4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[kimmi_b]

Right, I have moved my Eglu to a permanent run and put down bark chippings as per picture on Eglu guide.

 

And I have discovered to my detriment that it wasn't the best way to go after all! So for the moment they are ok on it but I am going to rake it out soon and switch to alternative bedding.

 

I think Easibed Plus might be the way to go for me as it is available very nearby and has fly-deterrant properties too (godsend if it works!). Does anyone else use it and have any tips/hints to share, and can answer my questions below?

 

1) I plan on purchasing a winter shade for the Eglu and wondered if that would be enough cover to keep the bedding dry, as the Easibed website says it has excellent drainage properties?

 

2) How often does the bedding need to be completely changed? I plan to poo pick every other day and top up the bedding when needed to keep it fresh. Is the bedding compostable?

 

3) Existing bark chippings will need to remain around the Eglu - again assuming this is OK?

 

4) Finally (you will be relieved to hear!), I have also read that Easibed does not blow about. Is this true? I don't really fancy ruining my Eglu 'look' by having a shower curtain on top and bricks around the edge to keep bedding in (s"Ooops, word censored!"by I know!).

[Olly]

1) I plan on purchasing a winter shade for the Eglu and wondered if that would be enough cover to keep the bedding dry, as the Easibed website says it has excellent drainage properties?

 

The winter shade will cover most of the Eglu, but lots of people use clear plastic shower curtains (about 99p from Ikea!) to cover the run as well. I see below that you're not keen on the idea, but truthfully once it's on, you can hardly see it!

 

2) How often does the bedding need to be completely changed? I plan to poo pick every other day and top up the bedding when needed to keep it fresh. Is the bedding compostable?

I don't have experience of Easibed but if it's meant for horses then I should think it must be compostable. Aubiose composts really well. Depends a bit on how fussy you are/how deep a layer you have, but I rake the run out about every 6 weeks or so. If you poo-pick every other day it should be ok.

 

3) Existing bark chippings will need to remain around the Eglu - again assuming this is OK?

 

Yup - I did this originally, to keep grass from growing up and keep it tidy. Eventually I got rid of them as well - I don't have anything around the Cube run, I just move it and mow the grass so it doesn't grow through the run skirt.

 

4) Finally (you will be relieved to hear!), I have also read that Easibed does not blow about. Is this true? I don't really fancy ruining my Eglu 'look' by having a shower curtain on top and bricks around the edge to keep bedding in (s"Ooops, word censored!"by I know!).

 

Can't answer for whether it blows about or not. Even if it doesn't, you may find the chooks kick it out as they scratch in it. If they do, then I'm afraid some sort of 'kickboard' is the only solution! Log-roll (expensive), plastic lawn-edging, boards, plastic rotary line covers - there are lots of options than can look u"Ooops, word censored!"trusive or pretty. The shower curtain is really for shelter more than keeping bedding inside.

 

Good luck, I think we've all modified our run set-up slightly with experience, you'll find a way that works for you.

[AJuff]

I use Easibed, haven't seen the Easibed plus though. It's great stuff, I use it in the run and in the nest box. At the moment half of the run is covered (because i forgot to buy bungees to attach cover over it!) when it gets wet it smells like a farmyard!!

[kimmi_b]

I've gone for Easibed regular for now as Plus needs to be ordered in. Have seen some good reveiws for Stalosan so will give that a try too.

 

In the meantime, will it be ok to mix in some diatom or red mite barrier powder into the easibed to help keep buglies away? Am assuming that diatom will be ok as have read that it can be added to food but what about red mite barrier powder?

 

Also I want to set up a dustbath in the run for the girls during the day - was going to use a kitty litter tray but have no idea what to put in it!!

[frazzled]

Is your permanent run on concrete?

 

Wondering whether concrete/paving slabs are better than stone chippings?

[alison]

I have just been to the horse place and they advised Aubiose as it composts the quickest. They offered me some split bags at £4 each, just a few puncture holes in the wrapper!

 

Wood chip takes 2 years, Hemcore about 6 months Aubiose 3 months to compost.

 

I have put a small amount down as there is still a lot of thick grass to scratch.

 

Alison