nutterly_uts Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 I am moving in with an elderly relative. I thought reviving my un-used Eglu might be a nice way to get her up and about each day as she has recently lost her dog, and so is no longer going for a short walk a day. I have asked if she'd mind chickens and she won't. 90% of the daily care will be me, including cleaning out, but I think seeing the girls daily with some veg s"Ooops, word censored!"s/corn and collecting the eggs is do-able. I can't quite decide where to put the Eglu. I am waiting on the converter kit, and may need to replace my run (and ultimately extend it in time), but we should be good to go by the end of the month I think (although again I may wait to get the actual chickens?) I am thinking of a trio of girls I have a couple of options. I am not on the mainland so foxes are not a problem, nor are badgers, although we do have polecats on the island. We have a top garden that used to be part of an orchard. It has a couple of low apple trees, and will need only a few modifications for the chickens. I thought about splitting it in 2 using some portable fencing, and putting them in one half for a fortnight or so depending on how the grass fairs, and then the other, moving their eglu/run as we go. This would mean they could put themselves to bed/get up when they want, although I could go up and shut them in at night if wet/cold. The whole area used to be one, but the top part was sold to a neighbour and is fenced off. I worry that the chickens are a bit too far from the house/bit too close to the neighbour, but its a nice area imo for them. This is a side view to show the sort of size area. It's taken from the gate you can see in the next pic, but also shows the neighbours fence: http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b345/tomcat1/074_zps2e5a0ea4.jpg There is also the "big lawn" and I am wondering if a permanent eglu/run across the gap between the flowerbed and the circular bed/where the green chair is would be a better option. The girls would get less free-range time with this though, as its also where the dogs have access. I would put them on some sort of chippings, raked out monthly. http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b345/tomcat1/078_zpsd02ae891.jpg I'd also like some recommendations for good bedding (and run lining) for composting. I'd like to do something with it all to put back into the plants as there is a gardener who comes every so often to keep it tidy and so could probably use it all. (apologies for unclickable links but photobucket won't resize them properly for here ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Wow, what a fabulous garden . I can see the merits of using either bit - the orchard would be fantastic for them, with shelter and lots of bugs and windfalls but a permanent spot on the lawn would be great too and perhaps easier for your relative to sit and enjoy watching them? (How mobile is she?) How secure is the outer perimeter? Could they have the run of the orchard or would they manage to escape? You have so many options, I would just pick one and see how it goes. It looks like you could change your setup once you see what works for you and your relative. I find Easibed breaks down very well in the compost bin. I also use old bedding after a clear out of my run (which doesn't have much poo in it) as mulch, storing it in old compost bags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Looks and sounds lovely!!! Chicken heaven!! I would just go for it which ever you decide, you can always change your mind and try the other option! The only thing I would say, after the problem I have had with mud (and I'm not alone!!) is maybe think about the practicalities of to and fro to the chickens in the winter. I have had to site my cube and fill it with wood chip, which is going ok and was a must in the end!!!!! My lawn though is trashed and I will probably have to re-seed parts of it. Planning to use the wood chip on my boarders when it's past it's best!!Oh and have some stepping stone slabs to put down for a path!! Better late than never Keep us posted!!! Pics too!! Have you a breed in mind? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutterly_uts Posted January 1, 2013 Author Share Posted January 1, 2013 The orchard is secure but I think its too close to the neighbours/not close enough to us. Relative is mobile enough to go to either place, but I think on the lawn is better. The lawn is quite mossy and (this is where I tempt fate..) is not a muddy place - it gets wet but a lot of the excess runs off. I can look into stepping stones I think I'd like some hybrids I think, or at the least different colored egg layers. I am not too fussy really though - depends what I can get on the island Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
