HRC99 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 Extra roosting bars it is then! Very interesting about the gravel, the poo and supervising them when they are free-ranging. I do think the idea of having a designated area for them would be best. I wouldn't really be able to supervise them during weekdays (as I need to work to pay for their feed - sadly!) so I was wondering what size run 2-3 hens would need if they were kept in it most of the week. Obviously, as big as possible would be the answer but the Eglu run or Eglu run + 1 extension? Some guidance would be appreciated as I really want to look after them but do it as practically as possible. Thanks again everyone for your answers & help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 If you're going for an eglu and 3 hens, I would definitely get the extension at the same time (saves on postage ). Here's pictures of my run without and then with the extension which might give you a better idea of the difference. (And don't worry, they didn't do that to my lawn, it was like that already .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 very clever run "skirts" ANH, I see you have "hemcore scatterers" like I do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I agree with ANH! Definitely the run + convertor would be fine for 3 hens, if they don't free range much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindy Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi Henry, See what happens when you ask for advice on this forum! Several others have already used the dreaded f(ox) word - here's another suggestion that might increase your chickens' security and your own peace of mind. Some Omleteers have reported serious digging activity by foxes trying to get into runs that are sited on grass or earth - anything that's softish, basically. Might you consider creating a slabbed (i.e. dig-proof) area on which to site your Eglu? That's what we have and I know that quite a lot of others do too. Like everyone else, I can confidently say that once you've taken the plunge you'll find it hard to imagine life without chickens! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 I was thinking of following the model on the website with a 3-4m area sectioned off with a border dug into the ground The ground is extremely hard underneath and has a thick membrane on it to prevent weeds and such growing through. Plus the gravel, so it would not be easy for a fox to get through without the slabs. Famous last words, I'm sure. I have lived there for pretty much 15 years and never seen a fox once. Which is surprising given that when I lived in London they were everywhere! I guess if I start keeping chickens, I'll see them soon enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 I've also followed previous advice and emailed Barbara. She was incredibly quick to reply and has given my email address to someone who lives near Drax (Selby) which is not too far from me so that I can see one in action. Very excited now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 (edited) Good news! Take OH with you and you'll get an eglu soon i'm sure!! Barbara is wonderful isn't she?!!! Edited January 21, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Barbara is winderful isn't she?!!! is she?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 You know, you can go off people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 You know, you can go off people! hee hee!!! made me chuckle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 Good news! Take OH with you and you'll get an eglu soon i'm sure!! Barbara is wonderful isn't she?!!! I will be taking the OH with me. She's a bit nervous about handling them so I'm hoping she'll be fine with them. Any pointers as to how I can persuade her... Barbara's been very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 My garden is HUGE and my girls have lots of different areas to explore. One of their favourites though is the gravelled area, they scratch and dig in the gravel and make lots of little dips in it where they have settled. As others have said they also love a nice dustbath but they certainly enjoy the gravel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I will be taking the OH with me. She's a bit nervous about handling them so I'm hoping she'll be fine with them. Any pointers as to how I can persuade her... Well you could enthuse about her having lovely freerange eggs to cook with You sound as though you are very enthusiastic about the whole project, let's hope it rubs off on her I was terribly nervous about picking my chickens up when I first got them, but now I pick them up without a qualm, I am not a chicken cuddler though Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 hi i too have a large area of gravel and also a lawn and they seem to spend more time in the gravel and borders than on the lawn. i hope you get your chickens soon i am sure you will wish you had done it years ago sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 I will be taking the OH with me. She's a bit nervous about handling them so I'm hoping she'll be fine with them. Any pointers as to how I can persuade her... Well you could enthuse about her having lovely freerange eggs to cook with You sound as though you are very enthusiastic about the whole project, let's hope it rubs off on her I was terribly nervous about picking my chickens up when I first got them, but now I pick them up without a qualm, I am not a chicken cuddler though Tessa I do the cooking too so that's not going to work! She is coming round to the idea. Hopefully, we will get to visit some soon and she can meet some for herself. It's really important that she likes them as I'm normally away a couple of nights a week with work so she will have to play a role with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Tell your OH they make lovely, friendly pets and they are so entertaining to watch she'll love having them . I think the trick with handling chickens is to try to be as firm as possible and keep their wings from flapping - with two hands or one arm and against your body. You can also bribe them onto your knee or a seat beside you with food and stroke them while they're eating. Handling them at bedtime is a great way to get used to them (and them used to you) as they go quite dozy and easy to pick up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Tell your OH they make lovely, friendly pets and they are so entertaining to watch she'll love having them I agree wholeheartedly with ANH. My OH was sceptical at first, but now he loves picking up the girls for a stroke and watching their amusing antics. He'll never be as obsessed as me, but at least he's interested now. Just watchcing them dust bathing for the first time is a joy in itself. Also, although you say you do most of the cooking, your OH will surely be eating some of the lovely fresh eggs, won't she? That should do it! I'm sure you'll be ordering your eglu very soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 22, 2008 Author Share Posted January 22, 2008 She certainly does eat them. Loves them in fact. So that may be the clincher. Just hoping I can get to see an Eglu in the flesh with her soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 This place is great for encouraging and inspiring!!!!! If you're worried about them not having greenery to eat, give them the bottom of cauliflowers etc. all the stuff you would normally throw away - they love it! They will have great fun picking through your gravel anyway, and finding lots of hiding creepies! Go for it and let us know how you get on!! (Oh and welcome to the forum ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 22, 2008 Author Share Posted January 22, 2008 I think I've got a plan for my run - subject to approval by SWMBO. A 2m x 4m area with paving slabs as the base which I'll dig into the ground slightly. A wooden border and I'll cover the area with bark. I'll need to space the slabs slighty so that I can peg down Eglu and the run securely. If I do get the urge, I can then build a bigger run around it all if I feel the need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Sadly, I'm out of the delivery area for Omlet so I was wondering what breeds people might recommend for a first-timer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Depending on how many you want,if you got a mix of a couple of Hybrids & a couple of Pure Breeds, I reckon that would be ideal. The Hybrids will give you year round eggs & are nice & friendly, the pure breeds will stop laying over winter,but have a much longer laying life. There are myriad hens to choose from - have a look in my gallery (link below)....I have hybrids & pure breeds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatsCube Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 What are you chicken requirements then we could make some suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRC99 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Really looking for layers. Easy to look after (they'll be my first!) and probably three of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
