Part 0800.0005

[chestnutmare]

I love my Eglu - I'm very glad I have it, it's pretty low maintenance. Well, the Eglu part itself. Bending down to rake wood chip is difficult (especially as it's the run and extension). Moving it around is a nighmare (sorry, I do love it but it's a back aching killer). It does need to be moved around, particularly in winter after heavy rain because, no matter how hard I try to cover it with shades and what not, the run gets wet = dirty eggs and smelly chickens. The thought of being able to walk into a run and being able to stand up to give it a thorough clean sounds good and being able to clean the eglu itself (inside and the front) would be so much easier too.

 

Now, I'm thinking an Omlet WIR would be more convenient as I only have a small space to put a run in (so don't want anything grand) and it looks easier to dismantle if/when I move again or for whatever reason want to re-sell.

But the hassle of having to make something to cover the roof etc., puts me off. I want the run to look nice and stay dry. So then I think a wooden WIR would be best.

 

For those with WIRs, can you please give some general advice? Thanks.

[Plum]

Agree covering the Omlet run doesn't look easy and you still need kickboards and a way to anchor it. The wooden ones can be whatever size you want and their own weight will stop them moving.

 

If you use the standard 3x6 panels and use bolts instead of screws I should think it would come apart ok when you move. Some of my screws definately wouldn't come out easily. You better have a read through the threads at the top of the page for ideas

[Olly]

I don't have an Omlet WIR and haven't seen one, so I can't really comment on that. Your general question though - is a WIR worth it - I would emphatically answer 'yes'! It probably makes more difference to us than it does to the hens, unless you have a very elaborate perch system they don't use all that headspace, but to be able to walk into the run is a huge benefit, especially if you want to catch hold of a chicken or fill up feeders etc.

 

I've got a wooden run and I love it, it came from Aviaries 4U and was constructed for me, complete with roofing - if you're going to make your own anyway, then the Omlet run might be a good start. Wooden ones need painting/treating every so often, and you'll need to put down slabs or something else to stand them on whereas I assume the Omlet run has a skirt like the ordinary run. Lots of considerations, but whatever you choose you'll be glad you did - it's transformed my henkeeping.

[chestnutmare]

Thanks both. I suppose it might be possible to get a small wooden WIR in a van if I wanted to move home - maybe. I wouldn't be making it myself, I'd be ordering it from a place like avaries4u - I've had a look on their website and I'm impressed with the custom made stuff! I have a flat, concreted area (at the new house, moving in a couple of weeks) so maybe a wooden WIR would be best.

[LunaKiw1]

We've just bought an Omlet WIR to attach to our Eglu Classic. It did take much longer than the suggested 2 hours to erect - but it does look very good and not obtrusive. We have a Tarpaflex 2m x 2.4m clear tarpaulin that used to go over the Eglu run and have put that across the roof, held down with bungee cords. It fits exactly across the 2m width and just folds over the edges so looks very neat. We'll order a larger 2m x 4.6m one though i think so it will come completely down one side plus the roof and a bit of the other side, which is actually against a fence so protected and then use the small tarpaulin over the old run again. We've got string winds today but it is very secure and stable - the weight of the Eglu run attached to it provides weight and we've put the usual tent pegs round to anchor the edges. The chooks love it and it seems so spacious. And SO EASY to go in and poo pick or put in their food/water! So I'd recommend the Omlet WIR.

[beach chick]

A WIR transformed my chicken keeping... as ollie says, just the benefit of being able to walk in and out to refill feeders/catch chickens etc is brilliant! we also have an electric fence, but when I want to check the girls it means I can just keep them shut in the WIR til I've done the necessary, rather than chase them around and give the neighbours a laugh.

[chestnutmare]

BC, I think that is another benefit. Catching them is a tricky job, especially Willow. We had Omlet netting up but we took that down and moved the eglu so the horses could get to the front of the paddock. So when they FR now they do just that, so it's a chasing game. Yes, a WIR is a must... I'd better get moving, measuring and saving!