The Poultry Keeper

sjgolden · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:04 am Post subject: housing

Hmmm. Good question. You ask in such a way that makes me think that it is a good possibility...Don't they want to go inside at night? There will be food and light inside and it will be dark with predators outside. Isn't that enough to make them want to go up the ramp? I'm being naive aren't I? I've owned ducks for several years and I'm well versed in 'unreasonable' behavior. (I am also a mother of a 3 yr old).

Perhaps if I make my 'tunnel' with a hinged, screened top so it will be easier to encourage them up.

My other option is to hand gather them and carry them up a flight of stairs. Every night. Or build another chicken coop. I think they would be warmer and safer if they would just go up the ramp.

debcat · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 3:16 am Post subject:

Hi Sue
Welcome to the forum
Some of mine roost about 10 feet up in the rafters of the barn. They hop up the perches they are supposed to use to get there.
Going up doesn't seem to be a problem. Getting back down is a very inelegant affair - loads of flapping. they just don't seem to realise that they can get back down the same way they got up.
I did make them a proper house but they like the barn better. After months of climbing a ladder to put them where I wanted them I gave up and left them to it.
Your set up seems to have worked for the previous owner. I would just make sure that there are a lot of steps down for them rather than one drop.
And make sure your not standing underneath any of them when they do perch Rolling Eyes

All the best
Debs

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I think Sue that once they are in the barn that might be sufficient for them to think it's OK and not bother going up to where you want them to be. As Debs says they will probably decide where they want to roost.......not you, especially in your situation. I'm sure you'll work it out. The covered ramp sounded like a good idea..you know maybe once they get used to the idea they will just go up there. How many are you planning on having?

jaydee67 · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:50 am Post subject:

If you keep them locked in for about a week they will get teh idea of where home is when you let them out - and if they don't want to come in call them with food! I call chook, chook , chook when giving mine treats and they come running froam all directions. You could do this while they are shut in to train them.

CP · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:38 am Post subject:

A covered ramp sounds a much safer option if you really are set on using it for the chickens. You could always have a few access points on the way up, should they decide to stop halfway! (And a ladder - rather you than me 10' up a ladder! Shocked

)

If the previous owner used it, did he /she not let them outside at all?

Pictures would be great so we can see what you're talking about. Very Happy