How to get Chickens to use Door

[Ayam onthe Farm]

We made a new run for our chickens to have access to an outside area. My wife wanted to put the entrance at least 18 inches up (we are going to start beekeeping and read that 18 inches will keep skunks out of bee hives so she thought it would be the same for getting into chicken coops). Now the chickens cannot figure out how to get into the entrance that is 18 inches up even with a ramp. Any advice on how to get them to use it?

 

[PD-Riverman]

We made a new run for our chickens to have access to an outside area. My wife wanted to put the entrance at least 18 inches up (we are going to start beekeeping and read that 18 inches will keep skunks out of bee hives so she thought it would be the same for getting into chicken coops). Now the chickens cannot figure out how to get into the entrance that is 18 inches up even with a ramp. Any advice on how to get them to use it?

Set up A step up to the 18" height(maybe using blocks or what ever), remove their feed----then feed the chickens on these steps and a little feed inside the new run close to the entrance. The chickens can get on these steps, eat, get use to it, then you can remove the lower steps after a couple days and they will jump up to the next higher step to eat and jump into the new run to eat, after a few days the steps will be removed.

 

[SterlingSilver]

On the coop that my family build the hole is 17x17 inches and is about 2 feet off the ground we had them walk up it when they were baby chicks though did you do the same? We also put hand fulls of feed on the ramp so they can just walk up it and at night i get them all inside then close the door and lock it

 

[azygous]

Not getting into the part where you can expect an eighteen inch rise to keep skunks out of a chicken coop, not to mention foxes, raccoons, weasels, rats, possums, bobcats, bears, and roaming dogs, you're making it more difficult for your chickens and they need some enticement to use the entrance.

First of all, that sort of high rise requires a landing or perch at the top. You can't expect chickens to sail through without a pause on the lip. Do you have such a perch?

If not, you need to make one. Then you can place some treats on it, the chickens will fly up to nab them, and discover that they can also get in and out of the coop.

 

[aart]

Bee hives and chicken coops not the same in regards to skunks or other critters.

Steps/landing areas needed.
Posting pics of setup, inside and out, would help us help you.