Ramp in and out of Coop

[Welllaidacres]

I have an 8x10 “coop” inside my barn. I have built a ramp to go outside through a window. I thought I’d if i showed a couple chicks how to get outside the rest would follow. Boy was I wrong. Is my ramp too steep? The ramp is less than 45 degrees. Is a ramp outside a bad idea? Will it just take more time? These chicks are 4 weeks old. Are they too young to go out? I raised a batch of meaties this winter and this is my first group of pullets so all advice is welcome.


P.S. any idea what breed the black and gold chicken pictured is?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I'm not sure about your first question.... but it doesn't look very steep for those birds.

But the black and gold chicken looks like a Golden Laced Wyandotte.

Depending on the age, he looks like a cockerel.....FYI

 

[aart]

It's a bit steep, put a concrete block under the low end.
Nice cleat spacing.
What's on the outside?

 

[MountainWoman73]

Yep. They'll take a while to figure it out. Canned corn is an excellent motivator if you want to encourage them to explore the ramp. And second cluckmecoop7's assessment of your mystery bird. Gold laced wyandotte cockerel.

 

[Welllaidacres]

The outside is a 20x30 fenced in area. I plan to divide it into two 15x30 runs. Each year I’ll plant the vegetable garden on one half and use the other as a chicken run. My theory is that I can use the chickens to fertilize, help in insect control, and till my garden.

 

[aart]

The outside is a 20x30 fenced in area.

I'd stick a block under that one too, lessen the angle and keep board off the ground to slow rotting.
..and yes some 'treats' sprinkled on the ramps can help lure them on to using them,
I just use some scratch grains....and toss the out of the coop
Get some 'shelter' out in the run, so they feel safer.
Good ideas for 'hiding' places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Welllaidacres]

I have doubled the inside space for my 27 chicks. Went from 7 1/2’ x 10’ to 15’x10’. I’ve added blocks under the ramps. I am still yet to get my chicks to figure out there’s an outside world. I’m starting to think all those pasture poultry ads are BS lol. I’ve tried canned corn and scratch grain to entice the chickens to explore. No luck. I have not added any outside structures for them yet because they haven’t even ventured that far. If you guys have any other suggestions, I’m all ears! Thanks!

 

[Welllaidacres]

Please ignore the fact that my exterior gate to the run is a foot taller than the fence. It was a gate I found on the property and decided to use rather than build one to the same height. Lazy I know, but it’s functional! Ha

 

[aart]

I have not added any outside structures for them yet because they haven’t even ventured that far.

If the stuff was there it might entice them out and it will make them feel safer if they have something to hide under...when you toss them out.

I’m starting to think all those pasture poultry ads are BS lol.

Well, they are

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hmm at this point I'd just put them on the ramp and push them out the door.