Hens won't use ramp to go into coop

[SpeckledPullet]

My hens will not use the ramp for our coop. It is made of plywood and hangs off the coop at a 45 degree angle. It has wooden planks for them to grasp onto as they walk up/down. However, they refuse to use it. When I let them out in the morning, they fly down from the coop. In the evening, I have to pick them up and put them inside, because they won't even attempt to go up the ramp. I worry they will start not wanting me near them for fear I will pick them up (although they are all quite tame). What can I do different to get them to use the ramp? I have tried sprinkling their food onto it, but they just don't get it.

 

[Roy]

My girls did the same thing for awhile, wouldn't use ramp. Then one day they all started using it. Give them a little more time to get use to it. I'm pretty sure that you will see get comfortable with it and start using it...

 

[FortWorthChicks]

I broke up a shingle and put the pieces on the ramp between the little wooden plank things and the hens started in on sharpening their beeks on it they climbed up in the process.

do a search on it and you will find you are not alone! lol

 

[mustangruss]

Yes I would agree that time will help them get used to to using it.

 

[joletabey]

I asked basically the same question, and everyone said to try treats and to just give them time, etc.

 

[25bengood2me]

Try sprinkling some feed up that ramp. Those chicken bellies will gobble up that ramp.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

If the ramp is too steep or the toe grips are too far apart and their feet are slipping you will have a very hard time getting them to use it. Chickens like to be sure-footed and not slip. I use hardware cloth the width of the ramp and staple it to the board. I usually have to put them up a couple of times until they get the idea and they catch right on an start going and coming as they please.

 

[Manok-Tao]

Quote:
I'm building a new coop/run that will have a gang plank to/from the pop door. I understand the "not to steep" part...in making the ramp the right length is it possible that flex created by the birds weight would give them an uncomfortable non sure footed feeling. I would think so. That said is it important to ensure the ramp is rigid?

I like the hardware clothe and the shingle ideas

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
That said is it important to ensure the ramp is rigid?

I would keep it somewhat rigid. I use 5/4"X6" decking board.

 

[12GAGirl]

I had the same thing happen when I first put my flock outside but after about a week of me and my husaband having to pick them up and put them in the roost they just started using the ramp and have used it ever since. Our ramp is nothing fancy but it is not very steep. I see the hens sometimes try to jump from the ground to about half way up the ramp and sometimes they will climb up the ramp and jump off to scare each other I guess. They are a riot to watch.