Do chickens actually need a ramp?

[codycc13]

So, I've got three chickens. the coop is about 8 feet high over the run. They have a run underneath and they want to go down but cant! I can set them on the first rung of the ramp and they will fly down no problem and they will fly up at night no problem as well without using the ramp at all. I think their ramp might just be getting in the way? Our ramp is offset so there is a 8 inch jump they have to go down before they actually are on the ramp. So what I'm asking is, if I took the ramp out, will they fly down with ease? This would also make it so I would not have to lock a coop door at night because no predator could make the 8 foot jump.

 

[speedy2020]

It is depend on the breed that you have. The heavy bird like English orpington might have problem flying high.

 

[codycc13]

It is depend on the breed that you have. The heavy bird like English orpington might have problem flying high.

I have two mixed breeds and they have no problem and one golden comet that does not have a problem. I am getting 5 more golden comets

 

[aart]

That ramp looks too steep for them to use, why they are avoiding it.

Take it down for a day or two and see.

Hard to see what you've got there, is the pop door in the bottom of the coop?

 

[codycc13]

That ramp looks too steep for them to use, why they are avoiding it.

Take it down for a day or two and see.

Hard to see what you've got there, is the pop door in the bottom of the coop?

Yes it is a door in the bottom. I think I'll do that. They have no problem going up, they will either fly all th way to the hole or stop half way and then fly the rest of the way. I just think the ramp is more in the way than it is helping

 

[aart]

They probably can't fly right thru the hole in the bottom of the coop..... so might need something up there for them to land on.
Maybe a shorter ramp (~2-3' long) that is securely suspended at a gentle angle from bottom of coop?

 

[azygous]

I have a coop with a high pop hole, and I built steps instead of a ramp. As long as chickens have landings, they can flutter and hop up to any high destination. They use their wings to soften the landing coming down so it's no problem as long as it's not a hard surface at the bottom to hurt their feet.

 

[Kadu]

8 foot jump might hurt their legs... I have a rooster that hurt his legs, poor thing... they have a 4 foot jump plus he's pretty heavy lol

I would still close the door because who knows what those raccoons can do! nasty little things...

 

[blondiebee181]

IMO, the ramp looks a little too steep and a little too narrow...