Janey4 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 My boyfriends mum is thinking about getting some hens and I suggested an Eglu, with it being easy to clean etc but I think she wants to get ex bats and through the BHWT the minimum 'order' for your girls is 3.............would 3 chooks be ok in an Eglu?? I havent seen them in the flesh so Im not quite sure?? They would be in the run some of the time but free range quite alot too I. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 3 or 4 is fine. I have the old Mk1 with 3 hens who free range most of the time. The Mk2 (the one being sold for the last 3 years) is slightly bigger and can house 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggstatic! Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I have three in my eglu and there is plenty of room for them all. You can fit four in an eglu, but watch the size of the run. I bought the extension to give my girls extra space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angels4 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I have four girls in mine, and although it was presented that 4 medium girls were ok provided they were allowed to free range. If I had it to do over I would have only gotten 3. Don't get me wrong the girls appear quite comfortable in the eglu and run and I am able to let them free range most days, but upon seeing them in the run (on the days they can't be out) I wish they had more room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janey4 Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 Perfect!! Thanks guys!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I work all day, do you think it would be fair to leave three hens in the normal run with the eglu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 the eglu is fine but for 3 I would get a converter which is an extension to the ordinary run. This would be plenty of room for the 3 of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I work all day, do you think it would be fair to leave three hens in the normal run with the eglu? I did this when I first got mine. They were ok, but I decided to get the converter as I thought it would be better with some extra space, especially for the winter when they won't get chance to free range in the evenings. The converter does make a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I leave my 3 girls in their run plus converter on the days I work. They seem happy enough - I just make sure I let them freerange whenever I can. I think the ordinary run is a bit tight. If you'd like to see photos of a run with a converter just say! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 somebody on here has a clever hubby who made their own converter - I was most impressed. I think space in the daytime is the key thing, rather than how many pile into one eglu at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I think I'll get just two chickens then if they're staying in the normal run during the day. I don't want them to be overcrowded. "Aint "Ooops, word censored!"ody here" I'd love to sdee your pix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Boybeck, I see where you're coming from with the 2 hen thing, but you might find that if and when the inevitable happens and you lose the first one (sorry to be mentioning it before you've even got them ) you will be left with a very lonely hen and will have to do rapid introductions of a newbie, which would probably be younger and can lead to all sorts of stress for you whilst they sort out their pecking order. Can I suggest you reconsider getting three? Then when it happens you still have a happy pair. Now you just have to choose which types! Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 yes, my next mission is to find out where I can buy some hens and what types. I must admit I love the look of those real red "traditional" looking chickens. I'm in Fareham, Hampshire, so if anyone can point me in the direction of a supplier I'd be very grateful. \just over a week to go now until I get my eglu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Perfect Poultry in Ligh"Ooops, word censored!"er have Rhode Island Reds, they're the sort of traditional red hens, really beautiful, I've just picked up two RIR eggs which my broody is currently sitting on! Or this place that Greengirl told me about earlier looks good - they're near Salisbury, not used them myself but worth a look. http://www.wylyevalleychickens.co.uk/ Enjoy choosing, next - NAMES!! Mrs b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I have found this place near me. http:// http://www.longdownfarm.co.uk/animals-for-sale1.asp?anid=4 They are selling Warren Chickens, anyone got any knowledge of them, it sounds like they could be good for a newbie and apparently they are quiet! I like the sound of that so I don't annoy the neighbours £8 each Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I love Warrens. I always have at least one. They look like "proper" chickens you imagine as a kid - fat bustling brown hens. Ours have been very docile, tame and prolific layers. The eat a staggering amount, the greedy souls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 are they fairly quiet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 ours have been. Not that it's a guarantee, like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 I think I'll get just two chickens then if they're staying in the normal run during the day. I don't want them to be overcrowded. "Aint "Ooops, word censored!"ody here" I'd love to sdee your pix. Please excuse my grotty garden . This is a basic run. This is a run plus converter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boybeck Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 That run extension makes such a difference doesn't it? Thanks for the pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
