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

[fshinggrl]

Water near ramp and trays up the ramp did not help tonight. Three chickens are on the roost and 7 are outside. Grrr...

 

[fshinggrl]

Ok, I had a brainstorm last night. I switched the red bulb out for a white one. We'll see if it helps tonight. The last one I 'caught' was my EE/d'uccle mix and boy is she fast! The last place she ran, before I caught her was up the ramp to get in!

 

[fshinggrl]

I don't know what to do. I refuse to put them in EVERY NIGHT!!! Three consistantly make it in but the other 7 refuse, even with the white light I added yesterday.

Grr...

 

[7L Farm]

How big is your coop?

 

[fshinggrl]

Quote:
The henhouse is about 4x3. The run is big. I guesstimate of size would be 40 ft x 30 ft. I will attach a photo. It's a very rudimentary system, but it has worked out for us for the last 2 years. When I go out there at dusk, the seven are all huddled together near a 'brick.' I can't scoop all of them up at once, so once I get my initial grab (2-3 chicks), I have to chase the rest. My little EE is fast!

 

[7L Farm]

Your trying to keep 10 chickens in a 4x3 coop no wonder they won't go in . Thats only 12 sq ft . I wouldn't put over 3 chickens in your coop. Your run is fine.

 

[fshinggrl]

Quote:
So, you're saying that these 10 week old chick(en)s, who are no where near full size, won't go in because there is no space for them? Two of them (who make it in every night) are cockerels who will not be staying in the long run. Sorry, I neglected to mention how old these were but they are young. I'm sorry, I just don't buy that. No, it is not the biggest coop out there. I am just guessing the size so it could be 5x4, and then there is additional nest boxes hanging off the back. My chickens (full size) two years ago had no issues going into this 'small' henhouse, even at full size. Thanks. I still don't get it. I guess I'll keep expirimenting.

Have a happy 4th everyone! Stay safe.

ETA: I'm sorry, after re-reading this, my tone did not sound right. Sorry. We are looking to expand before the chicks get bigger. I just cannot see why when they are *this* size, this henhouse would seem small to them. I apologize again.

 

[teach1rusl]

I don't know where you are and what temps you've been having recently, but how hot does it get inside the coop?? Have you placed a thermometer in there of the evening? I can't tell how much ventilation it has???? I'm wondering if it's too hot in there for them - much cooler outside???

 

[txliss]

Ditto on the heat question. My hens will NOT go into the coop in summer time unless I slide the front doors off to convert to a 3 sided (and much cooler) setup. 'Course, I'm in Texas, and we've got 102 in the shade here today. With the doors on, the coop becomes quite the hot box, in spite of the vents.

 

[melroseladi]

Personally I would raise the end of the ramp and put a step up to it. While you may have had chickens in the past that went up it easily and may have some now that have no problem with it, the others may have an issue with it. I have some that jump right onto the ledge of my pop door to go in and out and the others wouldn't so I had to put a step up for them, both inside and out. Some chickens are just, well, "chicken".