How many chickens in Eglu Cube

[TonyJolly]

Having had one sick Chuck, with Pastereulla, and the fact we had been using bark chippings, which in places did look like they had a little mould on them, I've opted to take it all out in case that was part of the problem. Looking for a suitable alternative.

 

We have a covered run, although there is the odd leak, and its open to the sheltered (against prevailing weather) western side.

 

Having read the FAQs section I was thinking of Hemcore, or wood chippings. Any recommendations, my thoughts were that the Hemcore will be better in the compost, but will it getting a little bit wet in places cause any issues?

 

Any tips on suppliers for hemcore in South Manchester area if you think its a good idea? I think I remember someone saying a supplier in Stockport?

[The Dogmother]

TBH, bark isn't a terrbily good idea as it gets very wet and mouldy.

 

Most of us use either Hemcore or Aubiose, which is a shredded hemp bedding sold by most equine feed suppliers. It is dry and deodorising.

 

I don't know about stockists in your area, but I'm sure that if you ring the companies via their websites, they wil be able to tell you.

[The good lifers]

I recomend easibed- The fluffy bits in hemcore seems to get matted onto the chickens toes!although it does smell lemony-plus easi bed is cheaper and available from countrywide I think?it needs to be covered, but any deep litter system does need to be changed eventually to prevent bacterial build up...

[Tutti Frutti]

Hello Tony, I'm a convert to Aubiose after using hardwood chips. Despite poo-picking every day, they went REALLY disgustingly slimy - but might have been better if the run had been covered? And I think they will fossilised before they ever compost

 

But anyway, decided to then cover the run and get Aubiose and haven't looked back. Started with a deep litter system. Lasted 6 weeks and was minging so I hoiked it ALL out (6 black sacks full, gratefully accepted by the local allotments!), Virkon S'd the entire run (floor, eglu, feeders) which took me ALL day and and I've changed to shallow litter. I replace it every 4 (!) weeks and it only takes half hour, with mini top-ups every couple of weeks or so if it gets a bit thin and Virkon every couple of months,

 

Works for me brilliantly

 

Good luck - I know you asked about chips and some people get on with them but, like Claret says, whatever you do avoid bark!

[TonyJolly]

Thanks for the advice everyone,

 

picked up some Hemcore from T Bowlers, Marple (if anyone south manchester is after a supplier). So far so good, made a few modifications to run cover, and watering can test suggests that I've removed the majority if not all of the leaks. I did notice teh hemcore packet advice light watering anyway, so presumably a bit of moisture is fine.

 

Bark chipping gone on the garden (where chucks haven't got access).

 

Also had a successful day converting the second hand rabbit hutch into a new temporary coop for the new arrivals due in a week.

[Tutti Frutti]

Tony, I don't normally water Aubiose in even though it says to, I think that's for horses? But I do let the dust settle and give it a thorough airing before the girls come back in!

[TonyJolly]

Thanks Tutti Frutti, I guess what I meant is that the packaging said it was okay to water it in, so a bit of rain water in small patches isn't going to cause any harm.

 

Not sure if its a good thing or not, but the converted rabbit hutch, due to be used as a temporary coop for new arrivals is proving qute popular with existing girls.

 

How often do you change Hemcore/Aubiose?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I change mine every 6-8 weeks (roughly). I do poo pick most days though .