Eglu Cube Coop and Accessories

[ben179v]

Our chickens and eglu arrive very soon and I need to sort bedding for the nest area and sawdust for the dropping tray (not sure if the latter is really necessary?) plus a storage conatiner for the food.

 

What is better for the nest area, straw or paper (i have an unlimited supply of shredded paper at work)?, also does anyone have any good links for animal feed containers that they themselves would recommend.

 

Lastly, is a small bowl of grit essential?

 

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

Ben

[The Dogmother]

Aubiose is best for bedding and you can use it in the nest box, poo trays and run.

[Bramble]

I too hoped to use my never ending supply of shredded paper for nest box material -whilst it does work when it's in the nest box, the trouble is the chucks kick it out into the run, from where it blows all over the garden! As Claret says, I'd use Aubiose if you can get it (I can't!) or one of the chopped rape straw alternatives, like Rapasorb (which I use) or Rapport! Good luck and enjoy your chucks!!

[Sam]

I use shavings because it's cheap and lasts forever! I think I'll use shredded paper in the poo tray and shavings in the nest though. Thats if the chickens dont eat the paper, I think i've read on here its happened before!

 

And grit helps with the egg shell, so i'd say its essential Good luck

[Daphne]

A small bowl of mixed grit is what you need - assuming you're getting POL hens. You can either mix it in with the food or keep it separate; just be aware if the container isn't covered the grit gets a bit stinky after a while unless there is a drainage hole in the container. Mixed grit has soluble grit (eg oyster shell) to help with shell hardness and insoluble grit to help the birds grind their food to digest it. It is essential.

 

I keep my food in a galvanised rubbish bin. There are plenty of prettier options available Don't use plastic if you store the food outside though, rats can (and probably will) nibble through.

 

Aubiose is fab. I don't use anything in the poo tray, just a bit of elbow grease every so often, but thats personal choice.

[Lavenders_Blue]

I have used shredded paper in the nest box. It works fine but can get a bit claggy if it gets pooed on. However if you have an unlimited free supply, you can change it as often as you need to. I'm using barley straw at the moment because supply couldn't keep up with the demand for shredded paper!