Ramp question: Can chickens hang a right? (90° turn)

[ChaosMom]

Hi everyone; Saturday geometry pop quiz!

We’re building a platform to elevate a Nestera coop. These have the pop door on one end, cleanout access on the opposite end, nesting boxes on one side, and a mostly blank side opposite.

Having the pop door and cleanout access on opposite ends is challenging. We would like to have the cleanout access by the run (human) door, but that means that the ramp from the pop door would empty onto the (hardware-clothed) fence. See sketch.

I get the impression that chickens like a straight shot into the coop opening. Would having a right turn at either the top or bottom of the ramp freak them out?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Is there any way you could have the ramp bottom end like a foot away from the fence?

 

[DobieLover]

They can make a right turn.

I just looked up the specs on that coop and, to me, it looks like chicken hell. It has practically no ventilation, no windows for light and offers less than 1/4 of the recommended space per chicken and at an outrageous price! You can buy a good sized shed to convert into a coop for the price they are asking.

 

[ChaosMom]

They can make a right turn.

I just looked up the specs on that coop and, to me, it looks like chicken hell. It has practically no ventilation, no windows for light and offers less than 1/4 of the recommended space per chicken and at an outrageous price! You can buy a good sized shed to convert into a coop for the price they are asking.

Perris has several, has used them for years, and is enthusiastic about them. I complete realize that they violate the 4 ft2/ 10ft2/ ventilation guidelines, and this will be evaluated and addressed as needed. I can’t “build a good sized coop” - no space on a tiny urban lot. It is purchased, partially assembled, and sitting in the run, awaiting the platform.

It’s not my dream coop, but it is perfectly fine for three 8-week old pullets coming soon, and perhaps eventually as an integration/ time-out space. Thanks

Edit to add: I apologize for my tone. We are attempting to get Lowes to let go of our order so we can work today.

 

[ChaosMom]

Is there any way you could have the ramp bottom end like a foot away from the fence?

I think it probably will. I’m looking at just-in-case scenarios. Either way, I’m wondering if chickens would be skittish with a ramp in the corner (feels more threatening, etc.)

One option would be to have the ramp come up sideways to the pop door with a space to turn (badly sketched in the bubble to the right of the run plan.)

 

[Toothpick]

Once you place them in the coop and they walk out on their own they will find their way back and forth. Folks have chicken tunnels that run hundreds of feet around their yards and the chicks navigate just fine. They might have a bird brain but they are pretty smart.

 

[aart]

Put a platform(t least 12x12") outside the pop door, then you can put the ramp going any which way off the platform. I have 2 like that(see 1 on MyCoopPage).

 

[ChaosMom]

Put a platform(t least 12x12") outside the pop door, then you can put the ramp going any which way off the platform. I have 2 like that(see 1 on MyCoopPage).

Thanks! I think this is where we’re headed.

(Memo to self: pick up 12”x12” square of sheet vinyl for the new Poop Lanai)

 

[aart]

Thanks! I think this is where we’re headed.

(Memo to self: pick up 12”x12” square of sheet vinyl for the new Poop Lanai)

I just used bare plywood...tho they are mostly protected from rain and snow and in fine shape after 10+ years.

 

[ChaosMom]

Pics from @aart’s coop article: