Chicken boarders

[Busybusy 2]

I'm now thinking about just getting an eglu classic ( but with no run ) and having a walk in run built.

The reason I have changed my mind is because I feel the 2m run with the classic wont be big enough for my 4 chickens. Will having plastic housing reduce the likelyhood of red mite or is it still likely ?

Thanks for reading

Busybusy

[Andrew]

Four chooks in a standard Eglu Classic Run for any length of time will be a bit of a squeeze. If they can Free Range most of the day, then it's OK, but not if they will be within the run most of the time. Boredom will set in, which can lead to trouble amongst the hens and unless you move the Eglu/Run each day you won't have any grass left under the run with four hens pecking at it all day!

 

On the positive side of things, I've never had a red-mite problem in my Eglu(s), there is simply nowhere for them to hide as there is no wood in an Eglu (MK-II edition onwards, the MK-I has wooden bars). Eglu's are also very easy to clean, either with hot soap and water and a scrubbing brush or with a powerwasher. Either way, it's a 10-15 minute job.

 

An Eglu in a WIR is a near perfect solution and allows for expansion of your flock as time passes.

 

Andrew

[Patricia W]

I have had red mite in my cube but it is easier to sort out than in a wooden house. A friend with a wooden house ended up burning it because it was so embedded in the framework of it. It's a case of being vigilant in the warmer weather whatever the coop is made of.

[LottyJ1]

I would have a plastic house every time now!