ramp into coop?

[bug263]

we have a coop that is 3 ft. off the ground and are wondering if we need a ramp leading into it or if our chickens will fly up when we begin to let them out (new chickens, crested polish)

 

[mamabird]

Our coop is about that far off the ground, and we DO have a ramp. Don't know if we really need it or not...we didn't even think about NOT having one. One thing I learned about Polish...we have one (and only one) with the rest of our flock. Don't know if she is a "special" chicken, but she has trouble finding her way back to the coop at night. After one night in the bushes, another in a brush pile, another in the barn, and another in the garden...my 4 year old suggested that we "cut her funky hairdo". We did. I cut her top feathers around her eyes so she could see, and it seemed to help. Maybe it's just this chicken, maybe not - but keep a count of yours if they free range!

 

[brooster]

If you have any new or young birds, i suggest a ramp, they will not know how to get in at first.

 

[Dawn419]

We have two coops that are raised 2 feet off of the ground. He are the ramps from them to help give you some ideas:

Ramp from our Modified Chick-N-Barn:

Ramp from our Post-Brooder Coop:

I've extended this second ramp so it's not as steep as the original one. Will get a picture of it and update as soon as the rain quits.

Hope this helps!

Dawn

Edited to add another pic:

 

[bywaterdog]

A ramp will help, but put "cleats" every 6 to 8 inches to keep them from sliding off. Just nail cross 1/2"slats across the walk board.

 

[brooster]

Thee is a pic and descrip of my ramp on my page https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2658

 

[Omran]

Yes indeed you need a ramp, it make it eaier for the chicken.

Omran

 

[chookchick]

Yep, give them a ramp. Just imagine if you were pregnant every day, and had to give birth every day--you'd want all the help up you could get!

 

[LynneP]

Chickens love outdoor platforms too and they serve to keep them out of snow when it's bitter, and to shade them in summer. If you have room you could use a ramp and a platform, or use a bale of hay or something similar instead of a ramp. Ours adore their platform and often when it's very cold they will use it when jumping to the ground would be intimidating. Since we have a 4' foundation where the pop door exits, the platform seemed like a natural extension of our plans.

 

[cmom]

If my coops were 2 ft off the ground I would probably put a ramp in. I have a ladder in my run for them to climb on.
Here is a picture of my ladder.