Coop Training

[UTAHEM]

They come out of the coop all day. The whole roof is open under the roof for ventilation and the roof is translucent. It is bright as day in there when the sun is up. We keep four birds in there it is 4'x 4' and the Run is an 8' cube. The ladder is way less than a 45 degree angle but I will try making it less steep.

 

[UTAHEM]

I should note the roof has hardwire cloth over the top and then a 3" gap before the translucent corrugated roofing panel. It is deceiving but totally bright in there. Also we can leave the clean out door open if I put in some lattice.

 

[aart]

They come out of the coop all day. The whole roof is open under the roof for ventilation and the roof is translucent. It is bright as day in there when the sun is up. We keep four birds in there it is 4'x 4' and the Run is an 8' cube. The ladder is way less than a 45 degree angle but I will try making it less steep.

I'd guess it's about 75 degrees from horizontal-which is what counts.
You want it about 30 degrees from horizontal.

 

[Ashley Pederson]

The chicks still try to huddle in the corner of their run rather than in the coop at night. . . . suggestions???  We are putting them in every night and out every morning. . . .

I couldn't train my birds to go into the coop at night for months until I figured out that by going out and putting them in their coop each night had trained them to wait in a pile in their run for me to come and do it for them. Hubby and I finally went out together and herded them into their coop, making them actually walk up the ramp and inside themselves. After two nights of this, they all now put themselves in their coop at dusk every night. Maybe give that a try? Watching them walk up the ramp (or not being able to do so) will show you if it is too steep or not.

 

[yellowchicks]

Here is a pic of the coop/run if anyone is interested. We will cover the whole run by winter.

The ramp is way too steep. Build a multi-level platform to prop up the end of the ramp. Let the chickens jump onto the platform to proceed up the levels then walk up the ramp. It would be amusing to watch though.

 

[UTAHEM]

It is 40 degree angle ramp for 2' off the ground. The pic makes it look steeper than it is. Two made it in tonight!