Mychickens are broken!

[Jenthehen127]

My big girls have been in the coop a week now, and they still refuse to go in the hen house! I know they are nervous about the ramp going up/down. They are finally able to come out on their own, but not in! I have to try catch them and put them in. I put them part way on the ramp and they will go in. How long will this go on?! Will my chickens ever chicken?!

 

[Featherballs]

They'll figure it out, how old are they?

 

[sourland]

Can you post a picture of the ramp ? Chickens dislike thin, steep ramps.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Can you post a picture of the ramp ? Chickens dislike thin, steep ramps.

It is sort of steep. I don't know if I have a picture. This one is the only one I see. I'll have to get one.

 

[Jenthehen127]

They'll figure it out, how old are they?

11 weeks. I know not too old yet. I'm just hoping they will! Lol! Thank you!

 

[Featherballs]

It is sort of steep. I don't know if I have a picture. This one is the only one I see. I'll have to get one.

It looks ok to me, but I can't see how steep it is, you might want to hit up the edges of the tread boards with some rough sandpaper to take the sharp edges off as well. they are still doing their own thing at that age. put them up there at night for a couple days and they should figure it out.

 

[Featherballs]

Also, is there a roost in there, or is that just a laying box? I would give them a roost separate from their laying boxes, a 1"-2" wooden dowel should be good for their size, stripped and dried tree branches work great too.

 

[rosemarythyme]

To reduce angle on the ramp, you can prop up a cinder block under the end to raise it up a bit. Might also try luring them up (or at least onto) the ramp with some favorite treats.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Also, is there a roost in there, or is that just a laying box? I would give them a roost separate from their laying boxes, a 1"-2" wooden dowel should be good for their size, stripped and dried tree branches work great too.

Yup, they have a roost. 3 of them use it. That's improvement! It used to be only 2! I guess I'll just have to be patient and keep working with them.

 

[Jenthehen127]

To reduce angle on the ramp, you can prop up a cinder block under the end to raise it up a bit. Might also try luring them up (or at least onto) the ramp with some favorite treats.

Oh, that's an idea! I didn't think to put something under the ramp! We did try to lure them. I'll give this a shot! Thanks!