Canadian Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I most often see only 2 hens in an eglu on the US site. I would like to keep 3 so there are more for a flock and socialization. Would 3 hens (standard Chanteclers, not Banti's) be too crowded? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I have 4 in my eglu now - but if you only have the standard run that limits you more than the size of the eglu. If you are using an omlet run you would need a converter to give them a bit more psace if you want three in there and an extension as well for four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I agree. I am not sure how big Chanticleres are in comparison to say a Gingernut Ranger, but I have had 6 sleeping comfortably in one Eglu one night when my getting them to bed routine didn't quite go according to plan. The size of the run is the clinching factor. I have a converter and an extension on mboth my green Eglus, each with 4 hens. Also it is recommended that you have one nesting box per 4 hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I agree with the above, its not so much the eglu but the run. 3 small chooks are ok with the standard run. Any more than 3 or with big hens I would go for a run extension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 Agree with above also. I have 4 hens (3 are from Omlet, all similar medium size) and they all sleep comfortably in the eglu. When they first arrived I only bought the standard run. Even though mine free range a lot, after a few weeks I went and ordered the converter to add an extra meter to the run. So I would recomend an extension to the standard sized run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian Posted March 27, 2008 Author Share Posted March 27, 2008 Does Omlet make the extension or converter to fit the Eglu or are those home modifications I should do on my own? I am limited to the products available on the US site and no extensions are listed. The hens will be mostly in the run, but I expect to have them out to free range through the yard and garden as often as possible. My husband and I have a 1/2 acre fenced yard for them. I worry about having only 2 hens, should something happen to one of them. I'm hoping to keep 3 Chanteclers. They are a dual-purpose, standard size bird. Here a few links on them: http://www.cfagrf.com/Chantecler_chicken.htm http://www.cherrycreekcanadians.ca/chanteclers.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 (edited) Omlet do make the extension and converter, Canadian. Have a look **here**. The don't appear to have them on the US site, so I assume you wouldn't be able to get one. Why not email Omlet here? info@omlet.co.uk Edited March 27, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 Not familiar with that breed but I'm sure someone else with more experience will be able to advise you on the size of that particular breed from the photos. I didn't realise you could not get same accessories for sale on US shop. The converter is in the UK shop, see this link. http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cat=Chicken%20Extras&sub=general&product_id=185 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian Posted March 27, 2008 Author Share Posted March 27, 2008 Darn......that extension/converter is awesome! No, it's not available off the US site....(nor is the Cube!). I'm afraid to wonder what the shipping cost would be from the UK to Canada. At the moment it's costly enough just getting the Eglu from the US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 You could add one later, to spread the cost. I would contact Omlet to discuss the possibility of shipping. The are aiming for world domination, and might be interested in conquering Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicklit Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hi Canadian, I have had three medium sized chooks in an Eglu with the standard run since last October and they are perfectly happy and contented. I let them out to free range for part of each day and they reallhy enjoy it, I believe that, as long as you can let them out to free range regularly, three hens can live happily with just the standard run. Good luck with whatever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 Hi there. Just wondering.... as one of you mentioned their 6 hens (don't think they were bantams) sleeping in an eglu one night, would it be reasonable to add 2 hens to my current 4, all to sleep in one eglu on a permanent basis? My hens free range all day, except when we are away from home, and I currently have a standard run plus converter for those occasional weekends away. The reason I'm tempted is that one of my girls has always slept in the nesting box, and the rest snuggle up really close together, leaving half the eglu completely empty! If I did put 6 girls in the eglu I'd buy another metre extension, to allow for weekends away. What are people's thoughts, please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 The are aiming for world domination, and might be interested in conquering Canada. I would be THRILLED if Omlet would come to Canada!! I so love the concept and it seems to be all I can talk about. Having had chickens in a traditional wooden coop......this elevates things to a whole new level. Not to mention the fact that it makes owning chickens that much more accessable regardless of where you live (urban, rural etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi there. Just wondering.... as one of you mentioned their 6 hens (don't think they were bantams) sleeping in an eglu one night, would it be reasonable to add 2 hens to my current 4, all to sleep in one eglu on a permanent basis? My hens free range all day, except when we are away from home, and I currently have a standard run plus converter for those occasional weekends away. The reason I'm tempted is that one of my girls has always slept in the nesting box, and the rest snuggle up really close together, leaving half the eglu completely empty! If I did put 6 girls in the eglu I'd buy another metre extension, to allow for weekends away. What are people's thoughts, please? If they free range for long periods each day, I don't see why not, especially with another metre of run. It was me BTW, and they are not bantams, but Omlet Hybrids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Hi there. Just wondering.... as one of you mentioned their 6 hens (don't think they were bantams) sleeping in an eglu one night, would it be reasonable to add 2 hens to my current 4, all to sleep in one eglu on a permanent basis? My hens free range all day, except when we are away from home, and I currently have a standard run plus converter for those occasional weekends away. The reason I'm tempted is that one of my girls has always slept in the nesting box, and the rest snuggle up really close together, leaving half the eglu completely empty! If I did put 6 girls in the eglu I'd buy another metre extension, to allow for weekends away. What are people's thoughts, please? I have 6 hens sleeping comfortably in an eglu, there's plenty of space. It's the run that you need to think about when you're away. If they free range I don't see it as a problem. Mine are out all day so the run with extension is ok until I get up and let them out. I am planning a bigger permanent run though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodle Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 I agree, I would not have more than three in a standard run. I have had three in a standard run all winter and they have been quite happy. The chooks look beautiful by the way. The only other consideration with the breed would be the width of the bird (full breast) as some are much wider and have a problem fitting through the eglu door. The breeder near me would not sell several breeds once she heard I had an eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheik Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 We went to a poultry centre to get two hens for our new Eglu (omlet were out of stock of chickens) and they advised us to get three - the reason given was that with two chickens one will be lowest in the pecking order, so may get overly stressed, but with three hens there would be more respite. Also, if you have two chickens and one dies, the one left on its own will be unhappy. I don't know how true the above is. I second all the other comments about run size though. If your hens can free range for part of the day (or have access to a larger than standard run) then you can easily have four normal sized chickens in an Eglu - some people have more. /\dam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share Posted March 31, 2008 Thanks everyone for your tips and advice. I will get at least 3, possible 4 I think. All your input is most appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I have 2 eglus and 5 hens. 9 times out of 10 they all sleep in one eglu Good luck with whatever you decide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Hi there. Just wondering.... as one of you mentioned their 6 hens (don't think they were bantams) sleeping in an eglu one night, would it be reasonable to add 2 hens to my current 4, all to sleep in one eglu on a permanent basis? My hens free range all day, except when we are away from home, and I currently have a standard run plus converter for those occasional weekends away. The reason I'm tempted is that one of my girls has always slept in the nesting box, and the rest snuggle up really close together, leaving half the eglu completely empty! If I did put 6 girls in the eglu I'd buy another metre extension, to allow for weekends away. What are people's thoughts, please? If they free range for long periods each day, I don't see why not, especially with another metre of run. It was me BTW, and they are not bantams, but Omlet Hybrids. Thanks for the reply! Since you wrote this, one of my 4 hens (Sparkle) has gone broody and I've bought her a small broody pen and 6 fertilised Silver Grey Dorking eggs, so am hoping to grow 2 new hens 'from scratch' to join the others in the Eglu! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 I have 2 eglus and 5 hens. 9 times out of 10 they all sleep in one eglu Good luck with whatever you decide Thanks! I'm trying to take the 'grow your own' route to get my next two hens for the Eglu - have to see what happens next! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...