solsticefire Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Hi, I have had a look around on the forum but can not spot a definitive answer ... I have the glug and grub in the outside Eglu run, but should I also be placing a water source such as a heavy dish of water, inside the Eglu for them overnight when I shut them away at night? I have argued from the angle they do not need water, as that is what I have read so far from the Eglu bumpf etc. Also, will this not make a mess and run the risk of them sitting all night with wet feet causing problems? However, my mother, argues that I should be putting food and water in the Eglu house overnight for them as that is what she always did when we had chickens years and years ago. . . Input muchly appreciated! Thanks L x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 They don't need food or water in the house overnight. As long as you are not leaving them in there too long they'll just snooze and won't eat or drink. Mine go to bed at dusk and I let them out at 7.30am. They have nothing overnight and are fine although there is a stampede for the food bowl in the mornings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 No water needed. Mine only exception to this is when the chicks transfer from the brooder where they are use to having drink and water 24/7, so I wean them off it slowly, but otherwise they are fine. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Apart from the fact that they don't need it I guess there is also the danger of causing condensation as the Eglu is well insulated and is also quite small. I don't know how many chickens you have but mine would stand in it for certain and make a mess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Neither food nor water required . They fill up their crops during the day and digest it all during the night (or so I imagine!). Mother doesn't always know best (but don't tell my kids ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Nothing required overnight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 I can't imagine the mess if I allowed mine to have midnight feasts in their bedroom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Nothing needed in the Eglu at night, I know some people with large wooden housing have food and water in them but these hens are kept inside for longer than is usual. So long as you are letting them out at dawn(ish - about 07:15 with me at the mo) then they should be fine. In fact even though during these very long nights my girls don't rush for the food and drink first thing in the morning so that shows to me that they aren't too thirsty or hungry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solsticefire Posted January 19, 2009 Author Share Posted January 19, 2009 Thank you, I appreciate the input. It also seemed to me, if they needed food or water, Omlet would have catered for this in their design. Hee hee, just got to convince my MUm now L x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Definately no need overnight. My lot are shut in their eglu with the door closed from when it gets dark until 7.30am in winter. So sometimes in winter that means they get shut up at 4/5 o'clock. They are perfectly OK and still going strong nearly 2 years on. A bowl in the eglu housing overnight would get knocked over, make it damp which is not recomended. So tell your mum not to worry, they will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
