Ramp issues!

[KPort Chick]

My 8 week old chicks seem to not understand how to use the ramp. I don't think it's too steep, and even put a bucket on the ground to elevate it a bit. They just don't get it. Will they ever? I used a 1X10 piece of poplar with cedar shims as the "rungs" which are spaced 6 inches apart. For now I just put them up in their coop for the night.
Any ideas?

 

[Paegglvr]

They'll figure it out. After a few days of putting them up for the night they should start doing it on their own.

 

[KPort Chick]

Well I hope so- I just had to go out there and put the 2 silkies back in the coop because they jumped down. The Buff O's seem to understand how it all works better. The silkies are just freaking out right now. It's their first night out!

 

[Dawn419]

It took our gang a few days to figure out the ramps also. I used a bit of black oil sunflower seed sprinkled on the solid ramps and that was a big help in getting the birds used to it.


Dawn

 

[GRAM49]

We sprinkled a little scratch for a few days until they got used to the idea of the ramp.

 

[pixiechick]

I had to coax my silkie up the ramp by tapping her along for about two weeks before she caught on! The rest just ignore the ramp entirely and fly into the coop.

 

[KPort Chick]

Ok thanks. I will have to be patient I guess. I sort of "gave in" for now and put a little box on the ground. They are only 8 weeks , so I will spoil them a little longer...

 

[Dawn419]

Ooooohhhh Noooooo...


They have you trained already!!!

Sorry but I couldn't resist it as mine have me well-trained!

Dawn

 

[happyhen]

Mine taught each other. The bravest came down the ramp about halfway, went back inside, and repeated about 3 times before the next bravest made the attempt. It took about a week for all 10 to figure it out, and they each have their own "style" of getting in and out.

My favorite sight in the morning is watching my "feather ball" roll down the ramp as they all fight to be the first one out!

 

[KPort Chick]

I just got back in from "tucking them in" and the silkie marched all the way up the ramp without me doing a thing! I was shocked!