Mrs

[mpchickens]

Hi

 

We are looking to get 4 silkie bantams which should fit in the classic.

However, we are thinking of getting a Cube for future growth in case we get the "morehens" disease.

 

I noticed that the poop tray for the Cube is split. Does poop get stuck in between and require hosing out?

Does anyone have a picture of what it looks like down the middle of the roosting slats? The picture posted

by Omlet is from the side.

 

Any recommendations on whether 2 classics are better compared to 1 cube?

 

Thank you!

Samantha

[daxigirl]

Cube convert here. I started with a classic but upgraded to a cube quite quickly. I find it easier to clean than the classic as it's at waist height, poop does get between the two trays but only if it's a squishy one. I put bliss/auboise (horse bedding) in the and a sprinkle of biodry (powder disinfectant) in the trays to keep it fresh and stop the poop sticking. Have a look on the list of cubes/classics to visit and see if there's one near you then you can ask and inspect to your hearts content.

 

The cube also takes up less space in the garden length wise 'if' you stick with the standard arrangement.

[CharLeila]

Hi,

 

I have a cude and like daxigirl said, it's really easy to clean as it is at waist height. I would recommend it incase you want to expand! Poo can sometimes go between the trays but I line my trays with newspaper. When I clean them out, the trays fit nicely into a supermarket bag so I just slide the paper off into the bag, disinfect the inside and wipe clean. It takes me about 15 minutes to clean from start to finish!

 

If there aren't any pics on here before I finish work, I'll try and put one on for you.

[Tutti Frutti]

You could start with a Classic and then, if you got more girls, add a 2nd? Or dive in at the deep end and plump for the Cube - but more money up front!

 

When I empty the poo trays, I'm glad I've got the Cube (the trays on the classic are L shaped and I always ended up getting it everywhere, including in my shoes ).

 

But when it comes to cleaning, I wish I stuck with 2 Classics. Cleaning them was a doddle (they quickly unclip into a few pieces) but taking apart and cleaning the cube thoroughly is a two person job (well I can't do it on my own) and you need a screwdriver. So as I clean it on my own, I tend to cheat and just clean the bits I can take off easily - roof (bulky & heavy!), back, roost bars, poo trays, nest box separator, egg port door - and then poultry shield the base/sides in situ. The cube has the advantage of height - but I had my 2 classics on a dining table so I didn't have to bend down.

 

You may have gathered that I'm a mature lady I'm sure that changes my view of things Especially as I cleaned the cube yesterday and my muscles know it so I may view my 2 classics through rose tinted specs {sigh}

 

Whatever you go for, I'm sure you'll be thrilled!

[fluffy chick]

I would love a cube. But mainly because I want some huge cochins or orps.

 

2 eglus would give the advantage of 2 flocks too (less traumatic intros)

 

In your situation I would probably start with a classic then you could choose to add a second or swap it for a cube. Depending how you get on

[Sam]

I started with a classic and now I'm hunting for a second hand cube, should have just bought a new cube at the start and saved some money! This was 6 months ago... morehens strikes quick!

[mollyripkim]

I started off with a Go last last July for three silkies but quickly wanted more so upgraded to a cube in April which I find a doddle to keep clean. I did wish I had started with the cube, the only good thing was I got a good price for the Go as they do seem to hold their prices. Good luck whatever you decide.

[Tutti Frutti]

...upgraded to a cube in April which I find a doddle to keep clean.

 

Ooh got any tips? I think maybe I'm making a meal of it but I find the lid a pain to take off! Do you take the sides off as well? I'm a bit worried that, by not unscrewing them, I'm inviting red mite to set up home in the crevices where the sides rest on the bottom... I used to unscrew them (actually it wasn't that hard) so I think I'm being lazy ... oops

[ThinkingChickens]

I have a Go, and ordered a second Go. However, if I had to do it all over again I would have gotten a Cube and just gotten all six of my girls at the same time. I'm happy with my Go (second is backordered) but I'm building a table for it as I want height for easier cleaning.

[mpchickens]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like the Cube is the way to bo. But before I take the plunge (the price tag

is hefty!), this is really better than the wooden coops right? I am planning on silkies for my kids. The "tunnel proof"

skirt really works right? Is this really better than the wooden coops at preventing mites that silkies are supposed to be prone to?

 

Thanks!

[chuckmum6]

Yes, the Omlet products do do what they say! I have owned all sorts of coops over the years ( I've never had red mite) but the cube is certainly the best for hens and humans. I also have a classic, but the cube is much better - in my view! You can pick up cubes second hand for around £300. Obviously we will be biased on here, but we are talking from experience which Omlet sceptics are usually not. Get a cube, but which colour will you choose

[mpchickens]

Yes, the Omlet products do do what they say! I have owned all sorts of coops over the years ( I've never had red mite) but the cube is certainly the best for hens and humans. I also have a classic, but the cube is much better - in my view! You can pick up cubes second hand for around £300. Obviously we will be biased on here, but we are talking from experience which Omlet sceptics are usually not. Get a cube, but which colour will you choose

 

Thanks so much. I just needed that little bit of reassurance I am going to get a green one - "neutral" color for my daughter and son.

[chuckmum6]

I've got green, but now fancy purple or red, it's not only chickens that are collectable (although price is a good cure for any rash purchases)!

[sadietoo]

You can pick up cubes second hand for around £300. :

 

I wish...Any second hand cubes that I've seen have been £550 + I was bididng on a cube on e-bay a couple of weeks ago and it went up to £640 . Did you mean classics?..they are nearer to £300 second hand? At least though whatever you buy you can be safe in the knowledge that it will hold its value!

[chuckmum6]

You can pick up cubes second hand for around £300. :

 

I wish...Any second hand cubes that I've seen have been £550 + I was bididng on a cube on e-bay a couple of weeks ago and it went up to £640 . Did you mean classics?..they are nearer to £300 second hand? At least though whatever you buy you can be safe in the knowledge that it will hold its value!

 

Well that's what I paid for mine and it was delivered and built for me, came with 3m run. I saw cubes without runs for £200 sold by Omlet a few months ago. I agree they are rare at this price but if you hunt hard enough or get lucky you can get them for this price. I paid £200 for my classic set up.

[sadietoo]

Gosh Chuckmum6 you did extremely well in that case. I looked for ages and didn't see anything going that cheap, and to have it delivered too...amazing bargain. Most of the cheaper cubes £400 ish, (I must have missed the bargain ones on Omlet) I saw when I was looking were at the other end of the country to meand so when you have to add on the cost of collection, I'd almost decided to buy new, as it was going to be almost the same cost!...I guess it does depend a bit on where you live..

 

I can't comment on which is better, cube or classic at the moment, because the cube is now waiting to be installed, and my two girls are still in the classic. The classic is good, if you move it around as it has been designed to be, if you put it on hardstanding like mine then expect to spend a lot a lot of time on your knees waving a rake around to get at stuff at the other end of the run!

[fluffy chick]

Geez I paid £425 plus delivery for my (new) classic. There don't seem to be any 2nd hand ones near me and those that are go for silly money! A 2nd hand cube near me just went for £440 (no run) on ebay which I think is daft I'd rather have a new one.

[daxigirl]

Don't forget you could always sell your classic once you've finished doing intros etc then it 'hopefully' wouldn't seem so painful on the wallet in the end.