Why Do We Even Have Ramps?

[Dean126]

So i was in our chicken run today doing some maintainance and wondered... why do I even have a ramp from the ground to the coop? Its always in my way every time I go in there which is about every week or two. The coop entrance is only 1'6" above ground level and whenever I do take out the ramp, no of the chickens have an problem hopping in and out. They jump on things 2 or 3 times the height regularly.

My whole life every coup I've built or had has had a ramp into the coop. But is it even necessary? Do the chickens even care. Where my ramp is like 20% of the usable walking space should I just take it out?

I dont know why it took me 15 years to realize this haha!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

A lot of my birds are too big to just jump in the coop. The doorway is too small for them, especially the clumsy ones

 

[The Happster]

Yeah, I'd take that out.
They will easily jump that, and it's not worth the space if it's in your way.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

When I first saw this I thought, “ Dang! I love ramps! What’s a little halitosis?“

Then I got it.

 

[aart]

I dont know why it took me 15 years to realize this haha!

Yeah, if it's not needed, don't put one in.
The pic you show sure doesn't need one.

 

[yakitori]

well... my door is 4 ft off the ground, but I think you can afford to lose yours

 

[LadiesAndJane]

My silkies would never get up to their sleep shelf without one. The other birds definitely don't need it!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't get why everyone goes with ramps either, especially for relatively short height spans. Steps can take up less space and chickens use them with ease. Add a couple of cinderblocks and voila, easy cheap chicken steps.

 

[kcan2]

I wondered this myself! Until I realized that my rooster was actually pretty athletically challenged when it came to his a.m. descent. I guess we can't all be good at gym class

 

[Chickmama Jodi]

I would think it would only be an issue if you have a broody hen hatch some babies in there. Other wise yah get rid of it!