dreamingdolly Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi Every one just found this site today,I have to say that i am very new to Omlet but have been dreaming for many years and still am dreaming of keeping chickens. It may be just me but i do have a lot of concerns about the care and safety of chickens, we have lived here for just over a year and have often been told that there are a lot of mice and rats in the area, although we are rural we do live in a terraced house.the garden is 25ft wide and 100ft long so i could keep the chickens well away from the house. I suppose one of my questions today is would this be a real problem regarding neighbours and rats?as i don't want to be the cause or be accused of extra unwanted visitors close to home.being that there is already an existence of rodents in the area We have a spaniel and also3 cats which i suspect would be a great help with rats. I have lots of question and don't want to bore you guys in one go so if it's ok with you all i'll just keep asking for tips and advice as i think of them.thanks for reading my message Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Welcome to the forum, Dreamingdolly . Chickens themselves don't attract rats but any spilt food may do. You are as likely to get rats attracted by compost bins, rubbish bins or neighbours leaving food out for wildlife so don't let that put you off getting chickens. There are some Omleteers who are bothered by rats but there are loads of threads on the forum full of advice/experience. I've never seen one yet. Go for it . You have a lovely big garden and it would only be enhanced by some feathered friends pecking and scratching about in it (there are issues with grass/flowers/veg disappearing but we'll keep that for later!) Feel free to ask away and have a good look through the forum - anything you could possibly want to know about chickens is in there (although it can be hard to find so don't worry about asking!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi and welcome As ANH says rats are more likely to be attracted to other tasty treats in your neighbours gardens Some people take the food in each night as a precaution Go ahead and take the plunge - you have lots of room for chickens and they are fab pets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingdolly Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi thankyou for your reply,i will make sure when i do get my girls that the food is kept in good storage containers with lids. I am very interested in rescue hens from the battery hen welfare trust but need to do lots of research yet.it will be a while before i can afford an eglu but that is what i will be getting. I'm a little confused as to how easy it is to keep the inside clean,am i right in thinking that you just take out the tray and rinse any bits with the hose pipedown the drain,or is there a particular way of cleaning the house?and where should you put the chickens you know what when cleaning out!. We live in east Devon and i was wandering if there was anywhere that had eglu on show that i could go along to see,does anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 The eglu is really easy to clean. Once a week (others do it more often) I slide the poop tray out and empty the contents into a compost bin. I usually wash it with soapy water but sometimes it doesn't need it (I line it with newspaper). I remove the roosting bars and scrub them with an old washingup brush and soapy water. They're plastic too and easy to dry. I brush out the empty eglu and scoop out any nestbox material (into compost too) and if there's any yucky bits I use a petsafe spray to spot clean it. Replace the newspaper and nestbox material (shredded paper or Hemcore/Easibed) and that's it . (Oh, and a sprinkle of redmite powder and diatom.) A big clean (every 6 weeks or so) is easy too. The eglu comes apart (the roof comes off) and you can give it a wipe down with soapy water or a petspray. If you have a powerwasher you can remove the eglu from the run, put it on your driveway or whatever and clean it that way (very effective, I understand!). I only remove mine from the run once or twice a year (it is a bit more effort) for a really thorough clean. I don't find my eglu gets that dirty at all - it's just the roosting bars and sometimes the nestbox that need cleaning. The chickens can just freerange while you're doing all this and will happily help you . Chelsea is in Tiverton and is on the "visit an egluowner" list. She only has a cube though so have a look, there may be someone else near enough. It doesn't look like anyone near you is holding a course but that may change in the Spring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hello and welcome to the forum I think ANH covered everything. The eglu really is that easy to keep clean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cam1 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hi welcome i think prev posts have covered how easy it is to clean i would like to add that i love mine i have previously had a wooden aivary which was just awful to clean took ages to dry hence why i went 4 an eglu rather than a wooden coop. I must admit was a bit worried about my neighbours as one side tend to moan about everything however they have been fine especially when given eggs! I find chap next door watching them! Cam mya velma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthmam1 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hi and welcome I have never had any problems with neighbours (its amazing what a few spare eggs given to neighbours will do ). My girls are not really noisy and are half way down the garden (we also have a 120ft garden). I keep the feeds in a metal dustbin with a brick on top in a plastic shed. I also take in the grub everynight and touch wood have had no problems with rats. I also have the run and eglu on slabs so they cant tunnel under. sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Like you , I have wanted chickens for a long time and have finally, after a lot of persuasion, been allowed some for my birthday next week. Unfortunately, I don't have as big a garden as you but hope the chickens will be happy in my garden anyway. As for neighbours, they make so much noise on their trampolines and screaming they won't hear any noise my chickens might make. If only I could have a cockerel I spotted the cube and run in the Daily Mail years ago and memorised the site as my hubby threw away the piece I cut out - I got there in the end. I hope you get your chickens soon,they will love having so much freedom. Having chickens will be new for me, computing is new to me too but I'm gradually getting the hang of it all, I'm hoping the chickens wiil be easier - here's to next week coming soon x2 x1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Welcome to the forum too, Luvachicken . A - what a fab birthday present . I have a small garden and I also have screaming little girls next door . What day is your cube arriving? (You should maybe read the threads about Nightfreight - just to warn you delivery may not be plain sailing . Unless you're in the Omlet area of course!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larkspurs Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Hi dreamingdolly Welcome to the forum I am a novice at keeping chickens and had similar thoughts to you regarding neighbours and rats amongst other things. I found myself putting up numerous obstacles as to why I shouldn’t have chickens. Don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how silly it may seem. You have come to the right place the members here are very friendly and helpful. I rely on the tips and advice given here as keeping hens is an ongoing learning process, and fun to boot! You’ve already had some really great advice posted as replies, welcome to your new hobby. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Hi and welcome, you have found a FAB website, everyone on here is really friendly and what they don't know about chickens between them can be written on the head of a pin! Not everyone on here has an Eglu either so explore all your options, that said they are really easy to clean and make looking after hens really easy too. Chiooks are the easiest pet I have ever owned, I back on to fields and don't get rats or mice. They are funny, and have the added bonus of giving you eggs. Hope you achieve your dream, this place, and all the products in it, are VERY addictive so be warned!! BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Welcome to the forum dreamingdolly. You won't look back, we promise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tara Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Hello and welcome what a great place you have ended up on.I started with 3 chooks now l have 8 including 2 battery chooks and 6 ducks.They are great there my escape from the real world.Any problems you have along the way you would always find ways around it.As for the eglu cleaning its that easy l have 2 plus a cube and l really enjoy sorting them all out every week.Tho in this cold im a bit But go for it your bit of country life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One_Box Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Welcome to the forum - I'm sure you will have lots of fun when you take the plunge Chickens really are the most amazing pets and will reward you in so many ways. They will give you endless hours of pleasure whether you decide to house them in an Eglu or a wooden hen house - good luck with whatever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tombull10 Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 I think you're at the stage I was at about 4 months ago. I really wanted chickens but had to convince the OH who thought i was insane to begin as we live in the middle of a housing estate. He's now warmed to the idea. I also had so many questions and I'm sure i'll have plenty more when they arrive. Well, here I am a few months down the line with my eglu set up on a permanent woodchiped area. I've found a local supplier of layers mash and pellets. I have read about every mite and disease they might get. I've found a big enough box to bring them home in, I've decided on sawdust and straw for the nestbox (lots of decisions to make I know!!) But finally I'm off to the BHWT farm tomorrow to pick up 3 girls and can't wait. It's also lovely that all the friends and family who thought i was mad to begin with have offered to come and pick them up with me. In fact, we could have put on a minibus!! They all think i'm doing something lovely for these poor little creatures, who, as I type are crammed into there tiny cages!! Just go for it. It's a big learning experience and I haven't even got mine yet but I'm soooo excited. Best of luck and hope you get them sooner rather than later!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackgold Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Good luck with your chooks what ever you decide. i have 3 ex battery hens and one pedigree Faverolle. There story is told on my collietalk spaces link below. i got them on November 22nd 2008. i now have 2 eglus and am getting more chucks in the spring... love Sue xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 More welcomes from me, dreamingdolly and luvachicken.... You're definitely in the best place for all chook-related advice - everyone is wonderful, friendly and so helpful. We have a cube for our four girls - there's less bending down involved in cleaning it. There's also room inside for more girls, but due to the size of our teeny weeny garden (the cube and run take up 20% of it!) we won't be getting any more while we're in this house! Chickens are the funniest little creatures, they are utterly adorable. Doubters will say to you (as my mum did) "You can't cuddle a chicken! Why don't you get a cat?" Well, you can cuddle a chicken, and the chickens leave you the most perfect little gifts in the nest box! When was the last time a cat provided you with a meal? (The odd mouse doesn't count..) I must admit we didn't ask our neighbours before we got them, but next door is fine with them, and none of the others have noticed them! We have somehow ended up with the only silent egg-layer I've ever encountered - she'll talk and whinge like the rest of them, but doesn't make a sound when laying! More lovely omleteers on the forum - how exciting! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingdolly Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi thankyou to you all for your kind messages thankyou Ain't "Ooops, word censored!"ody here for putting me in touch with chelsea,we have spoken this weekend and will be arranging a day soon when we can visit their lovely family of chickens and the eglus.Ihave been reading up on the cube and eglu today and have some queries. when you go away on a weekend break and leave the food and water as suggested,i'm presuming the door would have to stay wide open for the duration.now to me the house just isn't deep enough to prevent wind and rain getting onto the hens and how safe would would they be against foxes. Also i was always of the understanding that chickens needed to perch high at night,if this is the case why do the houses have only slats in the bottom and not a solid removable floor with small holes for drainage instead,why do the houses not have slightly higher perches?to me the slats seem so close together so how do the girls manage to grip properly? I'm not trying to pick holes so to speak in what is obviously a wonderfully designed hen house,i just want to understand the ideas behind it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackgold Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 The girls are fine in their eglu. They seem to sleep hunkered down, not stood on their feet so the roost bars are nice and comfortable for them. One of mine always sleeps in the nest box but that is to be avoilded as she poos and it gets all over the eggs. My eglu is in a kennel in a dog run at the moment but i have never heard of anybody else chooks getting wet in the rain so they must be ok. I take it you will be going away in summer? They will be fine for a weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I've never had any complaints from my three . They all troop indoors quite happily each evening. You don't really need drainage as there isn't any moisture to speak of (any moisture coming off the poops can be absorbed by a layer of newspaper in the poop tray). There is a drainage hole in the nestbox which is really only useful when you're washing it out! You couldn't really have higher perches in the eglu as there wouldn't be enough headroom. Don't worry about "picking holes", we're happy to accept constructive criticism . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingdolly Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 hi thanks guys,well thats a few more answers should think of some more very soon, happy chickening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kittycat Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Hi there I'm also a new omleteer living in East Devon (Topsham, just outside Exeter). We have just set up our eglu (literally this weekend) on a permanent wood chip area but plan to allow the chooks to range the garden too (as soon as OH has fixed a gate at the side of the house!). We don't have our chickens yet (still trying to decide on what type ) but are planning to get 3 girls over the half term period, either hybrids from Moon Ridge Farm or traditional breeds from the Devon Traditional Breeds Centre. Once we're up and running (and provided I can manage to keep the feathered lovelies alive) you're more than welcome to come round and have a look if you wish. However, Chelsea is the local expert so in terms of asking questions about chicken welfare etc, you're probably best visiting her. Good luck as and when you take the plunge - you certainly won't be short of support on this forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJ's Chooks Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Welcome to the forum... dont forget we were all beginners along the road at some stage, and you can never ask too many questions. Believe me we all ask loads and some daft ones too!!! About the high level perch... if you get a cube, you may be surprised where your chooks sleep. We have at least one, that sleeps on top of the divider between the roosting bars area and the nesting box. There cant be more than a couple of inches gap, but she fills it every night how they do it i dont know. they cant fall off i guess cos they must be wedged!!!! each to there own! You will not regret having chooks, we've had some great times over the last year and would not be without them. Like everything, you are faced by a few challenges too, but there is always someone here on the forum with advice or support. YOu will love it, they eggs are great too and they are such characters... GOOD LUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
