Our adult chickens have been free range chickens for a couple of years now. They do return to the coop each night to roost and they lay their eggs in the nesting box. We used to leave the coop door open so they could come and go as they please. However, our dogs have discovered the incredible edible egg!
Yep, the dogs were going in and stealing the freshly laid eggs.
Hubby was on the case though. After a couple weeks of contemplating, he decided to build a chicken ladder. There is a ramp on the outside of the coop that leads to a small door with a ramp going down into the coop. Jungle gym for the chickies!
We only had one problem, the adult chickens had no clue how to use these ramps! We tried food to entice them as well as placing them up on the ladder. A couple of days went by with no luck.
So how did we get the adult chickens to learn a new trick?
We let the baby chicks out and they immediately went up the ramp! No coaxing, they were happy to climb. In fact the pictures above are of the babies.
So the new chicks taught the old ladies a new trick! And everyone is happy- the chickens have access and we have eggs! Well, I guess everyone is happy except for the dogs!
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Renae that is awesome!
Ann recently posted..The Geese… They Are Everywhere!
Thanks Ann! It was all hubby’s idea! It took a few tries, but he finally got the ladder at the right angle for the chickens!