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AJuff Chicken Addict

AJuff

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I love my eglus. I dislike the shape of the cube but have been tempted by their space in the past. I started with one eglu and three hens which was fine until i decided to extend the number of hens . . they are very addictive.

 

I now have two eglus and ten hens which is fantastic. I never could decide on colours so I have my two fave now green and purple. It has been very handy having two as I am introducing new girls and they have their own eglu. Two eglus = the same price as a cube.

 

Eglus are funky, low in height which makes them less intrusive in the garden (if you don't want to make a statement!). They are easy to move and easy to clean too. Cheaper than a cube if you only want three hens . . . . .

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Gallina Chatty Chicken

Gallina

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But Frazzled explained at the start she cannot fit in an extension on an Eglu, and I don't think that the standard run is big enough for hens that will be kept in all the time. It is like a cage.

 

The Cube + standard run + one extra extension takes up the same amount of space as the Eglu + standard run yet makes a vast difference space-wise for the hens. (But check you have the extra bit of width needed to open a door on each side of the Cube: you need a bit more width, not for the Cube itself, but for accessibility.)

 

And (in my case, anyway) the fact that the housing is off the ground means there is no rat problem, and I also feel much more confident that foxes won't get them through the bars, as they don't lie on top of the cube run like they do on the eglu run.

 

The only argument in favour of an Eglu is that it can be moved around more easily. But in a small garden you need a fixed run anyway.

 

I think the hens' comfort comes before aesthetics. But it is in fact possible to make the cube very attractive by growing tall plants around it. Tall grasses look very good.

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TAJ Chicken Addict

TAJ

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I love my eglu and have 3 happy chickens. We only have a small garden and it is the height of the Cube and its weight that I would not like in a small space.

 

Ours free-range in the Omlet netting sometime most days, sometimes most of the day, other times in the evening, but are absolutely fine when they are in the run - just keep them entertained. If they are to be in the run all day they have corn on the floor to scratch & find, a pecka-block and a treat ball to keep them busy. Certainly egg production seems to be higher when they are in the run as well.

 

The Eglu can take up to 4 hens, but I think 3 work very well in an Eglu - you certainly do not lose anything by giving it a go as the re-sale value is so high.

 

Tracy

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Gallina Chatty Chicken

Gallina

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Some of the people advocating the Eglu haven't been through a full winter yet with full-grown hens.

 

In winter, the hens could be shut in the run for at least five months. The main thing that people don't like about the cube (its height) is the thing that makes all the difference for the hens.

 

I liked my eglu too until the first winter. If I let my hens free-range, they would be killed by a fox within hours, and it is just too cold, wet, and nasty to let them out between November and March.

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TAJ Chicken Addict

TAJ

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Just to say mine were out in the winter - having the eglu on slabs was good to stop the grass getting muddy. At this time of the year once it is dusk they go to bed. In the winter we found if we were outside or if the security light came on they were happy to be out with us in the evening.

 

Like with anything it is how you manage the situation - I am happy that with the system I have I can cope with 3 in an Eglu in both winter & summer.

 

Tracy

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Hen Time Chicken Eggspert

Hen Time

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Would be interested in what happens with your visit to an eglu Laura. We have ordered a cube, and went to see one yesterday. They are great ... but it has put hubby off unfortunately :( . Nothing to do with the visit, but he has now realised the realism of keeping chickens.

I have a cube on order, but I am now thinking of changing it to an Eglu and having just 2/3 chickens (assuming I bring my hubby round of course). Which will produce plenty of eggs for us.

Perhaps we should visit an Eglu too.

We also found that we would need to add the extension on the cube, so costs were stacking up. It looks like the Eglu will be half the cost of the Cube. And may be able to buy an Eglu on ebay, although they hold their value so well, you don't seem to save that much, and perhaps better off buying new.

The Cube is bigger than expected and apparently the Eglu is too.

decisions decisions ...

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frazzled Chicken Eggspert

frazzled

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Sarah - I'm going to view eglu tonight - will let you know my thoughts -

it was the realism of the chickens that put us off as well - mainly the poo! and the garden being trashed!

 

Could have changed my mind completely though after tonights visit!

Still really keen to have 2 (3?) chickens though.

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Gallina Chatty Chicken

Gallina

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I am sure some people get on well with the Eglu and are very happy with it. I just found when winter came that I never even saw the hens, as it was dark when I came home from work; then at the weekends it was either wet or very cold, and they rarely got out of the Eglu run then either.

 

I feel better about leaving them in the Cube, as they have more scope. They go up and down the ladder quite a lot, and get more exercise even when they don't get out.

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Olly SUPER CHICKEN!!!

Olly

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I am sure some people get on well with the Eglu and are very happy with it. I just found when winter came that I never even saw the hens, as it was dark when I came home from work; then at the weekends it was either wet or very cold, and they rarely got out of the Eglu run then either.

 

I feel better about leaving them in the Cube, as they have more scope. They go up and down the ladder quite a lot, and get more exercise even when they don't get out.

 

I'm with you on this one, Gallina - my working hours mean that I hardly see the hens from Monday-Friday in the winter, and there's no chance for them to free-range. However, I was very happy with my Eglu before the Cube came along - glad you've made a decision Laura, look forward to seeing some pics of your chickens when they arrive.

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lisa33 Chatty Chicken

lisa33

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I do love my eglu & converter :D

 

It was perfect when I had three girls.

 

Now I have four and I don't mind while it's summer and they get to free range so much, but am not happy about the winter.

 

That's why I have ordered my cube today & Andyman is going to build me a run too. :D

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frazzled Chicken Eggspert

frazzled

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My OH didn't come to see the eglu - but is taking my word for it!

 

I also only work 3 days term time and get home at 4pm, so hopefully everything should work out fine. We will let the chickens out of the eglu but probably in a netted area as the children play on the grass as well and it doesnt seem fair if they have to watch where they are standing all the time (re poo)!

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Hen Time Chicken Eggspert

Hen Time

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Have just been to see an eglu - wow - completely won over - will be phoning omlet tomorrow to change order!

 

Chickens were gorgeous - I'm now very excited! I think two will be perfect to us.

 

Ok - what changed your mind and won you over then ... my bubby was concerned re: garden mess, winter time, getting up early etc

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