I am fixing up a chicken coop and need help with the chicken ladder?

Question

My chickens are fairly big but not full grown. they are about 3months old. I have the perch about 2 1/2 feet off the ground and built a ladder with a board with 3 cross boards and they still cant seem to get up it.

Is there a specific incline I need or a space for the steps or between the steps or do the steps need to be sticking out farther. thanks!

Answer 1

chickens can't climb ladders. you need to make a ramp. if the ramp is really steap, put slats across the board every 8-12 inches. although, the chicken should be able to jump/fly up that high to get on it. you could also put a wooden box under the ledge that is about half the height and they can jump from one to the other. that would take up less room than a ramp.

Answer 2

While living on a farm in Minnesota we raised Turkeys and had the same issues with birds getting up on the roost when they are young.

We had a 1 X 6 inch board and placed the steps onto the boards so they would not fall through.  Once the birds are a little older they won't need the steps.

Good luck with the chickens, when they are old enough to lay eggs make sure that they have plenty of grit, get it at a feed store.

Answer 3

my chickens perch on an old bunkbed ladder.It seems to be just right for themand we didnt have to spend money on lumber to build it :))

Answer 4

Try building them a ramp instead.  They might not like the ladder.