Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[C&T]

Hi all,

 

Some advice please!!

 

We have only had our chickens since the clocks changed for winter, so have only had "winter" experience so far. Can't wait for the clocks to change back again!

 

The Eglu run is in a permanent position, covered over with a clear plastic sheet, and we are using Hemcore. All following advice on this fabulous forum - thank you all! We have been very happy with this setup so far.

 

However, I was wondering... (Friday afternoon at work and all that) - Wouldn't it be nice not to have to have the run 100% covered during the summer, as a) would probably get very warm in there while we were at work and b) I am sure the chooks would like to feel the sun on their backs - assuming we do get a summer . (Would of course use the omlet shade to ensure they could get out of the sun if so wished.)

 

What do other people do? If I take the plastic sheet off, then I guess I would have to replace the Hemcore with something else, that isn't so absorbant, so the run stays OK if it rains? Would wood chip work in this scenario?

 

Suggestions greatfully received!

[Kittycat]

We use wood chip in a permanent position and it works fine. It doesn't really matter if it gets wet - if anything it helps give it a rinse off. I haven't, however, ever used any other kind of bedding and I know some of the omleteers swear by other stuff so I'm sure you'll get some more responses.

[The Dogmother]

I have a similar set up to you, and my girls free range for the daylight hours. In the summer (when we get one) I roll back half of the tarp to let even more air in, but put it back over if it looks like rain.

[nikplus]

We use playground wood chippings in our chickens' outdoor areas and they're very happy with that. It's nice and soft on their feet and great for scratching around in.

[C&T]

Thanks for responses

 

Claret - Unfortunately we are out all day at work, and with English Summer days that gives the weather time to be Sunny, overcast, torrential rain, a bit of sleet and snow, and maybe some fog... So just worried that leave it open thinking OK in the morning, and get back to find a mud bath...

 

Wood chips sound a way forward, although being only Feb I have plenty of time! Sowing the first seeds is making me think summer thoughts!! Love this time of year - full of promises!!

[The Dogmother]

Just leave it covered then, so long as there's some shade over it and air flow, they will be fine. Do they free range at all?

 

I think that you will find that woodchips get more damp than Hemcore or Aubiose, but by all means try them.

[C&T]

They free range when we are there - so once evenings a little lighter, they will be out in the evenings as well as most weekends.

 

Guess I was just worried about the greenhouse effect if covered with plastic - but with enough ventilation... hmmmm... Maybe worrying about nothing after all!!

[The Dogmother]

I wouldn't worry too much, just roll up the sides of the tarp.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I just left one corrugated plastic sheet on the run last summer rather than two. It kept most of the rain off and if it got sunny (yeah, right ) I just added the sun shade on top.