Crooked Chicken Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 .... I need to know - very quickly - whether a buff orpington will fit into an Eglu. I have a large enclosed run and two eglus. Only two girls at present. Three BHWT girls on the way soon (late June), and at present, two buff orpingtons on order (again for late June). Am I overdoing it? I could just take one instead of two orpingtons, but will she fit into an eglu? I viewed a cube yesterday (at WitchHazel's gorgeous garden), but it would mean converting our present run (and a lot of hassel for husband). Any of you guys out there wth a buff orpington living happing in an Eglu, as I need to make some decisions really soon? Many thanks for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 It would be an extremely tight squeeze. I wouldn't try myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 The Eglu is not suitable for large birds like Buff Orpingtons. They can't stand up straight in it, and they spread a huge amount sideways. You could just about get two Buff Orpingtons into a Mark 2 Eglu provided you didn't have any other birds, but they would have to squat. Omlet have always said not to put large birds in the Eglu -- even before they invented the Cube as an alternative. It just isn't big enough. It's OK as a temporary measure, but being a big person myself I hate seeing a large bird have to fold itself up to fit into a small space. I feel guilty about the time my Cochin had to squash herself into the Eglu: but she is proof a hen can survive the experience. So it is up to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 having met you Gallina, I just had this image of you trying to fold down into an eglu.. sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 I dont have an Orp. I have a cochin (similar size) In my personal opinion the eglu would be ok for roosting only for 1 orpington and 2 small hen friends or you could get bantam orpingtons? but only if you had a walk in run with it. The problem with large breeds and the eglu is the run height - its quite low and the big hens dont have much headroom. my cochins still go in the eglu when we go on holiday as it goes to my sisters. Up to you. But they are huge hens (lovely tho ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Barbara said two at the most in a cube, but the run is not ideal for big birds. After seeing Caz's cube and OH looked at the Eglu, it has to be the cube for fluffballs, I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
