christmasoompa Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Hi all, We have today ordered our Eglu (woo hoo!) and 2 hens, but after a bit more indepth reading of this forum, I've discovered that 2 may not be the magic number when it comes to hens as a few people seem to recommend you have 3 to start with. What do you all think, should I stick to 2 or go for another one? Would 3 not be too cramped in the Eglu? They will be mainly free range as I work from home so they'll be let out during the day. Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieSB Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) We have today ordered our Eglu (woo hoo!) and 2 hens, but after a bit more indepth reading of this forum, I've discovered that 2 may not be the magic number when it comes to hens as a few people seem to recommend you have 3 to start with. Not my personal advice, as I've not even gotten my chickens yet -- but I spoke with a breeder today, who is not only very familiar with Eglus and Cubes, but on her website indicates which birds will live more happily in an Eglu than others... her sense was that 2 was enough for an Eglu, with 3 being the maximum for birds that are a bit lighter/smaller. Again, just one breeder's opinion; I'm sure you will get others from people experienced with varying numbers. Edited June 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 umm 3.. or possibly 3.. oh just go for 3! Will be better just in case you happen to lose a hen and three won't need any more time than two! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 hi congratulations on getting chickens i think 3 is better because if anything unfortunate should happen to one you will not have 1 lonely hen i wish i had known this i got 2 but now i am totally hooked i have got another 2 introductions can also be difficult so go for 3 to start there will be plenty of room in the eglu as long as they are not massive breeds sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Three would be my advice, but you might want to add the converter to the Eglu run when they get bigger as they may be a little pushed for space. There will be more than enough room in the Eglu itself for three hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Hi ya, I think definately 3 hens without a doubt. Like the previous omleteer said, if anything were to happen you would still have 2 instead of one on it's own. We've got 3 and they get on fine, but only 2 are laying and one is being a bit semi-broody so we are glad we've got the 3. At least we still getting 2 eggs a day. We've got the standard run and eglu and they have plenty of room. Infact they say an eglu could take 4 with an extended run. Up to you at the end of the day. good luck with what you choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I love having four! Since they are all the same hybrid (Miss Pepperpot), I feel that I have a proper flock (especially when they have my feet surrounded ). As cluckbok posted, it's said that you can have four in an Eglue as long as you have the extended run. The very best of luck whatever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I'd start off with 3 to be honest. Then if you lose one you still have a pair and wont have to worry about introductions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I have three - one of them is pretty big - they are all fine in the Eglu, they only have a standard run, but most of the time they are out in the garden - they cope fine in the run. Go for three - much easier to start with three than trying to add one later. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Definately start with 3 You'll only want more as soon as you start so you may as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 For all the above reasons and more, 3!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 definately 3 if you can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christmasoompa Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Thanks all, very much appreciated. Looks like 3 it is then! I'd quite like to have 3 different breeds for a bit of variety so will probably get the third from somewhere other than Omlet - have found a few breeders near us that sell various different breeds at point of lay. Can anybody recommend a breed that are friendly and docile? A child friendly hen would be required so if anyone has any recommendations or experience of other breeds then I'd be grateful if you would share it. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jills Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I got two, one of each from Omlet, and am now really wishing I had got 3. When one went broody the other was really lonely wandering around the garden on her own. Also I was only getting eggs from one hen! Definitely go for 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I recommend a Columbine, they blue/green or white egg layers. It's only 80% chance they will lay coloured the rest may lay white. Ours lays white eggs. We don't mind that she lays white eggs they are lovely. Ours is called "Matilda" and she's so so friendly, you can pick her up cuddle her, she comes in the house (we do encourage her, we cannot resist!!) I can even sit on the sofa with her on my lap and pet her like a cat!! I don't recommend Speckledys, all the ones I have met just run away from you. They are friendly and will come over, but you'll be lucky to get to stroke one!! Ours isn't laying either and is quite a nervous girl. Yes I say Columbine, my personal preference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..lay a little egg for me Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Yes, definitely three I say. Re the speckledys, I think cluckbok is giving them a bit of bad press! Ours is quite friendly and can be stroked, and she does lay the most beautiful dark brown eggs with really dark yolks (mind you if they had had any blue egg layers in when I got my 4, I would have definately had one!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 You've obviously decided already, but I say definitely three . I've got a Columbine too (green egg layer) and she's lovely. Cute little topknot on her head and always getting into mischief . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Caroline, I wish I could stroke my speckledy and I wish she would lay and stop being a bit broody! She is lovely bird though, I have managed to stroke her only once or twice and she has the softest feathers. Perhaps I may be able to recommend them once she's laying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I did a lot of asking before I chose my girls as DD wanted one she could cuddle.. to be honest it seems more about the character than breed as I had various good advice but not all mine are as I expected! My amber star is lovely but not a cuddly girl at all, whereas my bluebelle is a real mummys girl and I love her dearly My Daughter just stood in the pen to choose.. our Pied let DD pick her up and sat very quietly in her arms and enjoyed being stroked.. sold! she has been just as easy every since.. a real fluffy quiet bundle with us but the big boss of the flock! .. and fantastic fluffy knickers The funniest one if the suffolk blacktail, always the first to try everything.. first to hand feed and always in trouble! You will know which one is best when you go to choose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 You will know which one is best when you go to choose I agree with that, if you go with a list of "must have" chickens I bet you come home with something completely different. Go and have a look around and see what takes your fancy - or what chicken fancies you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christmasoompa Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Thanks again all. The Amber Star's and Bluebelle's do look lovely and sound perfect, and the places near us do them. But I have to say I really fancy a blue egg layer - but no Columbines close to us that I can find so I might have to search a bit further afield and see what I can come up with! One more question for you (sorry!) - should I aim to pick up the third chicken on the day that the other two arrive via Omlet so that they can all get introduced to the Eglu together?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 One more question for you (sorry!) - should I aim to pick up the third chicken on the day that the other two arrive via Omlet so that they can all get introduced to the Eglu together?? If you can it would make the introductions easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Huggers R Us Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 4 definately 4! Our Bluebelle and Amber always were the best of pals and followed each other everywhere leaving poor Saff out, she looked a bit lonely sometimes. Now we have a Black Rock called Ebony ( bought for me by my DH for our anniversary)and she is now after plenty of eyeball to eyeball wars the best of friends with Ebony. It is nice to see them in their little pairs and sleep on the perch this way and sunbathe in the garden together too. So harmony rules better get four! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Could you ask Omlet for 3 hens? Unless you've set your heart on another breed, that is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieSB Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Could you ask Omlet for 3 hens? Unless you've set your heart on another breed, that is! This was exactly my dilemma -- I wanted 2 from Omlet and searched for a 3rd that would be available to introduce on the same day -- then a local breeder just said, "Why don't you just get all three of them from me?" I thought of getting 3 from Omlet, but my 3 year old son would not be able to tell two identical breed birds apart, so I opted to find them elsewhere. (Omlet needs to start offering at least one more type of bird! Especially as everyone agrees 3 is the perfect number to start with) I've met Omlet hens, and they are lovely (I adore the Pepperpot!), but in the end I decided it was a safer bet for a total newbie like me to go get all my chickens at one place, same age, same environment, same feed, same time... and avoiding the whole introduction drama at this point in my chicken life. If Omlet had a third type of bird, I'd have had the perfect life... but... there are similar hybrid ranger and black birds to the Omlet hens out there, plus the chance to add a third or fourth type, if that is your idea. Anyway... best of luck whatever you decide! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
