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

[christyrose12]

I am thinking about getting a couple of orpingtons (large). Would the eglu be big enough for them?

[zakjon-98]

I think the Eglu house would be big enough for 2 orpingtons. The standard 2m run would be too small though for large fowl orpingtons so a bigger run would be needed. Orp bantams would be fine in a 2m run plus you could keep more due to their small size. Welcome to the forum btw

[Redwing]

Orpington bantams would be fine

 

Orpington large fowl are not suited to Eglu living. Sure, they may just about physically fit but an Eglu and large fowl Orps isnt a healthy combination IMHO

[superkitty]

I have 3 LF orpingtons in an Eglu - I did check with omlet before adding the third and they said an Eglu was big enough.

 

It's big enough physically (I.e. when they're in there, there is still plenty of space - one sleeps in the nest box and the other two cuddle up). BUT they also have a 6m x 2m walk in run, it definitely wouldn't be ok for them to just have the Eglu run.

 

I have to agree with redwing, though, that its not ideal..i worry about head room and ventilation (when it starts to get really cold and i have to start shutting the eflu door at night). I've taken the roosting bars out to give them more room and they've been healthy and happy enough in there for over a year....but a cube is next on my shopping list. They are SUCH big birds

[Daphne]

I kept 2 LF orp hens in an eglu with an extended run and use of an electric netting pen for about 18 months. It was absolutely fine and they are never going to get cold! The girls were healthy so I feel the ventilation worked just fine. LF orps are big, but unless you end up with proper show quality birds they do vary in size and most are just big, not enormous. However, the standard run is not big enough without an extension and personally I wouldn't be happy without extra running about space either. Having said that, orps are one of the best breeds for standing about and not requiring masses of room, but they do like to stretch their wings and do a bit of cavorting from time to time. Now I keep LF orps in wooden housing/Cube and the bantam lives in the eglu with some others.

[christyrose12]

Hi. Thanks for your replies. I wouldnt be using the run but fencing off a part of my garden. The eglu would be just for them to sleep in at night and nest. I have a greenhouse that they can use for shelter and dust bathing during the day. I have just measured it and they would have 8m x 4m and 5m x 3m (in a L shape) So thats 47 sq m ? Would that be enough garden?

[zakjon-98]

They would be happy in that space

[Daphne]

Yes, thats heaps of room The only note of caution I would sound is how fox proof is your set up I have lost birds to foxes and believe me (and everyone else) it is a very unpleasant experience.

[christyrose12]

I've never seen foxes in the garden. I live in a village so I know there are foxes around but I have a dog and I dont know if its his scent but have never had any problems with foxes. I kept chickens for 3 1/2 years once and never had any problems. I always shut them up every night. Foxes cant get into the eglu can they? I've ordered one now and it should be here on Monday.

[daxigirl]

Hi there,

 

That's a nice big space for them, they'll be fine in the eglu, I had a giant of a large lavender Orp at the begining of my chook keeping and he (as it turned out after 6 months) was very happy in it along with his coop mates.

 

Only got Dolly and Kitty LF Orps in August but they live in the cube with the other LF mix. There's 2 cubes but now they're all integrated the 13 of them all sleep together.