ladder issue

[trudyg]

I have several hens who are 3+ years old. One of them has a hard time getting down off the roost. I have a roost, then down 8" and out 10" is the edge of the poop board, from there onto the ladder is another hop down maybe 6". She cackles and paces and has to have conditions just right for her to make these steps. she is the only one who walks up/down the entire length--the rest just make a hop on/off at the halfway point.

I have an automatic door, but usually go out just as it's opening to scoop before leaving for work. When I do that, the large walk-thru door is open and the others just get set on the roost and launch thru the door to the ground. I have checked her over and don't see any physical reason for this, no foot issues, etc.

I want to make a more gradual step assembly for her and need suggestions. about how far horizontally and vertically should each step be? My coop is 8 X 12, so I've got room even if I need to redo the setup. The current roost is maybe 4' up off the floor along the long side, poop board extends out 10" farther than the front edge of the roost and it's rim is 8" down (she struggles to get down to it).

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

As birds get older they can start to develop arthritis so it can be painful for them to hop down. I see it more in heavier breeds like Orpingtons.

Pictures would help to see what you have and maybe what can be done.

I recently lost my 10 year old Orpington hen who I had to help get down some days for her last year or two off the roosts. Some days she could do it and other days I had to lift her off.

 

[aart]

Pictures would help to see what you have and maybe what can be done.

Ditto Dat^^^

 

[Ptera]

I have a double-decker chicken coop. I purchased a pre-made pet bird (parrot) ladder to go between the levels, because I knew a solid board would get pooped on a lot. I was concerned about it being too narrow (about 3" or 4" wide) but my boys do just fine on it. I think it's about 3 feet long. They come in different lengths. I attach it with wire (my all-purpose fix it for everything around the house. Some people are duct tape fanatics--I'm a wire fanatic!).

 

[trudyg]

I cant' get a picture today, have to work late and it'll be dark. The parrot ladder is a good idea, so I'll see if I can't do something similar. I'm thinking of putting a second roost perpendicular to the original and a bit lower.