poppers77 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 (edited) Hi Folks, We are very new chicken owners of 3x 5 week old sussex ( Barrietta white chicken) ( Ethel white chicken) ( Violet white chicken) . They have a ramp to get down to their run under the hen house & have yet to use it. They just fall down the hole. How do i encourage them to use it? (As yet they have remained inside except one sunny warm day) Pops Edited March 30, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 They will get the hang of it. Eventually. Can you get in and 'show' them how to use it by lifting them up and down it? Can they easily access the bottom 'rung'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Couldn't give much more advice than Egluntyne. They'll get the hang of it! My Black splash pekin is called Ethel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppers77 Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 Thanks both, I will attempt giving them a ride they do look like they want to start exploring. I'm just not keen to let them roam as there is a pair of Perguines nesting nearby! They are growing fast & now sounding more like a 'cluck' than a 'cheep'!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackthelad Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 When our WIR was made our chooks had to master the ramp I would put them at the bottom and leave a trail of mealworms up it at dusk they soon got the hang of it. But it did take my Polish at least a week to go to bed on her own although she isn't the brightest!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 They must still be very tiny at only 5 weeks. With no mum to show them how, you will have to take her place. Great fun, lucky you. Got any pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Have only just realised that they are a mere 5 weeks old. They should really still be indoors and under a lamp, or have you started weaning them off heat and just have them outdoors during the day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 I've had to abandon all hopes of getting my seven week olds out into a covered run because it's still so cold and wet. They're still in the garage under a heat lamp. I'm not surprised five week olds don't want to leave their coop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 me either, mine are still in my sheddie under a lamp at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 me either, mine are still in my sheddie under a lamp at night and what a lovely shed it it too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madchook Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 It is set to get colder too I think (so my mother just told me on the phone!). My first chicks moved out at 6 weeks but it was uncharacteristically hot that year for spring, could you bring them in the house at night? My 3 week olds are mostly not using their heat source (a reptile mat now) and are in my utility which isn't hugely warm. But if the weather is like this in a couple of weeks I really wouldn't want them out.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppers77 Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 Thanks folks - looks like they're a lot older than i thought more like 10 weeks allthough 15 has been mentioned! Anyway they've been on grower pellets for a week now & for the last couple of nights have manged to climb up to bed & roost very contendedly with a little incentive. A little lamp seemed to help too, so now i'm wondering how long they'll need the light for? See pic below of their first foray in the garden. Thanks all, much appreciated, from a very happy newbie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Gosh! they are grown up. They look lovely and very happy in your garden. Although the photo's are rather small to see them in detail. Hope you are enjoying having them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
