Solitary chicken - need advice

[stacey30]

So I finally took the plunge and ordered a cube, due for delivery on Weds!

My 2 wooden coops have taken a battering with the terrible weather and i think plastic will reduce my mite risk.

Any tips on cleaning it? I clean out my coops each morning so having just one cube will hopefully save me bending down and dealing with messy nest boxes!

I use diatom powder regularly in wooden coops, do you cube owners still use mite sprays or should I just be jet washing it?

Hoping the girls like the new home

[Guest]

My tip is to take out the divide between nest box and roost area, this enables the roost bars to be removed through the egg collecting door for washing so you don't have to push the roof forward.

 

 

Another tip (which I really wish I had done ) is if the cube is pushed up against a WIR (not Omlet) then make a flap/hole for the lid to be pushed forward without having to move the cube.

 

 

Despite some minor niggles I love my cube and would get another in a heartbeat.

[Plum]

I used to clean mine a lot but now I empty the dropping trays every other day and wash down the bars and inside every 2 to 3 weeks (or more). Nest box stuff gets changed whenever. I use duct tape over the hole.

 

I've never had any problem opening the roof, if yours is hard Mrs B you should get back to Omlet. Sorry I see you have a run in the way

 

Enjoy the cube, I love mine

[stacey30]

Thank you for the tips. Hope my hens adjust to the cube ok. Am planning to build a new Walk in run but have the cube on the outside so it's easier to clean/collect eggs. Have had to re plan my way of keeping hens due to the awful weather ruining my pen with wood chippings and can't believe how much wooden coops get ruined over a few years

[mimi5]

I started out with a wooden coop, it was a waste of money and after a year it went to the dump!!!

 

The cube was a great investment and a joy to use I bought it new.......which was a bit eye watering I also have a classic, which I got second hand. Also very easy to use and good for intros, poorly chicks etc. I do prefer the cube though

 

I have 2 sets of roosting bars (1 on & 1 to wash!) works well. I have the nest box air vent duck taped and use snowflake in there. I good tip I got from the Dogmother is to use a smallest sized trug to block off the nest box at night, keeps the nest box clean & helps when you have a broody madam too!!!!

 

Depending on the weather I clean down inside the cube every 2-3 weeks. I use a poultry disinfectant and try to leave it open to air and sunlight........when there is any Poo trays every week (summer)/ every few days (winter) You will find your own rhythm/routine

 

The only slight issue I have is somehow on very blowy, rainy nights rain gets in to my nest box I believe it's because my cube isn't quite level. Going to try and remedy this in the summer when I do a wood chip clear out and re-place. Also always check your poo trays are clipped in securely. One of mine is prone not to and I've read of foxes getting hens through this So far I have not had any redmite.....though my wooden coop was a nightmare with them!!!

 

Enjoy Oh and pics please

[Purplemaniacs]

I think you will love your cube, I have never had a wooden house only eglus and cubes.

 

What colour have you ordered?

 

We bought our original and new both delivered and built by the nice Omlet man.

 

The is almost 6 years old and the has been in use for almost 5 years although we have had it a bit longer than that as we had to wait for the WIR to use it.

 

I also have a couple of second hand eglus, they are all as good as when they were new, some colours fade a little but that is the only sign of age.

 

Enjoy your cube.

 

Chrissie

[Margaret]

I have 3 sets of bars, makes life easier, I work full time in London so much easier on the dark days. Mine is butted up to a WIR on the outside. I removed the runners from the roof, so I just now lift it up, really easy and due to the weight of the roof no need to worry about it lifting off. On a nice day I just blast it with the Kracher, so easy to clean. Sure you will love it.