How to train my chickens to use the ramp

[questions543]

On my coop I have a ramp leading up 16" and then a 2" jump from there. My chickens refuse to use it so it makes me have to pick them up every time they need to go in/out. They don't run to treats (they just liked to be picked up) so training them with treats isn't going to happen at the momment and they are not scared of me so I can't chase them inside.

Any suggestions?

 

[jennymoop]

Hi,
I am a complete idiot when it comes to getting the chickens to go up the ramp, but my husband used the method where he placed the chickens on various parts of them ramp and then let them go up/down on their own to get off. Most of the time they just flew right off the ramp but there's a little part of me that likes to think it helped them gain confidence, lol.

 

[devora]

I've always walked them up. Put 'em on the ramp, let 'em take a few steps, that sort of thing.

 

[dreamcatcherarabians]

Maybe I'm a little calloused from raising other livestock but........I kinda figure if they're too stupid to use the ramp in or out, then they're too stupid to live. I put mine in the coop for a couple of days to get them used to the coop being home and then I open the door which doubles as the ramp. Then I walk away. They eventually go in and out and start using the run. Then I open the coop door and eventually they venture out of the run and they always go back in at night. If not, then I'm down a bird or 2 but the smart ones survive.

 

[jeepguy982001]

they'll figure it out eventually. I put small pieces of bread up and down my ramp and then they started jumping around on it. But my last set of chicks i just let them figure it out on their own but i also have a secure run attached to the coop.

 

[crchickens]

I guess I am a bit hard too, because I opened the ramp and walked away. Today was the first day I used it, and an hour later, I went out and there were 4 chickens outside. I took pictures to send to my hubby, and about 6 more came out. I went into the coop to rake the bedding and the rest got frightened out. Tadahhhh!! They were all out, and then when I was done raking, some ran back in. Is your ramp too narrow or too steep? We made ours very long so it was not steep, and it is about 2 feet wide. I just hope they all go back in at night!!

 

[questions543]

yup, I guess it was just a matter of time. I just ended up placing them farther and farther away from the coop and blacked the sides. They have now figured it out and run in when its raining and when it snight