Stuck run

[moomperu]

We have just bought a lovely second hand eglu (mark 1). We are hoping to pick up our hens this week and were wondering how many we should get. We are both teachers and get home around 5 ish. We'll let the hens out into the garden when we get home. Should we get two or three? Does the eglu run have enough space for 3 hens to be happy and comfortable?

 

Also, while we're here, should we put any straw/shavings into the nest box?

[half dozen]

We have a cube not eglu but I think you are better getting three rather than two in case one dies!? You dont want to be left with a lonely girl x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Welcome to the forum Moomperu .

 

If you only have 2 and one dies, introducing new hens can be tricky. If you have 3 and one dies, you're OK with two.

 

I have 3 hens in an eglu with a run plus converter. The basic run is fine for 2 hens if they don't get to freerange a lot, but you would be better getting a converter for 3 hens.

 

I have photos of a basic run and one with a converter if it helps .

[Tigerlily]

Hi Moomperu,

Welcome!

I think with a Mark 1 eglu the maximum you can have is 3 chooks! You will be better off with 3 (in case 1 dies etc), but you would probably need a converter for the run to give them enough space whilst you are out at work! I have 3 (Mark 2 eglu though) but I do have a converter and they do need it

 

Hope this helps and good luck!

Post some photos when you get your girls we all love to see photos...

I think ANH has just posted the same as me!

 

BW x

[Egluntyne]

I have a Mark 1 yellow Eglu. Out on loan at the mo.....I must ask for it back.

 

Anyroad up.....I agree with what Tigerlily says. The Eglu itself will be fine for three, but you would be better with a converter on it if they are to be confined to the run for long periods.

 

Three chickens are more of a social group than 2 so if you can get a converter, I would say get three hens.

.

[Hen Watch]

I agree with what everyone has said so far.

 

3 is good. (I had one that died after just 2 weeks and the introduction of a new chook even after such a short time was challenging).

 

If you can afford a run converter that would be great. I originally ordered the standard run for my 4 girls and 2 weeks later bought a converter. Wish I'd just done it from the start and saved myself the P+P. Makes a big difference.

 

I use either Auboise (a horse bedding) or shredded paper in the nestbox.

[Boybeck]

I've just taken delivery of my eglu. I don't have the room to add a run extension. Can I get away with three medium sized birds if I am working 11am to 7pm five days a week. I will free range them whenever I am at home, weekends/some mornings before 11. What do you think?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

If you don't have room, you don't have room! Just make sure there's stuff to keep them occupied in their run and they should be fine. Perches, seedbells, corn on the cob or green veg hanging up, perhaps a mirror, are all possibilities.

[Hen Watch]

I've just taken delivery of my eglu. I don't have the room to add a run extension. Can I get away with three medium sized birds if I am working 11am to 7pm five days a week. I will free range them whenever I am at home, weekends/some mornings before 11. What do you think?

 

Sure they will be abolutely fine. I'm lucky enough to have room for a converter but it does make the whole set up quite long in your garden.

 

Your girls will be fine free ranging when you are at home. You can make their daytime run interesting by adding a perch (say a branch through the run bars) for them to sit on, a dust bath, a metal food ball (see Omlet shop) filled with cabbage to peck at. Small log to jump on. This is what I have (see pic) - shower curtain pole as a perch, big log and a dustbath.

 

[Boybeck]

I think what I'm trying to ask is.. .would it be cruel having three in there? I was originally going to go for two but then I read all your comments about the benefits of three, oh decisions, decisions

[Hen Watch]

I think what I'm trying to ask is.. .would it be cruel having three in there? I was originally going to go for two but then I read all your comments about the benefits of three, oh decisions, decisions

 

3 will be fine. Better than 2 especially if one goes unexpectedly (which did happen to me after 2 weeks). I now have 4 hens in an eglu run and that extra 1 hen just tips the balance and so I have a run converter but 3 should be OK in a standard run especially as Omlet design it for that number.

 

Chickens get used to a routine and they will be fine. They will get used to your morning before 11 free range time plus weekends. Then in Summer they get added bonus of evening free ranging when the light permits.

[Boybeck]

Thanks for your reassurance. This is all new to me and I want to make sure I get it right. I'll have to find some play things to keep them amused.

[Sandychick]

I've just taken delivery of my eglu. I don't have the room to add a run extension. Can I get away with three medium sized birds if I am working 11am to 7pm five days a week. I will free range them whenever I am at home, weekends/some mornings before 11. What do you think?

 

When I had three in the standard run, I found that putting perches in the run really helped to create more space. They are quite popular so there is at least one of them up there at any one time leaving more space at ground level. It also gives them somewhere to go if there are any squabbles between them. Here's a pic of the perches....off cuts from my hawthorn tree!!

 

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Wow, love your perches . Very creative .