BrunswickBB Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 Hello, We got the Omlet winter shade last week and the ladies were very grateful for it yesterday with all the rain and wind...but now I'm worrying that it's too dark under there for them! Because of their perch I have to put it right on top as opposed to over one side, they seem happy enough but I worry they won't get enough direct daylight.... Am I just being a worrying mother hen?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthmam1 Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 Hi I dont know if its too dark or not (I guess not otherwise omlet would not do it) but I use a clear shower curtain over the run. Ikea do them really cheaply or Asda but a bit more expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 I must admit I changed from green tarpaulins to a clear one (from Tarpaflex who I cannot recommend enough) because I was worried the girls were not getting enough light. Perhaps turn the winter shade around and make a bigger cover as a 'porch' or over the Grub and Glug and use a clear sheet on top of the remainder of the run as a compromise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 I would go for a clear cover - don't worry about less light = less eggs etc.... thye diserve a rest! Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunswickBB Posted December 14, 2008 Author Share Posted December 14, 2008 Thanks for the ideas...I might try moving the shade along and maybe adding a clear one too if my DIY skills can cope! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendy Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 Not sure how dark the omlet cover is but the clear shower curtain sounds like a fab idea! Will look into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEAN Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 Don't know if it helps but I have a winter shade for the cube and ours are laying fine - 1 egg each most days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 Corrugated plastic sheeting from B&Q solves that problem too . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 I'm sure they will be fine with the shade cover you've got. As with all things chook related, you can get carried away and spend loads. I know I have. My eglu run has one converter (extension) so it's quite long and last year I had a shower curtain at the run end and the Omlet shade at the eglu end. It was fine but not pretty. So this year, I've treated myself to 3 x clear corrugated sheets from Wickes (£6 each) held down with bungee cords. And at the eglu end I still have the Omlet shade which goes right down to the ground at the side where the eglu door is so as to stop rain driving into the eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 ANH used corrugated roofing on hers. We bought an Eglu for our Littlees to live in until they were big enough to join the Biggees in the Cube, and we copied ANH's idea. ANH, do you have a pic by any chance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 I'm sure they will be fine with the shade cover you've got. As with all things chook related, you can get carried away and spend loads. I know I have. My eglu run has one converter (extension) so it's quite long and last year I had a shower curtain at the run end and the Omlet shade at the eglu end. It was fine but not pretty. So this year, I've treated myself to 3 x clear corrugated sheets from Wickes (£6 each) held down with bungee cords. And at the eglu end I still have the Omlet shade which goes right down to the ground at the side where the eglu door is so as to stop rain driving into the eglu. It's a brilliant idea it! The photo has been posted a couple of times. try a search pn plastric shower curtains, I think theres a photo there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 I think chickens are originally woodland birds and enjoy the shade!? I could be wrong but I hope they don't mind much as mine live under trees and are always in the shade. They probably are getting less daylight but it certainly doesn't stop the eggs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Found the photo here. viewtopic.php?p=482563#482563 scrol ldown it's on this page. Brilliant. Mine love the sunshine or a gs fire will do! like to sunbathe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 My girls are managing under the winter and summer shade and still laying fine. if anything it's good as they can't give me the evil eye as easily when I go past them without treats . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 I too use a clear tarpauline from tarpaflex. Its great, they are lovely and dry and it keeps the temperature up a tad too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronmusgrove123 Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 ive had it over the top to keep the rain off them since september i really dont think its too dark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
