Will this work as a ramp?

[3KillerBs]

get that idea with a typical coop with solid walls. It's too hot here for that. Perhaps I shouldn't call mine a "coop" at all since it will be little more than a roof with 1 pallet "wall."

Absolutely appropriate for your climate!

In re: the original question, the object shown would indeed make a good ramp, but you need to keep the angle low -- around 30 degrees or less.

 

[Happy Novogens]

Extend a roost from the nesting box. Chickens can fly that high, but a roost will make them more interested in it.

I added a perch in front of the nestbox and changed the ramp. If they don't use the ramp, I'll be happy to remove it -- one less thing for them to poop on!

 

[All4Eggz]

I added a perch in front of the nestbox and changed the ramp. If they don't use the ramp, I'll be happy to remove it -- one less thing for them to poop on!

Smart!
I think the bulk of them will just fly up onto the perch and into the nest box.

 

[perkolator]

Ramp setup like that will just get knocked over quickly; the cinder block by itself is likely more to be used as the step to jump in.
I have an old ramp that used to be setup exactly like that in my run, for obstacles/perch, and it always got knocked over as it’s not secured to the brick. When I wired it to the brick, the whole thing would end up on its side every few days — I think it was from chickens chasing one another and running into it.

 

[Happy Novogens]

Created a second nest box under the original. Decided since I'm getting 5 (instead of 3) pullets that I needed another.
Took the advice above and just have the cinderblock as a "step" up to the perch on the upper box.
Do I need a perch on the lower box since it is so low to the ground?

 

[BarnyardChaos]

I think you do need a perch on the lower box, too. It'll give them a place to pause and check out the box (Already occupied? Is it safe? Do I want to lay in here?) before entering. I imagine there might be a dust-up and broken eggs if a hen jumps into the box directly, while another hen is already sitting.

I might suggest a low curb, like what you used for the perch, attached to the front of each box too. It'll stop eggs from getting knocked out by accident.

I'm also slightly worried about that block balanced on one end like that. I'd bury the end into the soil an inch or two so it's anchored (or just pack dirt or cement against it for a sturdier base), or stack a few blocks like a pyramid.

Just my 2-cents, for what it's worth.

 

[perkolator]

Every chicken I've had in the last 5yrs can jump/fly at least 4ft vertically, so functionally I'd say no it doesn't need the perch. Aesthetically, it's up to you but I'd likely add it so they match....and paint them because the two different plywoods would bother me, hahaha

 

[Happy Novogens]

I think you do need a perch on the lower box, too. It'll give them a place to pause and check out the box (Already occupied? Is it safe? Do I want to lay in here?) before entering. I imagine there might be a dust-up and broken eggs if a hen jumps into the box directly, while another hen is already sitting.

I might suggest a low curb, like what you used for the perch, attached to the front of each box too. It'll stop eggs from getting knocked out by accident.

I'm also slightly worried about that block balanced on one end like that. I'd bury the end into the soil an inch or two so it's anchored (or just pack dirt or cement against it for a sturdier base), or stack a few blocks like a pyramid.

Just my 2-cents, for what it's worth.

Thanks for the input! I can attach a perch for the lower box.

It may be difficult to see in the photo, but the bottoms of the boxes are at an angle so that the eggs roll to the back. I would think it'd be tough for them to go out the front (but I've not had chickens before).

I never thought they could knock over the block! I'll go bury it a little.

Thanks for your "2-cents." All suggestions welcome!

 

[Happy Novogens]

Every chicken I've had in the last 5yrs can jump/fly at least 4ft vertically, so functionally I'd say no it doesn't need the perch. Aesthetically, it's up to you but I'd likely add it so they match....and paint them because the two different plywoods would bother me, hahaha

Lol! Then I shouldn't show you the perch I just put on there! I was out of scrap wood so made do with what I had left, lol!

Considering how the rest of the run looks, paint probably wouldn't help much.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It may be difficult to see in the photo, but the bottoms of the boxes are at an angle so that the eggs roll to the back. I would think it'd be tough for them to go out the front (but I've not had chickens before).

That can work, looks like you did rollaway style? Are the eggs just sitting loose in the back or do they fall behind/under something where they can't be dislodged? Reason I ask is because chickens scratch. Wouldn't take much for an egg to be dislodged and flung out, if they're sitting loose in the back.