callforcries Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Eep! Hello! Got a brand new Eglu Cube off eBay with a 3m run. Discounted price because someone bought it by hen changed their mind quickly, so sent it back. It was Omlet who were selling it. So...long story short, I live in surburbia with my mother, brother, two dogs and cat. I've no problems about introducing the dogs to the hens, been doing lots of research. Will not be introducing cat as she is a killer cat who has played with foxes since she was young. We have 1/4 acre garden which backs onto a field which used to be where the Scouts were/had their annual fete. About a quarter of this is what we use-fenced off from the rest. We get foxes often. Normally at night as I think the dogs frighten them off but I realise if the foxes smell food this could change. We are going to get the house delivered to us in a week and going to pick up our Bantams and maybe gt some bigger hens. Or wait until they are older then get young bigger hens so they don't pick on the wee ones (the oldest bantam will be 18 weeks when we pick them up. (the 29th) Just wondered about security, as I found this forum by reading the fox attack thread. My mother thinks that they will be fine in the run alone. I have tried to suggest getting extra wire fencing(do you call it?) to go around the outside and perhaps underneath the run to provide extra security and/or a playpen type thing for pets that one of the staff said her father-in-law uses for his chickens. But nope. I think that if we have a few people round at night, or during the day who wish to say hello to the chickens, or cuddle one, it should be fine to take one out (maybe one each?) for them to meet. By take one out I mean in my arms and give them to people who are sitting down/sit down myself and let them stroke her. My little JRT jumped a six foot wall when we took our other dog of without him, so I don't underestimate how high foxes can jump. Wondering if the Cube and run in itself should be fine? Thanks you, please ask questions you feel are required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 If you are sensible about hen numbers they would be fine in the cube and run (I personaly would recommend no more than 3 large fowl, 4 large bantams OR five small bantams in that space) You could build a run around the cube but of course foxes are always a risk One other idea once (because its not a case of IF but a case of WHEN) you get addicted it may be worth selling the run and extension (they usually sell well) and putting money towards a walk in run which offers enhanced space and good security (if on a proper base) They get sleepy at dusk so you can easily handle them by taking them out of the cube after dark and getting them used to being handled I have a terrier and he is normally ok with the birds but if they flap he will 'go' for them so you have to be careful when handling the birds outside of the coop and in strange environments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
