Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[mindychick]

Hi,

 

I'm a newbee and need some help with my new cube. My hens have issues getting down the ladder, and forget getting up the ladder they don't even try. My ladies are 2 monthold now, and I'm wondering if it's their age that is preventing them to navagate the ladder? Any advice you can give me will be a great help.

 

Thanks,

 

Melinda

[good_egg]

What kind are they? My little Connie really struggles at that age with her wee curly toes - still slightly falls out of the cube each morning. I got advice on here to put garden netting on the ladder - works a treat -

although still spent a few nights lifting them up to bed til they got the hang of it!

[angeluk69]

When we changed from the wooden house to the cube, my OH didn't like that the ladies were slipping down the cube ladder, so he took the old wooden ladder and attached it to the cube one with cable ties. Now even my little bantams can go in and out with no trouble. I'll try to get a pic later for you

[mindychick]

I have one Orpington, one Polish, two Red Star, and two Andalusian. I like the ideas you both posted here. I'm going to try them both. Wish me luck. I will come back and let you know how it's working out.

 

Thanks again,

 

Melinda

[chuckmum6]

I think you are having issues because they are little, some good ideas here, see if you can add a step at the bottom maybe? I can honestly say the ladder hasn't ever been an issue for mine and my Cuckoo Pekin is tiny, but they were a lot older when they started using it.

Edited October 21, 2012 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

They are very young to bee negotiating the cube ladder.

 

Something at the base, such as an upturned heavy plant pot may help them.

[Cheeky Chooky]

I have an upturned Terracotta Strawberry Pot at the bottom of my ladder. Some use it, others don't My tiny Serama girls use the ladder without any problems and climb it very daintily, a rung at a time...so sweet

[mindychick]

What kind are they? My little Connie really struggles at that age with her wee curly toes - still slightly falls out of the cube each morning. I got advice on here to put garden netting on the ladder - works a treat -

although still spent a few nights lifting them up to bed til they got the hang of it!

 

It worked for the last 3 days they have gone into their cube with no help from me or my family!!!! Thank you sooooooooo much for your help!!!!

[good_egg]

Yippee - such a good feeling when you don't have to crawl around on your stomach trying to catch them (mine went into very back corner under cube)!