Omlet cube and run

[chickenNutter]

Having finally got my WIR, I have also managed to persuade DH to let me get 2 more chooks. I currently have a Welsummer and 2 bantams. Looking at other posts several people have commented that once they are introduced and happy together, even if another eglu is provided, they tend to all squash into one anyway. I am trying to avoid any more expense, and definitely don't want a cube, so was considering getting another eglu, but if it is going to end up empty with the little blighters playing sardines all in one, then I wont bother. Could I get two more bantams in an eglu? (or even two larger birds?).

[Deb Dav]

I had an eglu and a wooden coop plus 10 average size girls - the plan was 4 in the eglu and 6 in the coop but.......

 

all 10 girls would squeeeeeeeze into the eglu and avoid the coop at night, they just used it to lay their eggs.

 

Needless to say I got a cube and now they are all together in comfort.

 

No matter what you plan the girls have a mind of their own and will do the complete opposite.

 

Good Luck

[moomperu]

Hello,

 

I could be wrong, but I think that once the introductions are over, they probably will all squeeze into one eglu. I've seen about 6 girls in an Eglu classic, so I think you'd be fine with one in the end.

 

You do have to think about what you will do during the introduction period. I think mixing big girls and bantams can be time consuming, so you have to think about where the new girls will sleep. I have a batch of big girls and a flock of bantams and the big girls can be quite mean. I would suggest getting another Eglu, doing the intros and then selling on (they hold their value really well). Or you could use the spare eglu for broodies. I only got my bantams recently and one already looks like going broody, so I may need to get myself another Eglu soon. With a spare, you would always be prepared.

 

Hope this helps.

[migsy]

I bought a new eglu when I got my new three. I've got 6 in total now. Sounds like I won't need it when I integrate them. Pah!

[Olly]

Five standard hens in an Eglu is fine - they all fold up quite small at night! I know a couple of people who have six, in fact. It's the introductions that are going to be the tricky bit.

[chickenNutter]

Thanks everybody for that advice, I think I may hold off on buying an eglu straight away, keep any newbies in the outhouse at night and take the introductions really slowly. The only problem I can forsee is the fact that eglus only have one nestbox, which means they will be queueing up to lay!

[chicken bark]

You can put a cardboard box or enclosed cat carrier in the run and they may choose to lay in that as well.

[chickenNutter]

Oooh! Good idea will try that.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm considering 6 in an eglu (I'm down to 3, only one laying ). None of mine sleep in the eglu though although the newbies might, of course!

[WitchHazel]

Don't forget that Eglus hold their value really well. You could buy a second hand one, do the intros, and then sell it again. You'd probably make most or all of your money back.