how high and long should the ramp be ?

[henlady777]

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Whatever they can walk up. I've used as steep as 45 degrees and have no problems. I've used less steep and still no problems. Tend to use around 35 degrees anymore to make it easier for chicks. Once you have a broody hatch chicks you tend to lessen the pitch for them to walk up. Other than that two week and up chicks easily walk up 45 degree, 12/12 pitch. With cleats that is.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Depends on your breed. I gave mine (But they are meat birds) a ramp at a 30° angle.

 

[Hokum Coco]

A good rule of thumb in a perfect world:
Make your ramp twice as long as the drop which would give you a 6/12 pitch and an angle of 22.5º.
"A 4x4 block attached to the end of your ramp to make a step up will do a lot to reduce the slope also."

 

[aart]

Many variables.
Which ramp, for roosts, for nests, for coop?
A lower angle, 30-35 degrees, is what I've found to be best.
You can prop the lower end on a concrete block(16") to reduce angle and ramp length.

Height of nests and roosts can depend on coop width/length too....so you don't have flyers crashing into things.
Roost are best always higher than nests, so they don't sleep(and poop) in nests.

Here's my theory on the 'stack up' aspect to coop design:
Bottom of pop door are best about 8" above floor so bedding doesn't get dragged out of coop.
Nice to have bottom of nests about 18" above bedding to allow use of that floor space under them(doesn't count if your nests are mounted on outside of coop).
Roosts are best about 12" higher than nests so birds won't roost(sleep) in nests and poop in them, if you use poop boards under roosts it will also 'stretch' your floor space.
Upper venting is best as high as possible above roosts so no strong drafts hit roosts in winter...and hot/moist air and ammonia can rise and exit coop.

 

[henlady777]

Good info thank you
umm what is a poop board ?

 

[henlady777]

leghorms

barrd rocks

golden buffs

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Those are fairly able breeds, I am less sure about the buffs (I only have some chicks and have heard they do get meatier) So they can manage a steeper incline. But I would keep to 35 degrees.

 

[aart]

Good info thank you
umm what is a poop board ?

Here's mine....https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...raphic-gross-poop-pictures/1100#post_13179595
There are many ways to set them up, lots of examples in the thread that the post link above will take you to.

 

[henlady777]

Oh I see
Thank you !