Ineffective Ramp?

[Mikski]

I have a newly installed coop and run for my grow outs. It shares a fence with my main coop and then there is a door between them too so once the chicks are acquainted I can open the door to integrate them. My question is this ramp, and bedtime. None of my chicks (3-7 weeks old) utilize the ramp. I haven’t seen any actually go up it and into the coop at any point of the day. I have to pick them all up one by one and put them in the coop in the evening. My other coop is basically ground-level so I didn’t have this problem with my other birds. Is this a common issue with elevated dwellings or is the ramp too steep/narrow? Thanks!

 

[thecatumbrella]

I think it just needs more rungs. They're not very coordinated at 7 weeks. I'd add 1-2 between each of the larger gaps. It will be a mess to clean, but you can always scale it back down later once they get the hang of it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens don't instinctively use ramps so you'd need to train them to it (or switch to steps or platforms so they can jump up instead). You can try luring them with treats, or herding them up the ramp.

From the angle of the photo it's hard to judge how steep it is - can you get a side shot? If it's steeper than around 30 degrees birds may struggle to use it.

Also from this angle I can't see if there's any windows/vents to allow natural light into the coop. Is it well lit inside at dusk? Even if they can use the ramp they won't want to go in where they can't see.

 

[nuthatched]

Two platforms would work better than a ramp, chickens like jumping.

 

[Mikski]

Chickens don't instinctively use ramps so you'd need to train them to it (or switch to steps or platforms so they can jump up instead). You can try luring them with treats, or herding them up the ramp.

From the angle of the photo it's hard to judge how steep it is - can you get a side shot? If it's steeper than around 30 degrees birds may struggle to use it.

Also from this angle I can't see if there's any windows/vents to allow natural light into the coop. Is it well lit inside at dusk? Even if they can use the ramp they won't want to go in where they can't see.

These are the pics I have. There is one big window on the side (shutter is closed in this pic but I’ve been leaving it open until they are settled) and there is another above the door on the front of the coop. Idk if you can tell the steepness of the ramp from these side views?

 

[Mikski]

Two platforms would work better than a ramp, chickens like jumping.

Oo I like that idea. They do have a roosting bar in the run and they figured that out pretty quick. Maybe I’ll try to make something like this. Also added a pic of the roosting bars they like in the back of the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Idk if you can tell the steepness of the ramp from these side views?

A little steep but they might be able to use it as it is (or you can prop up the ground end on a brick or paver to reduce the angle more).

Steps/platforms don't need to be fancy. I have cinder blocks for steps - chicks 2-3 weeks old can use them without being taught.