How Necessary is a Ramp? Any Alternatives?

[TomZilla43]

Hmm.....I really wasn't considering changing anything in my current coop but this thread has me wondering if I shouldn't look at it with a different eye. The opportunity to gain usable space and a more open feeling in the coop has definitely caught my attention.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I only have a ramp in my coop for my Frizzle Bantam hen otherwise I wouldn’t have one at all.

 

[SueT]

I had read so many threads saying their birds (esp. chicks) don't understand ramps, that I made steps out of log slices. Mama hen had her chicks going up and down by day 3.

 

[aart]

Chickies get ramps.

Sometimes they need an extra one

 

[feathermaid]

I'd do a longer "porch" so that you have room for the two bucket feeder and waters you want under it. Then you could do a half way step at the end and not be in the way of the feeders. Something like this:

I didn't think about putting both together for some reason... was thinking to keep the buckets separated to dissuade guarding I guess. I like to keep multiple feed/water stations and I do like your idea here of making this area the main one. Thank you!

 

[feathermaid]

A landing pad seems like a good idea but if you keep a flock of mixed age and abilities such as I do here it doesn't work.
My seniors wouldn't make the jump for a start and any chicks that mum is trying to introduce to the flock won't make it into the coop either.
It also gives a flat and stable platform for predators to work on coop doors.

Very good points! Integration of chicks is the main reason I have 2 pop holes and ramps -- it's easier to section off a brooder area in the coop and let them have their own part of the run while in view of the flock. I may have to keep the ramp available on one side for little ones while they're learning... or add it to the platform during that temporary time like @aart has done.

Only the chick door to the coop has a lock, the other pop door is always open, so a platform wouldn't be an issue for predators. I lock the run doors every evening and the whole run (as far as know) is completely predator-proof, and so far nothing has been able to get through the hardware cloth. I also block the feeder openings early in the evening so as not to attract pests... those little rat buggers come out when it's still light! Then in the morning chickens are free to leave the coop and get water before I wake up and open the feeders and doors to the yard.

 

[feathermaid]

What program did you use?

Lol I have no idea! Just whatever tools are available when I open an image on my MacBook I just free-handed with the trackpad

Sometimes I use this site:
https://www110.lunapic.com/editor/?action=painter-new

Your porch sketch looks fine, shelf brackets should work good if they fit the space underneath. You could put porch lower(8" from bottom of pop door is what mine is) then set a cinder block or two as 'steps'.

The 5 gal. bucket feeder is 14" plus another 8" to elevate on a cinder block, only leaves me with 4" leeway to the bottom of the pop door.
Now, I'm also considering how to fill the bucket or get a full heavy bucket back between such a tight space. I'm thinking of hinging the platform so I can have easy access to the top of the bucket.
What I really need is to move to a farm so I can build a giant coop and put stuff wherever I want!

 

[aart]

I just free-handed with the trackpad

I can't even do cadd with a trackpad!!
You have awesome skills!

 

[aart]

Now, I'm also considering how to fill the bucket or get a full heavy bucket back between such a tight space.

I thought it looked pretty tight, hard to fill and they need access all around.

 

[MiaS]

I don't do ramps, they take up too much horizontal space and chickens don't seem to love them. Instead, I do steps:
View attachment 1846101

Oh I love this