Foxy Loxy Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Could someone explain to me why the eglu is fox proof. Surely just because the eglu has a mesh border around it wouldn't deter the fox unless the fox is a bit thick because if the fox was to start digging on the outside of the mesh border he could tunnel his way in. I'm a bit thick when it comes to things like this so much advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Apparently foxes are a bit dim and if they can't get in via the direct route (ie where the run meets the ground) they don't think to start digging further out. The only bit that has proved vulnerable (and I think this is only when the run is on soft ground) is where the run meets the eglu, where there is no skirt. Most people who know they have foxes around put paving slabs there but I must admit I haven't - the foxes that live in the woods up the hill have not found us yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 The skirting is really good, never had a problem with anything digging in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 The Mark 2 Eglu (which has a solid base, unlike the Mark 1) is fox-proof. Provided that you lock it at night, a fox cannot get in. The run is not fox-proof, but is fox-resistant in that foxes do seem to be thwarted by the skirt. I have had foxes hanging around the Eglu, but none has ever tried to dig its way in. But be careful if you have very light soil: it makes it easy to exploit the weakness around the Eglu. I think that the Mark 2 Eglu now comes with an extra bit of skirt to go under the Eglu for safety: perhaps someone with a new Mark 2 could clarify if this is the case. If it isn't, it is best to put the Eglu on a slab or two. As soon as my Mark 3 comes and I have somewhere else to put my chickens, I am going to try this. I imagine it is difficult getting the slabs exactly right so that the run sits tightly on the soil: if the Eglu sits too high, that could produce a gap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I've done just that Foxy Loxy and have slabs sunk into the ground under the eglu and the first part of the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 How many slabs did you use, Clare, and what size were they? I really must get round to buying some: it will keep rats out too. Would smaller slabs be easier to work with than large ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I got some big ones for free from a neighbour Gallina. Digging them in was a real pain as the soil there is very hard. It took the best part of a weekend to put them under the eglu and the first part of the run, along the edges of the run skirt and along the front of the run by the door. It's now a lot less muddy by the run door when it rains and the eglu is secure. Given the choice, I would've gone for small slabs as they'd have been easier to manoeuver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 But be careful if you have very light soil: it makes it easy to exploit the weakness around the Eglu. I think that the Mark 2 Eglu now comes with an extra bit of skirt to go under the Eglu for safety: perhaps someone with a new Mark 2 could clarify if this is the case. Yes it is though I being naughty didnt attach them and instead put some newspaper between then and slid them under to catch the poo that goes through the bottom of the nextbox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisHapp Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I had a Mark 2 delivered a few weeks ago and yes, it came with 2 square bits of extra mesh to clip under the eglu and run. I decided to base all of the run and Eglu on slabs as well - covered with woodchip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 It's such a pity that you can't buy these pieces separately. I will have to try and persuade Omlet that I am not the only Mark 2 owner who would like to buy a pair. I can't put the whole run on slabs, as my poor chickens spend too much time in there, and they so love to dig craters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I can't put the whole run on slabs, as my poor chickens spend too much time in there, and they so love to dig craters. That's why I only slabbed mine round the edges Gallina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 You can buy sections of stuff that seems similar to the omlet run from garden centres and B&Q. Could you use that under the eglu? Or is it not tough enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 You could use sections of welded mesh (it has square holes) That is tough enough and should resist fox attack, just make sure that you secure it to the run skirt with clips or wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 out of interest is that welded mesh rigid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 The Mark 2 Eglu (which has a solid base, unlike the Mark 1) is fox-proof. Provided that you lock it at night, a fox cannot get in. The run is not fox-proof, but is fox-resistant in that foxes do seem to be thwarted by the skirt. Hi Having read about a fox attact on the Chicken forum, I'm quite worried now. My Mark 2 eglu and run are on a heavy clay soil that is difficult to dig. It is also pegged down and there are some 4x4 wooden posts around the edges to keep the bark chippings in - so it can't be lifted by me, let alone a fox. Does anyone know of a fox getting into the run of a Mark 2 eglu ? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 The Mark 2 Eglu (which has a solid base, unlike the Mark 1) is fox-proof. Provided that you lock it at night, a fox cannot get in. Having read about a fox attact on the Chicken forum, I'm quite worried now. Does anyone know of a fox getting into the run of a Mark 2 eglu ? H ..please note, the fox attack you refer to was when the hens had been let out to freerange, out of the run. I only know of one run attack when a fox dug at the weakest/shortest point, the corner where the skirt ends and the Eglu & run meet. This can be easily avoided with heavy slabs (not just bricks) or planted pot or similar, making the Eglu & run an incredibly safe place. So, please don't alarm yourself, everyone just has to take the risks or precautions that suit them & their garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 2, 2007 Share Posted May 2, 2007 out of interest is that welded mesh rigid? It's stiff, but mouldable. Not rigid, but firmer than chicken wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
