Quick ramp question...

[Vikinglike]

My birds are 8 weeks old, and went into my new coop just today.
A few of them are trying to venture up the ramp, but they are sliding down.
What’s the trick to making them usable?
I added a block under the bottom to lessen the incline, but didn’t help...
Thanks!

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

They are still young and clumsy, give it a few weeks

 

[Lizzy733]

It doesn't look too steep with the block, but that ply looks slick - you can add more 'steps' in between, add some grip tape, or paint it with a non-slip paint to give them more traction.

They're still a bit small yet, so maybe they just need something temporary. If you give them a step - like a cinder block or overturned bucket they can hop on they'll likely just use it to hop directly to the perches.

My girls took a bit to figure out their ramps (two into the coop and one to the perch bars) - especially the silkie - I was having to pop her in at night and was planning all sorts of chicken 'accessibility' options, but she figured it out after about two weeks of watching the other girls go up without her.

 

[imnukensc]

Add a tread between every tread you already have.

 

[CindyinSD]

You need more gripping surface. I made one like yours, but steeper and longer, and my pullets were about the size of yours. I thought about adding more rungs, but I found some grippy, rubbery sidewalk runner at Menards. I glued and stapled it on between the treads. (It was annoying, cutting the pieces... I used a utility knife, but be very careful. Do wear good thick gloves.)

I think this works better than extra rungs because it’s much more textural. The girls now have no hesitation in walking on it though it did take some time (and treats scattered inticingly on the “plank”) to get them used to it.

 

[Vikinglike]

I found this at Lowe’s.
It has good reviews... I’ll give it a try.
Thanks.

 

[CindyinSD]

BTW, I’m so impressed with your great setup there. Really nice coop!

 

[aart]

Add a tread between every tread you already have.

Agrees on adding more cleats.

Adding 'texture' might make cleaning harder.

 

[jthornton]

I just cut some 1/8" deep grooves with a circular saw about every inch or so, no cleats are needed if they have a place to hook a toenail in as they go up and down.

JT

 

[aart]

I just cut some 1/8" deep grooves with a circular saw about every inch or so, no cleats are needed if they have a place to hook a toenail in as they go up and down.

JT

Grooves haven't gotten filled with poop?