MarkBevBen Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I've read the 'winter advice' thread and also the FAQs section too, but still wondering.... Our Eglu and run is on grass - as it's getting damp and muddy, should I be putting wood chips down or something similar so that the girls aren't tramping on wet ground all the time? It's been raining none stop today, that really soak-you-through-the-bone stuff! Whilst the girls have been into their Eglu to make their eggs, should we be doing more to keep them dry? The run has a cover over one part of it, where their grub and glugs are. I'm sure I was told they don't like being wet, but they really don't seem to mind the rain from what I can see. If it bothered them too much, I guess they'd go into the Eglu hey? I've started routinely puting the Citricidal drops into their water. Anything else recommended to keep colds and coughs at bay? Talking about coughs, when a chicken coughs what does it sound like? Any tips or advice muchly appreciated, ta! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickiepiggies Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 hello you can use a clear shower curtain a cheapo one will do from home bargains or wilkinsons and wrap it over the run part, or wavy pvc corregated roof sheet from wickes or any other DIY place this also works well. grass will get muddy so some Aubiose or easy bed for them, bark chips may contain pests or nastys so i dont use them but you may have to put something around the botton to keep the bedding in and dry. with regards to cough and colds check for bubbles in there eyes and runny noses, runny nose continues for longer than 2-3 weeks i'd see a vet, bubbles in eye see a vet straight away they need antibiotics, it may just be change of weather my new chickies are sneezing a the moment but no signs of runny nose or coughs. never heard mine cough so cant help you with that someone else may come along with some more suggestions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I'm in the process of getting the girls ready for the winter, I have clear insulated plastic cut to size to cover under the cube and up to the first extension, i have fitted one side and the back so far (will do other side when a little colder) , They have clear tarpaline over the run. Not thought about graud as yet as they are looking very snug! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karena Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 Mine have a lovely Wilkos shower curtain with 'relax', 'indulge' etc on it in gold lettering. It's a stunner (It was the only clear one they had) When mine were out earlier in the drizzle, they all sheltered under their tree so I don't think mine like the rain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 One of mine has a cough it sounds like a sharp bark and only happens occasionally so I don't think she is ill. Took me a while to work out who it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I have the Omlet cover over the end where glug & grub are, but invested in a 'glass' (ie Clear/transparent) tarpaulin as well. It's doubled over & held in place at some places by tie wraps through the eyelets & also the Omlet cover sort of holds it in place by overlapping on it. There's more of a 'gap' near the Eglu itself on top of the run & on the side where it's more sheltered by trees/fence. My Eglu is near some trees but just on the ground/soil, as is the run. The run stays pretty dry - just some bits near the run 'skirt' get a bit wet. When it was really bucketing it down they did go in the run for shelter but if drizzly they stay out & do get bedraggled! Earliest to bed since I've had them tonight - 6.45pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I have the Omlet cover over the end where glug & grub are, but invested in a 'glass' (ie Clear/transparent) tarpaulin as well. It's doubled over & held in place at some places by tie wraps through the eyelets & also the Omlet cover sort of holds it in place by overlapping on it. There's more of a 'gap' near the Eglu itself on top of the run & on the side where it's more sheltered by trees/fence. My Eglu is near some trees but just on the ground/soil, as is the run. The run stays pretty dry - just some bits near the run 'skirt' get a bit wet. When it was really bucketing it down they did go in the run for shelter but if drizzly they stay out & do get bedraggled! Earliest to bed since I've had them tonight - 6.45pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 oops!! Don't know what heppened there1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karena Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I just thought you were really passionate about it so wanted to reiterate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 Yes I'm on commission for clear tarpaulins!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I used to say things twice once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMeadfan Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted September 28, 2010 Author Share Posted September 28, 2010 Hiya everyone and thank you for your replies, you're such a helpful bunch We've got a Wilkinsons, so will pop along to see what I can find or else B&Q/Wickes/etal for clear tarpaulin. This is a whole knew ball game for us, but I'm sure we'll be fine Even though it's grey and damp looking here today, the rain isn't as bad as yesterday. When I let the girls out to free range in the garden yesterday, they seemed to love getting caked in mud in the rain bless them! They're so comical, I could watch them for hours! As their Eglu and run is on the grass garden, I keep moving it but do they mind when it gets muddy? Having said that though, if they did would they go into their Eglu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 They don't seem to mind the mud. The only thing you need to watch is when mud gets cakes around their feet. You might need to clean them off every now and then so they can walk properly. I think this only really affects hens with feathery feet. My two white hens have got very muddy faces at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted September 28, 2010 Author Share Posted September 28, 2010 They don't seem to mind the mud. The only thing you need to watch is when mud gets cakes around their feet. You might need to clean them off every now and then so they can walk properly. I think this only really affects hens with feathery feet. My two white hens have got very muddy faces at the moment. Aww bless them Our girls don't have any feathers on their feet/paws/claws, but I'll keep an eye out for clogs of mud! They're okay at being handled so I'm sure they won't mind if I need to wash their little feets down xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 Does anyone know if Snuggle safe goes under the roosting bars and do you leave cover off as it will get pooey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 Oooh I'm not sure Ali's Girls, but I'm sure someone here will know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Yes, they fit under the roosting bars and I would remove the cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Made of plastic so washes easily but because I am lazy I put it under a piece of newspaper. Nothing like the scent of some microwaved poo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 Made of plastic so washes easily but because I am lazy I put it under a piece of newspaper. Nothing like the scent of some microwaved poo ooh that made me laugh Plum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 Well guys, thanks for your helpful ideas. I've just tried to rain-proof the girls run... here you go: And finally..... just thought I'd put one up of our Ben watching from the patio door as if to say "if you think I'm going out in all that rain, you've got to be joking" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 (edited) Mine have a lovely Wilkos shower curtain with 'relax', 'indulge' etc on it in gold lettering. It's a stunner (It was the only clear one they had) When mine were out earlier in the drizzle, they all sheltered under their tree so I don't think mine like the rain. Thanks Karena - that's the very one I ended up getting too! Tied it with pink wool to match! Edited October 2, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karena Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Nice What's on the strings in the run that look like those sweet necklaces? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I was wondering that too, Karena. It looks great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 They look like Cheerio's cereal to me!! What a great idea!! Mine always manage to get the cabbage etc off the hook, then just shred it around the run!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
