chelsea Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 or get 3 smaller breeds Im not sure if other forum members have 3 hens in a standard run (there might be). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 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 . . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Also if you read eglutines thread 'I've just ordered a . . . . ' it highlights how versatile eglus are and a few regrets on selling them. They are after all very fab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Time Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Oh Hen Time that is a shame, will you not be able to bring him round?? Who will be the main carer for your girls, you or your husband??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frazzled Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Some of the people advocating the Eglu haven't been through a full winter yet with full-grown hens. I have and it was fine. (winter 2006 and winter 2007) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frazzled Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 What was it that won you over? You seem very sure that's what you want now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frazzled Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share Posted July 15, 2008 The eglu shape, plus size - will fit nicely in our garden. Also the 2 hens seemed so much calmer than the larger flock we saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 And what colour have you decided on????????????????????????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm so glad you are going ahead - your OH must have liked the eglu too? I've had an eglu through one winter. It's been great for me 'cos I only work 3 days during termtime & get back from work at 4pm. You could phone Omlet to see if they have any reconditioned eglus - that saves you about £40. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I do love my eglu & converter 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Congratulations Lisa . A new run too, lucky you . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frazzled Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share Posted July 15, 2008 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)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Time Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 Oh Hen Time that is a shame, will you not be able to bring him round?? Who will be the main carer for your girls, you or your husband??? I will be the main carer ... I'm still negotiating! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Time Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Hen time... Pleased to see you are still in talks, dont let it go easily... if you are the main carer, you should have the last say... I've everything crossed for you .... let us know how it's going...... am sure we are all sending positive thought Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
