicks won't use the runway

[urbanfarmer101]

I built my coop with an upstairs coop and downstairs park/pen. The girls will not use the chicken ladder to go "downstairs". What the heck? They did get down yesterday, then it started to storm. Those silly girls just sat in the park area and wouldn't go up the ladder to get out of the rain! Any suggestions?

 

[urbanfarmer101]

Here is the trap door and the ladder


I don't think it is that scary.


My teenager Buff went down by herself today. Guess I just had to tell on her.

 

[chfite]

As chickens get older, the seem to get smarter. I had several that slept on the floor, looking up at the roost for several weeks. One day, they got onto the roosts and haven't slept on the floor again.

My chickens don't tend to go inside in a storm. If the rain is light, they stay where they are. If the rain is heavy enough, they will stand under the coop and wait.

I feel that their knowing where the ramp is located is sufficient; and they will use it as they wish in the fullness of time.

Chris

 

[urbanfarmer101]

Thanks Chris!

Today they all went down. My oldest and youngest bird didn't get back up. I had to go out and put them in the coop. I think they are working me over like my kids.

 

[4 the Birds]

Young birds struggle on ramps if the traction strips are too far apart (mine did!). My ramps initially had strips 6" or more apart just like yours but I added strips between them. The adult birds don't have problems but pullets have short steps. More strips and closer together will help!

 

[wsmith]

Thanks Chris!

Today they all went down. My oldest and youngest bird didn't get back up. I had to go out and put them in the coop. I think they are working me over like my kids.

Sometimes it take them a while to learn and get comfortable. They will get the idea, especially now that one or two of them know what to do. The others will watch and learn.

Be sure to visit us on the Colorado thread! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/68894/colorado/15290#post_11260112

 

[conny63malies]

Do you think that .75in spaced 4in on center will do? Thats how i spaced mine.

Young birds struggle on ramps if the traction strips are too far apart (mine did!). My ramps initially had strips 6" or more apart just like yours but I added strips between them. The adult birds don't have problems but pullets have short steps. More strips and closer together will help!

 

[wsmith]

Do you think that .75in spaced 4in on center will do? Thats how i spaced mine.

4 inches is fine, especially for more mature chickens.

The ramp appears that it might be quite smooth...? that may be part of the problem. They might be having issues with it being slippery. If you have some sand and some glue or old paint, spread the glue or old paint somewhat thick onto the ramp and sprinkle the sand onto the wet paint or glue. When it dries you will have a surface with excellent traction. Or just add more cleats onto the ramp.
just some thoughts.

 

[conny63malies]

I am a diff. person . i just had the same question

 

[urbanfarmer101]

I went back and added some sticks between my runners.

Now it seems that everyone is willing to use the run except for Princess. (Note to self, never name a chicken Princess-you are just asking for diva trouble.) He waits for me to come and get him down, however in the evening he is the first one up to go to bed. Silly Princess.