Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[mish]

Evening all

 

I'm new to this so please be gentle with me!

 

Am thinking of getting an Eglu but not sure whether to go for the Classic or Go - can anyone shed some light on advantages and disadvantages of both.

 

Some background.

 

I live in London and foxes are all around.

We will probably only have 2 chickens and thye will more or less have to stay in the run all week with some supervised free range at weekends.

Is it cruel to keep them enclosed full time?

Is there enough space for them in the run?

Are we mad for wanting chickens where the are foxes?

Which would you suggest out of the classic and go?

 

Many thanks.

[Sam]

Welcome to the forum

It's recommended you have 1 meter per hen, so in a standard 2m run I suggest you have 2 hens, which would be fine confined to the run, however if you give them an extension it will make them happier (so 3m run for 2 hens)

The eglu itself is fox proof, but the run is only fox resistant so it is recommended that you lay slabs around the eglu. I'm also guessing since you are in London that you only have a small garden so could not move the eglu onto fresh grass every week. In this case, I would set up a permanent spot for the eglu on the grass, and put woodchip on top.

As for the houses, I have a classic and love it, some people say that the quality of the Go is not as good as a classic, but I don't have a Go so can't really comment! But I think the fact that the classic has an egg port makes it a lot easier to collect eggs Also I would buy a second hand one as they come up so well when they are jet washed and last a lifetime!

 

Good luck with whatever you decide! Sam

[Troy]

Hi there,

Hope this helps you. We have had a cube for the last 3 1/2 years, but have just bought a second hand Eglu Classic so that we can accommodate some new young bantams and introduce them to the older ones in the cube, when they are ready. We looked at both the classic and the go and found that the HUGEST difference between thr two is that you cant take the Go apart ie lift the top off and give it a good old scrub inside or open it up to the air and sunlight! I'm a clean freak and on warm days have always opened up the Cube at the back or slid the top of the roof off, just to get some fresh air in there. As I understand it, the Go opens at the front for the chickens and the back also opens as well, but to get into all the nooks and crannies and give it a good clean, you will have to get right in there. Classic seemed an easier option to clean on a daily basis. Hence the higher price I would imagine. Personally, I much prefer the Classic in terms of appearance too.

 

Have a look on e-bay they are always being sold, usually with 2 and 3 metre runs.

 

As far as foxes are concerned, perhaps a secure permanent site is best, with free ranging when you are about so that you can keep an eye on them.

 

Good luck!

Troy

[Happy Mrs Chicken]

Hi,i didnt know which to get and i decided on the classic,easier to clean,eggport,looks better.

[Tweety]

Hi, I have both and would definitely recommend the classic over the go. I really miss the egg port on the go, and it is very fiddly to take apart for cleaning purposes. The classic is sturdier, but also heavier to move.

The only thing I prefer about the go is that the nest box is easier to clean - it all comes out in one piece with the roosting bars.

Whichever you decide to get, your hens will be very happy. As has been said, if you have the room I would get an extension for your run if the hens will be spending a lot of time in it.

[Paola]

Mish, I am having the same problem I have owned a classic but was thinking of buying a Go next time because you can remove the nest box completely, as Tweety has said.

 

The only thing I prefer about the go is that the nest box is easier to clean - it all comes out in one piece with the roosting bars.

 

I have decided to visit Cotswold Chickens to see one in the flesh before I decide

[mish]

Many thanks.

 

I think I prefer the sound of the classic - I am also a clean freak and want to be able to keep it clean for the chickens.

 

Although we have quite a large garden (for London!) we are looking at a more permanent spot. DH has offered to give up some of his veg patch (personallyI think he found it all a bit too much this year rather than him being generous!!)

 

Would really love the Cube but just too muich for us right now.

 

Will let you know what we decide and how we get on.

 

Thanks again.