holz Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 Hi All, hope I am posting this in the correct place.... I woul dlike some help please! Yesterday we brought home our 4 bantams (silkie, rhode island, plymouth rock, pekin) to their walk in run with eglu cube. They can not use the ladder! We had to catch them and put them in ourselves last night, and this morning, opened the door and two have made it out on their own, one we have taken out and the other, we can't catch! Bit ofa nightmare really, all we want is for them to be happy and I'm concerned that they will get stressed and / or injured on the ladder. It just seems FAR too big for them. Has anyone else had this problem/does anyone have any tips?! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 They will learn to use it in a few days A pot, a log or a couple of bricks at the bottom will make reaching the first rung easier if its a bit of a jump You'll probably have to put them to bed for the first few nights but in the morning just open the door and leave them to it, they are bright and will learn quickly, if you lift them down too they will not make the connection that the cube is where they go at night You dont mention how old they are but from about 10/12 weeks they should be able to manage. If they are younger then a plank of wood with some battens screwed to it could be fixed over the ladder to make a temporary ramp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgy chooks Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 I expect they just need a couple of days to get used to it, especially if they are young. You might have to give them a helping hand for a couple of days. I have a ladder in my WIR that goes up to my eglu classic and our new girls took a couple of days to work it out, but they will get used to where 'bed' is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holz Posted June 28, 2010 Author Share Posted June 28, 2010 Thank you both - I feel a bit reassured! My main concern was them hurting themselves, but they are about 20 weeks old, so should get the hang of it soon I hope! I might fashion a longer ladder out of some wood to help them along a bit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 food, is the key, mine will do anything for dried mealworms they will soon get the idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happily Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 I got my four pekins yesterday as well and was worried about the whole ladder thing. I have put a brick at the bottom so that it's not so far to the first rung. Surprisingly last night they all put themsleves to bed so I am sure yours will work it out soon. This morning some were more succesful than others in their descent down the ladder - a lot of flapping ensued but they were all fine Enjoy your girls x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holz Posted June 29, 2010 Author Share Posted June 29, 2010 Hi All, Thanks for your replies....We decided to build an extra bit of ladder for them and have put this over the top of the plastic one. They put themselves to bed last night and all came out fine this morning. Success!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 Where are the photos ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMitch Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 I'm sure they will get the hang of it soon enough, unless you have chickens as stupid as mine. They never managed to grasp it so in the end I just bodged it, which you can always do as well if they start to struggle (see below). Don't forget to post some pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
