How early can chicks go up and down the ramp of a coop?

[Dgrundy14]

I have 4 chicks that are around 3 weeks old. They are in the upper coop but I was wondering how soon they can handle a ramp. I want to let them go down to the grass but I'm worried I won't be able to get them back in the coop at night. I just want to make sure they go up at night. Any ideas?

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Hi! They will probably be hesitant to use the ramp at first, especially if they're larger breeds, but they will get used to it soon. I would suggest putting scratch in the coop when you want them to go in so they have more encouragement and it becomes a habit. The first few times, some of them may not use it and you may have to carry them in. But they will get it eventually. Good luck!

 

[azygous]

Physically, baby chicks are able to navigate vertical challenges after they're one week old and have enough wing development to achieve "lift". So being able to navigate a ramp is the least of your problems.

Motivation is the main issue. It's not always easy to convince chicks to go into a coop at night because they're deeply suspicious of anything unfamiliar.

You can handle this in either of two ways. Wait days or weeks until they get familiar with the set up and decide to do it on their own. Or you can teach them. I opt for the second approach.

I use a favorite treat and get inside the coop myself and lure them inside. In just a few days, they're doing it on their own. It also helps to have a light, temporarily, inside the coop during this learning process.

Now, getting them to roost is whole other ball of wax. I'm still working with my four eight-week olds on that one.

 

[Dgrundy14]

They have been in the main coop for over a week where I have food and water. They love spinach and will eat it out of my hands. For the first few days should I only have the food in the upper coop so that they will go back when hungry?

 

[Dgrundy14]

They have been in the main coop for over a week where I have food and water. They love spinach and will eat it out of my hands. For the first few days letting them in the bottom of the coop (which is secure) should I only have water, where they have to go back up the ramp into the coop for food?