Teething problems

[aart]

it is getting up they're struggling with.

I sprinkle scratch grains on ramps to incite use of it.
Is their feed and water in the coop or down in the run?
A small battery operated puck light placed in the coop at dusk can help lure them up into the coop.

 

[Perris]

last summer I had the pleasure of watching a broody teach her chicks how to go back up a ramp the first day they were out (they followed mum down it out of the coop with no issues). It was very amusing watching while mum patiently go up, turn round inside the coop and poked her head out clucking to encourage them, then came down and went up again, repeat, repeat, repeat, as the chicks would look up the ramp then go behind it, or to the sides, or start up then lose their nerve and go back down, repeat, repeat They got there in the end!

 

[aart]

I've attached a photo of the type.

Is that the exact size coop you have?
Tight space above for birds...and the floor ramps can be tricky to navigate as well as the 'door' taking up precious floor space.

 

[Lijong]

No, it is a similar type. It fits 8 chickens but we only have 3. Also, we don't keep them in the coop, they free range so have a large area to enjoy.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community Best wishes with your flock!

 

[aart]

No, it is a similar type. It fits 8 chickens but we only have 3. Also, we don't keep them in the coop, they free range so have a large area to enjoy.

8 chickens according to whom? Manufacturers almost always over estimate healthy population capacities. It's good you only have 3.

...and just keep in mind that Aframes have issues with tight space in coop above as well as lack of adequate weather protected ventilation...both matter, even if 'they only sleep in there'.

 

[Lijong]

I know. Thanks for the advice.

They have plenty of room. Even halving the manufacturer's recommendations they are under half of what they deem possible. I could get 6 in there easily. It is over 6 foot long. They free range all the time, are never confined. They nest on the bar and there's a good 6 inch above their heads and space at either side. I am happy they are well looked after, suitably accommodated and cared for.

 

[Lijong]

UPDATE: I followed what one poster said and a few nights ago I placed a torch int he top of the coop. They found their way in perfectly. Now, 3 nights on without a torch light they have made their way in and out perfectly. So all is well with the world. They've finally got the hang of it. Thank you all for the help and advice, it's been much appreciated. Xx