Eglu Cube Coop and Accessories

[thelurch]

My preparation for my hens is almost complete

 

I have all but finished the 4.5m x 2.5m WIR (piccys will follow!)

 

Just making a mezzanine with ramp etc.

 

My final questions are these (and I have done the search for the anwers but couldnt find them)

 

1) Feed -

 

I am getting 4 Hens and have been wondering about storage of layers pellets, having read about stale pellets and the risk of rats/mice. I have a shed right by the run and inside I have a double doored old metal locker. If I buy bags of feed and just keep them them in the metal locker, will this be ok? The shed gets warm in sun so there will be fluctuations in temperature. Is it worth getting a metal/plastic dustbin and fill this instead? I dont intend to have pellets hanging around for too long once I know how much Im going to get through per week, especially as the supplier is 5 minutes drive away!

 

2) Height of Grub and Super Glug -

 

I have 2 of the grubs,the one that came with my cube (peanut shape) and a super glug (the one with the red "teets" underneath). Is there a correct height for these, especially the glug. I am going to use "Kroken" rails from Ikea to mount these.I have also read that the standard glug is better, would it be worth buying one just incase the hens dont get the hang of the super glug with teats?

 

3) Grit -

 

Is it better to mix the grit in the Grubs with the pellets or have something like a plant saucer/container in the run for them to help themselves? What do others use?

 

 

4) Dustbath -

 

I have an old Belfast sink which I thought would make a good dustbath in the run, but what is the best thing to put in it? Just sand or just compost or a mix or something different?

 

5) Pick up day of hens -

 

I have read that when you get the hens back to your house, they should be put straight in the hen house and left till morning. I should have my hens back home by early afternoon, so should I shut them in the cube or would it be better to just put them in the WIR and leave the cube door open? .If its best to shut them in the cube, do they need food/water in with them?

 

6) Finally,

 

it is still a month away but should I already be feeling this nervous? These girls will be the first pets we've ever had to look after and I want to do it right.

 

Sorry for so many questions!

 

Many Thanks

 

Chris ( and I promise the photos of the run will follow!)

[quickcluck]

Sounds like you are well ready!!!!

 

As for your questions..

 

Feed will be fine in there, I keep mine in a dustbin. A 20kg bag for 4 hens will last at least 6-8 weeks!

 

Grugs and glugs should be about a foot or so from the floor, give or take a bit.

 

I'd put grit in a separate container, you can get some little pots that hang on to the mesh like the grubs.

 

Your Sink will be great for a dustbath, I'd fill it with compost and play sand, although if your WIR in not on hard standing you'll probably find that they will dig a hole for themselves...

 

As for bringing them home..... It's personal choice. I've never put mine straight into a house, I just put them in the run and they sort themselves out!!! Chuck a few treats about and they'll be fine!

 

Finally, you can't help but be a little anxious, it's natural, but you'll love them. Make sure you have a chair set up and a camera on the ready, and your set to go!

 

K

[karlotta]

 

I am getting 4 Hens and have been wondering about storage of layers pellets, having read about stale pellets and the risk of rats/mice. I have a shed right by the run and inside I have a double doored old metal locker. If I buy bags of feed and just keep them them in the metal locker, will this be ok? The shed gets warm in sun so there will be fluctuations in temperature. Is it worth getting a metal/plastic dustbin and fill this instead? I dont intend to have pellets hanging around for too long once I know how much Im going to get through per week, especially as the supplier is 5 minutes drive away!

 

I'd get a bin for the food - Lots of people recommend metal, but my plastic bins which live in the garage have never been nibbled by rattys.

 

 

Is it better to mix the grit in the Grubs with the pellets or have something like a plant saucer/container in the run for them to help themselves? What do others use?

 

I use little plastic coop cups.

 

I have an old Belfast sink which I thought would make a good dustbath in the run, but what is the best thing to put in it? Just sand or just compost or a mix or something different?

 

I've made various dust baths in lots of guises and no one has ever used them. They much prefer to dig their own under a bush!

 

I have read that when you get the hens back to your house, they should be put straight in the hen house and left till morning. I should have my hens back home by early afternoon, so should I shut them in the cube or would it be better to just put them in the WIR and leave the cube door open? .If its best to shut them in the cube, do they need food/water in with them?

 

I'd put them in the cube, but with the door open so they come down the ladder so they can come out in their own time - they might just have a bit more of an idea where bed is when the time comes!

 

it is still a month away but should I already be feeling this nervous? These girls will be the first pets we've ever had to look after and I want to do it right.

 

Totally normal! Once they arrive you'll forget all about nerves and just enjoy them! Good luck!

[Plum]

I think your questions have been answered. I was so anxious before I got mine, worrying about so many things I couldn't sleep. You are going to have a great time.

 

So where are these pictures then

[thelurch]

Thanks for the speedy and helpful replies.

 

The WIR is on paving so no access to earth to make their own dustbath, I will let them free range in the garden but not until I have installed some extra netting to try and protect some of the garden!

 

And as for photos, they are coming! honest! , just got to get them off the camera and resize them a little

 

I will try and relax now, I still have all the extras to get then Im done!