Roobaloo Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 The OH has decided he now loves chickens and wishes we'd got more than just two...so, the discussions are starting as to getting a couple more... but how to decide what to get?? The two we have are hybrids...Suki is a fairly light, compact bird, where as Toph is quite a bit larger. We'd definitely want something smaller, like Suki. What sort of breed should we look at? There are so many different terms that it's over-whelming!! Also, how many birds per Eglu Classic? The two of them take up less than a third of the space (they both sit happily on the roosting bars behind the nesting box)...would it be fair to eventually have two small types in there as well? Or would we need to invest in another Eglu? This is only in early stages of suggestion...so as much info/description and PICCIES PLEASE WOULD BE very helpful!!! So many decisions!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 As you say, there are so many breeds that it can be a difficult choice. What are you after in your hens? Pretty, lots of eggs, laid back, non-diggers etc The eglu classic could probably sleep four or five average size hens however it is the run size the you need to consider. If you have the standard run then i would say two is your max. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted April 15, 2010 Author Share Posted April 15, 2010 Thanks for your reply! Laid-back/Friendly is the main requirement...they are pets first and foremost!! Diggers are no problem as the entire back garden is paved thanks to the previous owner...so we've covered half of it with wood chippings! We're planning to make a grass area for the chooks...but again, digging isn't a problem...it'll be there for their entertainment!! Eggs are a nice extra but not essential! Looks aren't important...the only restriction to appearance is size! As for the run, we don't have an Eglu run....If we're home, they're free range (as our garden has 6ft fences!) or they're in a 10ft x 4ft run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 You could have five sleeping in an Eglu but the 10 x 4 run restricts you rather, I wouldnt have more than three or at an absolute maximum four in there (with lots of free ranging) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted April 15, 2010 Author Share Posted April 15, 2010 You could have five sleeping in an Eglu but the 10 x 4 run restricts you rather, I wouldnt have more than three or at an absolute maximum four in there (with lots of free ranging) What sort of size run would you recommend for 4? (or how much space per bird...?) Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 We have 4 in our eglu with a 4m run, and they free-range daily. They are happy and seem to have plenty of space. If you want a small layer, then I would say Amber Star. They are hybrids which are small but lay proper sized eggs (unlike bantams which are small and lay tiny eggs) and our Amber Star lays every day (we think). Ours is very cute, white and fluffy, and because she is the smallest she is bottom of the pecking order. She is very friendly and bonkers about food. It's amazing how quickly she can run and steal food from another hen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 A lot of people use the 1sqm per bird but as much room as you can afford is best. Also consider a breed that deals with confinment well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
