Stedic Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Hello, I need a second coop to go with my cube and WIR so that we can house some particularly poorly ex-batts while they get their strength up. I had hope to pick up an cheap Classic on eBay, but they're still pricey. I've just found these: http://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/recycled-shop/pig-poultry/hen-houses/solway-mini-hen-coop At £170 they seem like a good deal, but I can't find much about them on the web. Do any of you have experience of them or other Solway products? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 A friend has one of the green frog houses which is more or less the same. She said that all the panels had warped in the heat of the last few weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I have Solway and GFD stuff and thing they are top rate. I like the fact they are made of very solid thick plastic that you can treat much like wood (ie drill into etc.), and there is no insulating layers than can be a pain if redmite gets in. I've had mine over a year now so had it in -15 degrees and + 30 degrees and it is as good as new. What I will say is that I don't like the Solway mini coops - I don't think the design is the best they have done. My Solway house (although ugly) has metal lynch pins in the places they are needed (ends of perches). The mini has plastic loops that are very hard on the hand. I looked at the mini duck house and found that the only way to clean it was by taking off the roof. Not very practical for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I've heard very good reports on both Solway and Green Frog on other forums. If you're looking for a great value for money second home, then I don't think you have much to lose tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I dont like the look of the standard Solway houses and also dont like the fact that they dont come with a floor as standard but I do like the look of that mini one, its good value for money even if you do need to remove the roof to clean it (which is a pain!) its a decent size and looks robust Its a direct competitor to the GFD houses which I personally dont like - I was turned off these when I saw a child fall against a display one and it came apart (the coop not the child..) I would add though that I had a coop maker make me a wooden coop to my exact specifications not a lot smaller than that and it cost me £60 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stedic Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 Thanks all, In the end I decided to order one, so I'll let you know how I get on with it. I went for it because: - It's significantly cheaper than an eBay Eglu (and I don't want to wait too long for a bargain) - I love the plastic of the Eglu for cleaning and mite purposes, and this seems similar - A bit of fiddling to clean or remove perches shouldn't be a huge issue as it'll only be a temporary thing - It fits in the space I have made - It comes in green to match the cube I may also have been influenced by a poorly looking ex-batt making me feel sorry for them, but I'm denying that for the time being! Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stedic Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 Well, the Mini Coop arrived today (4 working day delivery, not bad!). I've not put it into the WIR yet but as there's not much info around I thought I'd post my first impressions for others. Well, its a lot bigger than I thought. It's probably got a slightly larger footprint than the Eglu CLassic, and the nest box sticks out of the side. It does however provide a lot more space inside for the girls than a CLassic (i think anyway). THe perches are removable but are round plastic, I'm not sure how well the girls will cope with those. But for my purposes I'll remove one of them as all my ex-batts have enjoyed sleeping on the floor to start with. The general construction, well, its not as polished and user friendly as the Eglu's, but I'm sure it'll last. You do have to remove the roof to clean it, but that seems simple enough to do. If I was using it all the time I think I'd just line the floor with newspaper to make quick cleans easier. My overall first impression is that its definately not an Eglu, but for the price I don't think its too bad at all. I'll let my older girls have a look at it later and try to post some pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Interesting thanks for the update - what was it like to assemble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Interesting thanks for the update - what was it like to assemble? I think the Solway houses come assembled Tasha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stedic Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 The bulk of the structure comes assembled. All I had to go was take the roof off, fit the nest box with 5 plasic clips, push the perches through and secure those with clips, then re-attach the roof. I reckon it took 5 minutes at most. The cats certainly approve, Plato has taken up residence in the nest box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 I saw one of these up close today and was very impressed, its a nice little coop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 I really like the look of this - lucky hens indeed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I took delivery of mine yesterday. I've been eyeing one up for a while. I didn't need another Cube, but needed something a bit bigger than the Eglu and Go. I'm very impressed. It seems robustly constructed and the hens appear to like it. The roof is very green indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doncat5 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I like the look of the Solway mini.... do you think its big enough for 4 ex batts? Solway say they can fit an extra nest box for another £20 but not sure if its needed. The Solway standard is too big for my WIR and the Eglu too small. Any advice much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I'd say definitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doncat5 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Many thanks, I'll order one tomorrow .... I'm quite excited about the new set up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Hi thanks for info am following this thread with interest. I am in same position and kicking around a few options as what to do for the best re new coop. Do you have any pics of yours you could post so can see one in situ so to speak. . thanks xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I'll see to it tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 As promised. Bog standard bucket, gloves, eggs and hen included in pics to give an idea of scale. I changed the roof and nest box fastenings to Omlet rings, as I found the ones provided were difficult to use. Too thick and cumbersome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Hi thanks for posting the pics, it looks a fab set up but so much bigger than I thought from seeing the pic on the solway website. I am so torn and have been looking at all options but think now having seen your pics my heart is set on another eglu. ((especially a fried one )). Again thanks for pics you have helped me make my mind up. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 You are welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Looks really good, i like the roof, a bit like the old gypsy caravans! Hope the chooks like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
