Single hen

[shtw00724]

Hi all.

 

I am now the proud owner of 3 Golden Line ex-bats.

 

I have set the Eglu up for them and they seem very happy but I'm worried about 2 things: -

 

1. Their glugs and grubs are on the outside but I've shut them in for the night so how should I provide food/water for them outside of daylight hours?

 

2. I've put the Eglu and run on the grass but have put heavy slabs on top of the 'skirts' of the run. The front/door of the run doesn't have a 'skirt' so to speak. How can I make the door more secure so that Mr Fox can't try and dig under it?

 

Many thanks.

 

Susie & tribe (including hens Gertie, Claira and Petunia)

[poachedegg]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your ex batts.

 

No need to put food and water in the house - they fill up on what thye need during the day, though you will probably find that they don't eat or drink much in the first few days.

 

I would definitely try and secure the run around your front door or put it on slabs - you can buy the skirt from Omlet, think it is £9 - it isn't in the online shop - you would have to ring Omlet on Monday.

 

[*mummy_hen*]

I know a lot of people on here don't but i always provide my ex-batts with food and water overnight, especially now the weather is getting warmer they will need pletny of water and in the winter they spend a lot of time in the house so like to make sure they have plenty of food. I find mine tend to eat equal amounts from both.

 

Mine just have a standard chicken feeder in their house and a pyrex bowl filled with water....however space in the eglu is quite tight so not sure you would be able to fit something this size in. They certainly do very small chick sized feeders which would fit and provide enough feed for them overnight and they do a similar sized water drinker. Something like those below.

 

Obviously the decision is yours as to whether you provide this. I doubt it matters either way, but i just feel happier knowing my girls have it there should they want it.

 

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Plastic_Poultry_Drinkers.html

 

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Super_Poultry_Feeder_Hopper.html

[Egluntyne]

There really is no need at all to provide them with food or water overnight. So long as they a re allowed out at a reasonably early hour, they will be fine, as they neither eat nor drink in their sleep, and shouldn't be locked in the Eglu for any length of time in the morning.

[sandyhas3chucks]

There really is no need at all to provide them with food or water overnight. So long as they a re allowed out at a reasonably early hour, they will be fine, as they neither eat nor drink in their sleep, and shouldn't be locked in the Eglu for any length of time in the morning.

sorry shouldn't laugh really, the thought of them eating in their sleep made me splutter., like those people that go to the frudge in their sleep & eat.

Anyway 4pm to bed in the winter & not up till after 7, and they are just fine without a midnight feast. In the winter some nice corn before bed to keep them full till morning and is warming too. but with spring here they will be just fine with their normal food. Mine go to bed about 6 still, despite being lighter a bit later & I currently let tjem out at 6.30 am sooo looking forward to clocks forward cos THEY won't know it is 7,30!

[Aggienator]

Hi all.

 

2. I've put the Eglu and run on the grass but have put heavy slabs on top of the 'skirts' of the run. The front/door of the run doesn't have a 'skirt' so to speak. How can I make the door more secure so that Mr Fox can't try and dig under it?

 

Many thanks.

 

Susie & tribe (including hens Gertie, Claira and Petunia)

 

Is this a new Eglu? I've just got mine and it had 2 panels to fix along the front under the door.

 

Good luck with the Chooks, I love having mine