How to get them to use the ramp?

[joletabey]

My 11 week old Delawares just moved into their coop, and they look at the ramp out to the run as if it were the road to the chicken processing plant or something- will they figure this out on their own eventually? The coop is elevated- about 2 feet off the ground and I don't want anyone hurting themselves.

 

[Julie08]

treats!! Either put treats up the ramp or at the top of the ramp somewhere where they have to climb up it to reach the treats, it wont take long they will figure it out that way

 

[joletabey]

I thought of that, but then got afraid they would knock each other off trying to get to them. . . . .maybe I will try it and get my DH to be a door guard!

 

[Julie08]

if its only 2 feet then even if they did fall off it wont hurt them any

 

[Darlasmum]

I used treats. I also picked them and put them on the ramp near the door and gave them a gentle push into the house. Then they had to come down on their own. It took a couple of days- but they figured it out.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
This is what I do...works great!!!

 

[pkeeler]

Put treats on the ramp and at both ends. Don't worry about them falling, they can fly. In fact, they probably don't need the ramp. They are roosting right? They are flying to the roosting pole, for instance. Then, take your 2-3 most dominant birds, and put them into the run. Once they realize the joys of the open air and sunlight they will continue to go out. The others will follow. The first time or two, you might have to show them how to use the ramp. I like to catch them, place them on the ramp facing up, and then leave my hands on either side. This give them one direction to go - up. Once they do it once, they usually don't need to be shown again.

 

[RAWR]

our birds figured it out
but their older..hmmm
and i would try the treat thing like Julie08 said

 

[smarsh]

Prepare to have to boost them back in, if they are as dumb as mine were!

 

[joletabey]

Maybe mine are just spoiled rotten and want Mama to do it all for them. . . .I will try all this! Thanks!!!!