Single hen

[Guest]

HI

 

Twisting this topic around a bit..most people appear to UPGRADE to a cube at some stage. Is there anyone out there that wishes they stuck with an eglu and why? ie got a second Eglu instead??

 

Just investigating all angles on this.

 

thanks

indie999

[redfrock]

Ok. i'll start this one for you

 

I initially had 2 eglus. I love the shape of them.

 

I then sold them and upgraded to 2 cubes. I love their practicality.

 

I then had to buy another eglu in a rush as a friend's father had a chook living wild in his garden and dropped her on me. Long story for another time. Thankfully the eglu was second hand and extremely reasonably priced. I have kept this for intros and quarantine.

 

Now what do I prefer? I love the shape of the eglu but I wouldn't downgrade from my cubes back to an eglu permanently. I like the fact the cube is at waist height and I am not having to bend down to do all the cleaning etc. I personally find the top of the eglu heavy (I have an iffy back) and sometimes it is a pig to put back on - if your black bar has got bent especially. I like the fact the cube dismantles completely inside, that it has a big nest box so my girls do not have to queue - in fact they can have company and a good gossip while they are laying. I feel the cube is safer from vermin and foxes being off the ground - no little nest box hole for mice to crawl up in - not that I think this has ever been an issue, but something I have often thought about. I love the fact that my girls can still cram in together (always been their choice) but that they have more room. I do however like the eglu door because they could push it open in the morning when they wanted to get up. Now I keep the cube door shut in the real winter or rainy days, but leave it open the rest of the time.

 

Yes I have one that has been a bit leaky into the nest box, but think that is sorted (just a bracket adjustment, possibly something we shall have to do every so often) and it wasn't extreme. The other one has never had an problem. I bought them at the same time and my husband put them both together - he is good at these things, unlike me, especially because of his job.

 

If you do not plan on having a walk in run, then I think the cube run is better as it has more height and isn't tapered. I have a walk in run, so this is not an issue for me.

 

Which would I personally choose? The cube every time

 

hope that helps

[Lesley]

I'm glad I was never tempted by the Cube

 

When we had two Eglus they were raised on a platform (which James saw......and then the Cube soon followed! ) and I prefer that combination any time over the Cube. They were inside a walk-in run.

 

The ones we have now are all attached to the outside of walk-in runs and on the ground, although we may raise them on platforms again soon.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Interesting post .

 

I only have one eglu. I can't see myself ever getting a cube due to the size of my garden, the price (OH would freak ) and number of hens I would want (5 max).

 

I'm getting a walk in run and plan to put the eglu on a table. So that sorts out the bending down issue.

 

If I get 2 more girls, it would be nice to have a second eglu but I suspect they'd all sleep in the one eglu so I'd plan to build an extra nestbox.

 

I'm future-proofing my run with a stable type door for access to 2nd eglu just in case .

[Olly]

I had two Eglus (one new, then got a second one when I adopted its occupants) and I sold them both to get a Cube. While I loved the Eglu shape, the two of them together actually took up more space than a Cube, although I guess if I'd had a WIR that wouldn't have mattered.

 

Although they are quick to clean, cleaning 1 Cube is easier than cleaning two Eglus, and I second what Redfrock says about the height. I had forgotten, and thanks for reminding me Redfrock, about lifting the top on and off, and securing the black bar! It's not that difficult if you're fit and strong, which I am, but the Cube is a lot easier to take apart for cleaning.

 

I still think the Eglus look nicer, and in a small garden they take up less space - but I don't regret swapping to a Cube.

[Cooks]

I have both (at the moment) and I have to say I love my eglu for styling, but the top, I agree, is way too heavy, my back is just not up to that lifting anymore, I find the shape awkward to carry (even in parts). If you have it raised up bending down to the poop tray is avoided however in it's 'normal' look the poop tray is very low and causes me no end of problems.

 

I never thought I would get a cube, as I always thought, ahhh I'll only have two girls, they will be fine in an eglu, but you cannot beat the ease of a cube for someone that does not want to bend and lift pieces about all the time.

 

rocks!

Edited February 28, 2009 by Guest

[chelsea]

I started off with 1 eglu, then went to 2 eglus and then got a cube. Reason being was because every night at roosting time we were moving chickens as all the girls would pile into one eglu leaving a lone chook in the other.

 

I do regret getting the cube, actually we both hate it....its huge and very hard to move from inside our run on cleaning day. (husband hates it!), it works practically as a chicken house so the chickens dont mind .

 

I used to be able to clean the eglus on my own as they are easier to manouvre but now have to rely on OH on cleaning day. The cube is not such a sleek gap free design as the wonderful eglu.

[bronze]

I love how the eglu looks but for practicality I much prefer the cube. The only time two eglus would be better is if you have to divide a flock for any reason.

[dancing cloud]

I started off with the cube and then bought the eglu for introductions.

 

I much prefer my cube. Yes, the shape of the eglu is lovely but the cube is much more practical and rather looks like a little chookie caravan . Like the eglu, I suppose it's something you either love or you don't.

[Chillicat]

I second what Dancing Cloud just said.

Cleaning the Eglus are easy, but not as easy as a Cube

.. .........Lesley, you must have LOTS of patience to clean out all your Eglus ..... ...

[Janty]

We started with a cube.

 

Then within a week due to problems with our girls we ordered an eglu and intended to have the big girls in the cube and the bantams in the eglu.

 

Then we became interested in ex-batts, saw a second hand cube for sale and bought that.

 

Then we bought a second eglu but at the same time a rablu came up on ebay that was very reasonable and we bought that as well.

 

I much prefer the cubes. They are easier to clean etc but I also like the shape and look of the eglus. If I had to choose though, it would have to be the cube.

[poachedegg]

I have a couple of eglus now and a cube and much prefer the symmetry of the cube, the height for the chickens, easier visibility of the chickens and the ease of cleaning.

[Guest]

OK You probably dont believe me but am going to finally.....drum roll...make a decision....and go for it after having a chat with James on Wednesday........so I will keep you all in suspense till wednesday...and will announce my verdict and obviously when it arrives will see if I am soo pleased...2 years of waiting.......................thanks for all the really helpful info you have all posted much appreciated.

indie999

[Falkor]

OK You probably dont believe me but am going to finally.....drum roll...make a decision....and go for it after having a chat with James on Wednesday........so I will keep you all in suspense till wednesday...and will announce my verdict and obviously when it arrives will see if I am soo pleased...2 years of waiting.......................thanks for all the really helpful info you have all posted much appreciated.

indie999

 

I pm`d you not ten mins ago asking if a decision had been made Spooky.

 

I will take bets on colour........ ?

[Guest]

...Yes I thought that..are u spying on me.............I will be finally happy and content on Wednesday

 

Better go tis getting late............countdown now wednesday!

[AJuff]

No! I had two eglus and then bought a cube. I kept one eglu for sick chooks or introductions. Cube is fab!

[Guest]

Thanks for all your responses YET again!!

Perhaps I need one of each

I keep changing my mind but am going to bite the bullet tomorrow and ring Omlet to order Watch this space for my major 2 year decision

indie

[Cooks]

it's tomorrow now, what choice did you make?

[mostin]

We're waiting to know *drums fingers*

[poachedegg]

Can't you feel the tension in the air? Come on, what did you decide? Eglu or Cube? Eglu or cube? Eglu or cube?

[MedusA]

I had two Eglus (one new, then got a second one when I adopted its occupants) and I sold them both to get a Cube. While I loved the Eglu shape, the two of them together actually took up more space than a Cube, although I guess if I'd had a WIR that wouldn't have mattered.

 

Although they are quick to clean, cleaning 1 Cube is easier than cleaning two Eglus, and I second what Redfrock says about the height. I had forgotten, and thanks for reminding me Redfrock, about lifting the top on and off, and securing the black bar! It's not that difficult if you're fit and strong, which I am, but the Cube is a lot easier to take apart for cleaning.

 

I still think the Eglus look nicer, and in a small garden they take up less space - but I don't regret swapping to a Cube.

 

I agree with everything Olly says. I had my first eglu, bought a second and now have a cube. I plan to keep one eglu for introductions/quarantine/renting etc, but will sell the other eglu to offset some of the cost of the cube.

 

From a design perspective, I think the eglu is the best for 2-3 hens, but for practical reasons, if you want several chooks, go for the cube.

[Guest]

Thanks once again

I had a good chat with omlet prior to making the momentous decision and was decided on an eglu!!!! Thanks James whichever james you were very helpful

 

But it could only be me as I ended up buying a cube!!

 

The reason was that most people upgrade eventually (this seems more common). However if the garden/pen is not big an eglu would have been great too.

 

I also ordered 2 gingernuts(as i am gingernut myself) I may order another one..i think the chickens are reasonable. I will probably get another couple of some other breed at the same time.............listen to me

 

I cant wait 14th April

 

But got to say thanks for all the input and responses i am sure i wont be the last indecisive customer

I

indie