New-to-us 6-months old hens won't go down ladder

[poulsenj]

Hello! We're braaand new with chickens, so be kind!

We recently (approx. 2 weeks ago) purchased two 6-months-old Rhode Island Red hens. The girls will not go down the ladder to leave the coop (and definitely do not trust us).

The ladder is a combination of 1.5" diameter sticks and 1" tall pieces of wood. Each cleat(?) is about 2.5-3" apart. The ladder extends down from a hole in the floor.

What do we need to do?

Thank you,

JSF

 

[sourland]

Give them time to adjust. Chickens hate change and adapt to it slowly.

 

[saysfaa]

How steep is it? How high is it? Clearance? Or could you add a picture?

Or try a ramp or platform steps.

It might be just new. Or there might be something that makes it hard to use.

 

[Sammi_0411]

Give them time to adjust. Chickens hate change and adapt to it slowly.

This totally agree

 

[rosemarythyme]

How steep is it? How high is it? Clearance? Or could you add a picture?

Or try a ramp or platform steps.

It might be just new. Or there might be something that makes it hard to use.

x2, a photo of this ladder would help.

How are they leaving the coop right now, just jumping out I assume?