Coop ramp angle?

[FourFussyHens]

I am building a new chicken coop for my four girls.

It is about 3 feet off the ground (to help foil raccoons and opossums). I need to add a ramp from the pop door to the ground.

What is the steepest angle I could use that the girls wouldn't have trouble negotiating? The ramp will be plywood covered with sanded roofing shingles for traction.

All thoughts welcome.

Sue

 

[Mahonri]

I wouldn't go more than 45 degrees.

 

[speckledhen]

I agree, not too steep or they'll slide when it's wet or they poop on it. I would not use roofing shingles as traction unless the stuff is sanded down ALOT. That can cause bumblefoot infections when staff germs get in the abrasions.

 

[Cruiser]

My coop is about the same hight as yours. I just used a 8' 2x6 with furring strips every 12" & my chickens don't have any problems.