Do we need a ramp

[wefrf]

We are putting the perch 3' off the ground do we need a ramp?

Our chickens are 5 months old and I have seen them get up on a 5' fence.

 

[Judy]

Mine is 30" and they do fine, even the big old Australorp hen.

If they are really big breeds, like Jersey Giants or Orpingtons, many find that jumping down can cause an injury. Even more "average" dual purpose breeds like Barred Rock can have this problem, especially a large individual. What breeds do you have?

 

[Chicken Ninja]

Depends on how much room they will have inside the coop to jump. If there's alot of space, I'd say you don't need to. If it's a bit cramped, you should go ahead and put in the ramp.

 

[LynneP]

Getting up is not the problem- preventing injury on the descent is the issue. I'd ramp it.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

no . my barred rock pullets could jump 3 and a half feet when they were six weeks old

 

[Judy]

Quote:
And my barely week old buff orp chicks are flying up to the 30" roosts.

Not trying to argue, really. Just saying, when they are mature, and large breeds or a heavy bird, jumping DOWN from any height can be rough on them. As a previous poster said, it's not the getting up, it's the getting down.

You might want to read about Speckledhen's experience with her roo, Zane, who is crippled. She has orps who have a low platform to roost, to prevent injury when they jump down.

 

[DIMBY]

I was concerned if my chickens were perching or not, so I cut in a small door to see inside. The perch was about two feet high, perhaps a bit higher. I found what the previous posters discussed - chickens could jump up but getting down was, well, a big problem. They were bashing themselves against the side of the hen house. So, quick modification, perch is now about 8" above the floor. Problem solved, chickens perching and it still gives me enough room to clean underneath. See the picture!

 

[Zuesdude]

You don't need one but it fun watching they climb up a stick ramp. It's like a ballet.