2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[catherinedon]

back in August I got a fab new pink omlet classic then got 2 silkies, a light sussex and an auracane. within a day I decided I didnt like the eglu run so dh built be a walk in run in a day and half It has a fully covered roof as I was particularly worried about the silkies getting caught in the rain. When In I wanted to let them roam around the garden but the poo became a bit unmanagable with 4 small children and a less than pleased dh so the very lovely Dh fenced ofter a lovely space outside their WIR where they can raom around and feel the wind on their fesather. It had a gate but auracane and sussex have surprised me with their flying ability and are sitting on top of the fence dh has built them a perch which they like but think we may need to put a chicken wireroof on as im worried the will escape over the main fence. anyway I really really want more chickens and my parent recently gave me £500 so I can hear a cube calling or . Im pretty certain I will buy one soon but need to heck the measurements so when do I buy more chicks and what do I buy. Although I really love looking at them I would also like some eggs so do I need a hybrid ? How many do I buy / how do I introduce them to my chicks? Are battery hens an option as I like the idea of the children learning about the welfare issues? so many questions. Will I be better off having the cube outside the wir or in it? I think my chickens were 19 weeks when I bought them so have never laid yet. Do I need to buy new chickens the same age as them.? Really sorry if this is too many questions

[Plum]

Hello there, the cube is a good idea but keep the eglu for introductions. The cube in my opinion is best outside the run it gives more room inside.

To choose breeds get a book like 'Choosing and keeping chickens' by Chris Graham and read up about their different characteristics, laying abilities, size, sociability etc., then you'll be able to decide what suits you and your circumstances.

Look at what is available in your area as well which will limit your choice.

 

Don't forget to tell us what you decide though

[chicken bark]

Chicken wire (or something a bit wobbly) on top of your existing fence should deter them from flying over. Have you tried clipping a wing on each of your flighty birds?

 

I'm with Plum. If you want a cube put it on the outside of the WIR - this would then provide some 'outdoor' shelter under the cube.

 

There is a thread in the top section about introductions that is very useful.

 

As for what hen - well I want one of all of them so I'm not the person to answer it. Hybrids are more likely to lay over WInter but don't live as long. It's a wonderful 'problem' to think about.

[Chortle Chook]

Re 'What hen' I started off this summer by looking on the Omlet breeds section and reading books (lots of them), then I rushed out and bought some chickens (Pekins and later Silkies) based on the descriptions of their characters. Then this autumn I went to an agricultural fair and that was the first time I had actually seen a lot of the breeds. I never realised till then how big an Orpington is , nor how pretty a Frizzle is or a Poland. Though I don't think I'd buy from an agricultural fair, I'd suggest going somewhere where you can actually see different breeds first before you make your choice.