Sarattie Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 So long storey short... I incubated 20 eggs with my toddlers for my old school We got 12 chicks We watched 5 emerge from shells We fell in love We kept 4 We bought a cheap coop One turned out for be a cock - he joined the other 8 at school We have 3 female bantams I go on a chicken keeping course I want an eglu I find a cheap second hand eglu I sell the cheap wooden coop Ok my questions... Firstly, why did no one warn me about the fiddly awful.run clips!! Lol sore fingers later is together Do you fill the run area with wood bark chips or just sit it on an area of wood chip (I cannot move the run) Can i add a side door in a 2 m run (like on the other thread on here) Do you take in food at night Why are my hens snuggling in the nest area and not the perches (They're not old enough to lay yet) Run shade advice bearing in mind it isn't being moved What is the funny hook thing on the run for on the left side of the end door? Another top tips for this eglu virgin!! Thanks ye all xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Hi and welcome, Run clips, I agree! They do make life easy if you want to change your set up though. My set up is on wood chip, which I change every few months, but rake in bio dry every week. I would cover at least part of the run, so they have a dry space, but maybe only use a shade in summer. I do bring the food in at night, so as not to encourage vermin. I have a cube so can't advise about the side door,but I'm sure someone will be along who can! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Use a 2p piece to flip the green clips open - they're still fiddly, but a lot easier on the fingers! If you fill the run with wood chip, it will soon be spread outside by scratching and kicking - what some people do is attach plastic lawn edging to the run with cable ties to keep it in. Alternatively you can make a border outside with edging boards, Link-a-bord, log roll etc to keep it in one area - see the Omlet shop here for an idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 I use strong cable ties instead of run clips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 What is the funny hook thing on the run for on the left side of the end door? Everything else has been covered but I can answer this one . When you open the door you can put the door pin through the funny hook thing as well as the door hook to keep it open (from memory, it's a long time since I used my Omlet run!) It's also a handy place to keep the door pin when you've got the door open so you don't lose it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Do you fill the run area with wood bark chips or just sit it on an area of wood chip(I cannot move the run) Can i add a side door in a 2 m run (like on the other thread on here) Do you take in food at night Why are my hens snuggling in the nest area and not the perches (They're not old enough to lay yet) Run shade advice bearing in mind it isn't being moved What is the funny hook thing on the run for on the left side of the end door? I loved my eglu and run I put it in paving slabs and used aubroise or easibed in the run and the nestbox. My first eglu chooks slept in the nest box I used an up-turned large flower pot to keep them out of there at night but now I don't worry and poo pick in the morning. I take the food in every night The funny hook thing is to pin back the door when it is open if you let them out to free range, is that what you mean? I have used various sun shades and shower curtains to keep the run dry, for this winter OH has fixed corrugated clear plastic roof sheets to protect the run, so we will see how they work. Enjoy your chooks and your eglu Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarattie Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 Thanks all. Really helpful tips. I'll upload a photo when I'm st my main computer The tip 're plant pot in next box is a hood one! I'll try that! Thanks again! Still undecided if I'll try the side door... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
