Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[bulasty]

Hi Guys!

We are planning to get a new Cube for our allotment in Greater London. Any suggestions? Have come across people warning not to buy it for allotment as of its value and high risk of theft. Has anyone had any experience which they want to share. Just wondering whether people will steal a Cube from an allotment as its bulky and heavy unlike Eglu Classic and Go. Our allotment already had theft in Feb this year. We so much want to purchase it asap but scared to loose it and it will not be fair on the chickens! Any input will be highly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance, kind regards, Dee

[Egluntyne]

Have a look at this thread. Where there's a will there's a way. Unfortunately.

[The Dogmother]

I wouldn't risk it

[bulasty]

We have looked into options such as Datatag, Immobilise, Using UV markers (Smar"Ooops, word censored!"er), Chaining and padLocking it! Spray painting outside or underneath to stand out as far as the chickens are not affected! The thread above shows that the theft of Eglus was first reported in the forum in 2006! Several emails were sent to Omlet. After over 5 years, Omlet hasn't done anything about it! Considering how much any Eglu cost comparing to other coops in market. If we had serial no. Then you can register with Immobilise! Thanks

[bulasty]

I might have overlooked at the year as I am new to this but what is Omlet doing about it? My apologies.

[Mrs Potts]

Hi, Bulasty.

 

Nowadays, if someone wants to steal something, they will give it a go - size and access are no problem. TBH, I've never thought it was up to Omlet to protect it - it's part of my garden furniture and like my lawnmower and the bikes, I'd not leave valuables unlocked or more visible than I could help (padlocked metal side gate, padlocked garage!). If I had a Cube, I'd insure it if possible.

 

Even if you mark it, if someone accepts (or has stolen to order) surely you'd hide it and act like you got it second hand on from e-bay - unless you let someone in to inspect it, who's to know where you got it from?

 

All that aside, I definitely would not put one on an allotment. With their bright colours, I think they shout "pinch me, go on!" quite loudly and from a distance. I'd have a wooden house/coop which might need more maintenance but camouflaged better. It'd be awful if it got stolen/your hens got stolen or worse, they left the hens to fend for themselves - that type of scenario gives me the shivers.

 

Mrs Potts

[Egluntyne]

...TBH, I've never thought it was up to Omlet to protect it ....

 

Same here.

 

We don't expect the makers of other pet housing to take responsibility for protection against theft. It is up to the owner to do their best to ramp up security. I personally wouldn't risk a Cube on an allotment, because they are very noticeable, and whilst a thief would take some time and make some noise when stealing it, it would still be possible in certain settings.

[Redwing]

I dont think its up to Omlet to do anything either.

 

Making it harder for opportunists to steal the cube is the best bet, padlocks etc.. (though a determined thief will nearly always get away with the item..)

 

Marking is only of limited use - if its very visible it may be a deterrant - paint marking on the roof for example. If hidden then its only any good if the item lands up with someone suspicious that its been stolen eg: Police raid on a property or you track it down and need to prove its yours