Would this kind of ramp work ok

[eggcited2]

Some one helped us by setting up and building our chicken run and coop and put a couple branches for the bantam chickens to use to get into the chicken house-coop. The chickens do not get up onto the branches and then on up into the coop. We were hoping to put up a ramp. We planed on having stuff across the ramp so it will not be smooth. The wood my husband thought we had is gone, so he can't make one after all.

I saw this pet ramp that we could get. It is 60 inches long, 15-16 inches wide, and has 'channels' in it for traction. The coop itself is about 2 feet off the ground. I am going to try to post a picture of the ramp. Do you think it would work ok.

I am disabled, and so is my husband, so we aren't able to make an ideal ramp. Please take that into account when looking at what I am trying to do for a ramp.

 

[RojoMarz]

I think it would work fine. Do you have enough room, in front of the ramp, to allow for the 5 ft length? You may also need to make a "lip" or something in front of the pop door, to hold the ramp in place.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

I agree that this will work but it seems like more than you need for bantams. And, as @RojoMarz brought up, is there room for this ramp? It’s pretty big.

I‘m going to PM you about making one that will do the trick without taking unnecessary space. Trick or treat? TREAT! We have tons of scrap wood and lots of time.

 

[aart]

Do you think it would work ok.

Can you post pics of your coop and run?

I‘m going to PM you about making one that will do the trick without taking unnecessary space. Trick or treat? TREAT! We have tons of scrap wood and lots of time.

Why not share it here?
....plus did you read this part....

I am disabled, and so is my husband, so we aren't able to make an ideal ramp. Please take that into account when looking at what I am trying to do for a ramp.

 

[Rldad1]

How high is the coop off the ground? You may not need that long of a ramp. Any local Home Depot or Lowes will cut you a 1X10 to the right length and all you need to do is add the little 1 inch stingers to aide traction. If you are unable to do that let me know and I will see if I can find some help for you. Your local AARP chapter may be able to help.

 

[Ridgerunner]

For a coop 2' off the ground that will work fine. It would work for one 3' off the ground, the angle would still be shallow enough.

I once used a tree limb for mine which is closer to 3' off the ground. If the chickens wanted to use it they would. If they wanted to they could also fly up or down. Those chicks are usually 5 weeks old when I move them out there but I've seen 2 week old chicks fly that far. Of course this won't work if you have chickens that can't fly, like silkies or frizzles.

I eventually made some steps when I had a turkey with a bad foot to see if that would work. It did not work for that turkey but the chickens could use them instead of the tree limb ramp. You could make steps, maybe using pavers for bantams. 2' isn't that high up.

The issue is not whether they "can" use a ramp, use steps, or just fly up if they can fly. The problem is getting them to "want to". If they want to they will get up there. When I put chicks (usually 5 weeks old) in my grow-out coop they usually do not want to. I have to go out every night at dark and lock them in the coop section until they get in the habit of going in there on their own It doesn't matter if I've left them locked in that coop section for a week, once they get access to the run I practically always have to train them to go into the coop at night.

One time I only had to put them in their one time and they went in the next night. A couple of times I've had to do that every night for three weeks before the last few got the message. Usually it takes about a week. My broods are typically around twenty 5-week-old chicks.

Once again, that ramp will work fine, as well as anything else you can use. But you may still have to train them to go inside.

Good luck!