*SUCCESS* WHen will they learn how to use the ramp?!

[fshinggrl]

I know, you don't know for sure... but this is frustrating. My chickens are about 9 weeks old (2 months). I have 2 cockerels and 8 pullets. They've been out in the henhouse now for 2 weeks. It's been very cold and rainy, so I haven't let them out of the henhouse every day, but we're going on two weeks now of on & off being released and I have had to catch them (fun when they can get under the henhouse) and put them inside. The two cockerels have figured it out. They are in every night. There is a light that turns on before dark, so that is there. I know these chickens have not been in the henhouse all day because they all drink water (located inside) like crazy. I can't even 'herd' them up the ramp.

Any suggestions? I've tried treats. Thanks!

 

[7L Farm]

Maybe block off the crawl space & turn the light off.

 

[tarragon]

It took mine 2 weeks to figure it out, and another week before they could do it gracefully. Mine only need to use it to go in at night. If they are in a run or free ranging and the only water is inside where they can't get to it without help then if it were me I would move the water.

 

[fshinggrl]

How would turning the light off help them walk up the ramp to get in their henhouse?

I need them locked in at night... for their safety. Help!

 

[Beekissed]

Posting a pic of your setup would help.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
They can't see in the dark so they might go in the coop earlier if there's no light shining.

 

[BrattishTaz]

I put a trail of treats going up the ramp to get mine used to it. I'm not sure if your light is in the coop or outside of it, they are more likely to go inside in the coop if is not too dark. I make sure I get them in and locked up well before dark.

 

[ChickenAl]

My guess is it has to be the light. If there is no light then they know enough to get inside and on the roost before dark.

 

[teach1rusl]

Well, a small light inside the housing has always worked for me, so I can't see that being the problem. I would definitely block off the opening to get underneath the coop (I had to do that when I put my bantam chicks out in their coop - they had a ramp too). Could the cockerels be harrassing them, so the pullets are avoiding going inside with them??? You might want to sit out there and observe a bit. Other than that, I would (during the day), trail some really great treat (mine LOVE raisins) up along the ramp to inside, maybe put the cockerels in a pen or something while you work on "training" since they already have it down.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
Thats the message I was trying to tell the OP.