Coop ramp degree?

[MsVexx]

View attachment 1809151 Heya!

I want to build a ramp for my coop. I'm running with this idea for the door. Now I'm just trying to figure out the correct angle for the ramp. I only want to cut through one of the existing horizontal boards. What do you guys think? 14", 33" or 32" high = I suck at math angles.

 

[TooCheep]

It isn't clear from your post. How high will the coop entrance be above the ground? That will make all the difference on how long the ramp will need to be to produce a reasonable angle. The angle is pretty flexible, but at least you can get some basic recommendations.

 

[PirateGirl]

The angle between the ramp and the ground should be an acute angle.

 

[MsVexx]

I live on an old 1915 horse farm, so I have two large ground level stalls that I am using for my coops. I will upload additional photos shortly. My main concern is having the option for them to comfortably get in/out of the coop to eat and lay eggs during the day.

They do well with 4" width to get in and out and the outer boards will give enough height. I can make the ramp as long or short as necessary, just need to know the ballpark I should be shooting for as far as the degree.

 

[Cryss]

Take the distance between the pop door floor and the ground/floor measured straight down, then from that point on the ground measure off the same distance out. A ramp going from the pop door to this point represents the very steepest you ever want to go. This could be just too steep for some. Making the ramp longer reduces the steep angle. Personally I would always go longer.

 

[TooCheep]

I'd shoot for a 30-45 degree angle at the ground. I'd lean towards the former. Didn't think you wanted an angle since you said you weren't comfortable with the math. As you can see in this article, a 45-degree angle is pretty steep and I don't particularly like it. The author says that older chickens tend to just ignore the ramp and and fly in. I believe that is because they don't like that steep ramp.

Whatever angle you end up at, add some small cross-bars to the ramp rather than a flat surface to make it easier for them to get a good foothold along the way.

 

[MsVexx]

 

[Cryss]

View attachment 1809332

Is this showing about 14 inches to the ground? Now measure 14 inches or more (more is better...20 inches maybe?) along the ground to find the point where your ramp will touch down. Make your ramp that long.

 

[MsVexx]

Is this showing about 14 inches to the ground? Now measure 14 inches or more (more is better...20 inches maybe?) along the ground to find the point where your ramp will touch down. Make your ramp that long.

Best!

 

[MsVexx]

I'd shoot for a 30-45 degree angle at the ground. I'd lean towards the former. Didn't think you wanted an angle since you said you weren't comfortable with the math. As you can see in this article, a 45-degree angle is pretty steep and I don't particularly like it. The author says that older chickens tend to just ignore the ramp and and fly in. I believe that is because they don't like that steep ramp.

Whatever angle you end up at, add some small cross-bars to the ramp rather than a flat surface to make it easier for them to get a good foothold along the way.

Awesome!