What kind of slant for a ramp?

[TERRY4]

We're making the ramp from the coop chicken door, to the run outside. At what slant should it be? We are putting little slats, approx. 3-4" apart. What tips should we know?

Thanks.

 

[chrispbrown27]

When I built mine I made it way too steep for the ducks, but my chicks had no problem hopping up and down it. So, unless you have ducks also I don't think the steepness matters much. I would say anything 30 degrees or below would be just fine. Something I didn't do that I wish I had is made it with hinges so it could be lifted up and out of the way for cleaning purposes. My slats are more like 6 inches apart and the birds have no problems at all with it.
Chris

 

[TERRY4]

When I built mine I made it way too steep for the ducks, but my chicks had no problem hopping up and down it. So, unless you have ducks also I don't think the steepness matters much. I would say anything 30 degrees or below would be just fine. Something I didn't do that I wish I had is made it with hinges so it could be lifted up and out of the way for cleaning purposes. My slats are more like 6 inches apart and the birds have no problems at all with it.
Chris

Thank you Chris. I will pass this on to my Husband.

Terry

 

[TERRY4]

When I built mine I made it way too steep for the ducks, but my chicks had no problem hopping up and down it. So, unless you have ducks also I don't think the steepness matters much. I would say anything 30 degrees or below would be just fine. Something I didn't do that I wish I had is made it with hinges so it could be lifted up and out of the way for cleaning purposes. My slats are more like 6 inches apart and the birds have no problems at all with it.
Chris

Thank you Chris. I will pass this on to my Husband.

Terry

 

[TERRY4]

Here's the ramp we ended up making. The chickens will be let out maybe tomorrow. This isn't all done yet. My Husband made a strong tunnel so we could shut the coop chicken door AND a gate at the tunnel end, at the pen for greater security.

 

[nellynelly]

here is the ramp that i "made".

 

[TERRY4]

That'd work. We are using a lot of while tree logs to trim the pen.

 

[nellynelly]

they have no problems climbing up it. the only problem i have seen, it is hard to clean.

 

[TERRY4]

Ok, we opened the coop door for them last night and 5 out of 6, came out ON the ramp. Only 2 ventured down it onto the grass, inches from the ramp, then went back in. Now, I opened it again, {will be their first whole day with the door open. They want to stay in, look out, or sit on the ramp. But won't come out in the pen area and be chickens. Lol.. I guess with time. I had their greens/treat pan at the end of the ramp, but that didn't get it, so I put it back inside so they could eat.

Any suggestions? How did yours do the first times? These were used to being inside the coop for a bit before we got the door open. Had pen work to finish first.

Thanks.

 

[TERRY4]

Not long after I wrote the last post, I looked out and couldn't believe my eyes. I had 3 chickens coming down the ramp and out! They're loving it!