Solitary chicken - need advice

[Henry Vac]

Don't get me wrong I love my Cube. I just find it annoying that every side of the cube needs to be accessed on a regular basis. I believe the cube would be a lot better if the door handle was on the same side as the nesting box. Even better still would be to have the door to the run on that side as well. This would mean I could place my cube up against my fence or even in the corner of my garden. I would love to hear anybody’s opinions or suggestions.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Welcome to the forum, HenryVac . I don't have a cube so can't comment but just wanted to say hello .

[Henry Vac]

Hello

[Chooks Aloud]

Hello Henryvac

 

Hubby has offered to buy me a cube for Christmas, I was hoping to put mine in the corner up against a fence - looks like I won't be getting one now then if this can't be done.

 

I'm with you, I think it would be better if they were on the same side.

 

Karen

[Dodge]

Looks like you have spotted a bit of a flaw with the cube design.

 

This is an issue with anyone who has a small garden, however if you check out this forum, you will see that a lot of members do not shut the cube door at night. So long as you make sure that the run door is secure each night then you could put the cube up against a fence.

 

By leaving the cube door open all the time, means that your chooks can getup and also goto bed when they want.

 

Don't let this small problem put you off buying a cube, because they are great.

 

Regards

 

Dodge

[Chooks Aloud]

Unfortunately I like to keep my door shut at night. I was hoping that someone in the Fareham area had a cube so that I could go and have a look to see if there was anyway round this problem.

 

Karen

[Olly]

It is annoying, I agree - I guess that the reason is that the door needs to be opposite the nesting box, otherwise they'd have to walk through the nesting box to get to the sleeping quarters, if you see what I mean.

 

Doesn't help you much though!

[Louisdog]

If the door is open, doesn't the rod/handle/stick thingy stick out, so it wouldn't go flush against a wall anyway?

[poachedegg]

If the door is open, doesn't the rod/handle/stick thingy stick out, so it wouldn't go flush against a wall anyway?

 

No, the handle pushes back in even when the door is closed.

[Louisdog]

Ah, cunning

[Gallina]

I think it is important to be able to walk around all sides of an animal enclosure: otherwise how would you cope if rats started tunnelling in from the side that was almost against the fence?

 

And if it is a party fence with your next-door neighbour, it is unfair on them to put your animals quite so close. (And if the fence belongs to them rather than you, how are they going to be able to paint the side facing your garden?)

 

Walls are a bit different, but I still think that the amount of space required each side of the Cube is highly desirable, even if you didn't need it for opening the egg-port and door. It makes it airier, lighter, and seems more healthy.

 

But I agree fervently that you need to shut the door at night. I can see no point in buying a fox-proof hen-house and then not shutting it.

[Muvver hen]

Chooks aloud!I live near you and my cube is due to be delivered next week.You are welcome to come and have a look if you like

[Steve.]

I'm putting my cube against a fence ... through I will allow room to get down the side to open and close the door.

 

It'd have been much more sensible for the door handle to be on the same side as the egg port ...

[Gallina]

I just reckon that if you have a static Cube and run, the minimum space needed to pull out the handle or open the egg-port (whichever is nearer the fence) is also the minimum space you should leave in order to ensure general access to the side (to replace clips, deal with tunnelling problems, clean up fallen leaves, etc).

 

But what really clinches it for me is that I have neighbours who come round and paint my side of their fence, so it would be impossible for me to do otherwise.

[Redwing]

I think it is important to be able to walk around all sides of an animal enclosure: otherwise how would you cope if rats started tunnelling in from the side that was almost against the fence?

 

 

This is a really good point, I put my Eglu up against a fence as you don't need to access both sides of the Eglu but now I wish I hadn't as I can't get round the back to check the skirt of the run or tidy up woodchip etc and its a real pain. I am a large lady so squeezing between the Eglu and fence in a six inch gap is no fun! I just pray I never get rats or I will be in trouble!