BridieLou Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Hi all. I'm new to the site and (as of tomorrow) will be new to keeping chickens, too. I grew up with plenty of ducks waddling around, so hopefully it won't be too much of a shock..! We've ordered the Eglu Go Up with 2m run and three chickens (since I heard three might be happier than two). I spoke with lovely Omlet people and they said that the girls would be fine for space, but I'm starting to worry it's too small! They will have free reign of the garden for 4-5 days a week when me/my husband is at home. But for the other 2-3 days, they'll have to make do with being in the run for the majority of the day and having a 2 hour jolly at some point during (morning or evening). Are they going to be okay? Will they hate us? Gosh, I'm so worried about them and they haven't even arrived... Thanks! (previously posted in the wrong section, apologies) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 They will be more than fine. My now two bantams spend most of their time in the same set up. Although they are a bit smaller than hybrids, I don't think it will be a big problem. You can always give them some entertainment during the day, in the form of some cabbage leaves, broccoli etc. I hang it up from the run or door. I also added two wooden perches. Sounds posh, but it was some left over wood lying around and made some nodges so they stay put on the run mesh. Have fun tomorrow! Btw: this is how I clean mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridieLou Posted June 1, 2016 Author Share Posted June 1, 2016 Hi Cat Tails! Thanks so much for replying, I appreciate it. You've made me feel much better already and I'll definitely take your advice on giving them games to keep them occupied. Really liked your photos on how to keep the Eglu clean - you make it look super easy (and you've reminded me to grab a free newspaper on the way home!). Can't wait for the girls to arrive tomorrow! Bridie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Another tip: the clear raincover for Cube also (well almost) fits the Go Up run. Ideal in rainy weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 How exciting Bridielou, and as Cattails said, your new friends will be fine. I had 4 bantams in the ground level Go with 3m run (and bear in mind with the Go Up you have the bit under the house too)- shut in the run all working hours and they were fine. They're always desperate to come out, but I think that's natural. Having said that, I did at first just have the 2m run, but as soon as it arrived and I built it I ordered the 1m extension because I just didn't think it looked enough, and now I've moved house and have more room they have a WIR. Anyway - they'll be fine - it's just that if you're anything like me, you'll want more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridieLou Posted June 2, 2016 Author Share Posted June 2, 2016 Thanks Mullethunter! I feel much more relaxed. Busied myself by writing a writing and sticking a list to the fridge on what the boys can't feed the chickens! Now just to wait for them to arrive Will post a photo when they're settled in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridieLou Posted June 2, 2016 Author Share Posted June 2, 2016 They're here! And they seem very happy indeed. Three sweet girls, already showing different personalities. All very keen to run into the coop from the carrier - no persuasion required. However, absolutely NO interest whatsoever in seeing what's up the ladder. I have a feeling bedtime is going to be tricky..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasperaliceuk Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 You'll may be surprised. I was all prepared to go out in my jimmy jams and a torch last Thurs when I introduced to girls to the Go Up. But no up they trotted - no problem. They are getting bold - I've been hand feeding and one tried to leap out when I opened the top door. Body blocked just in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Looking forward to seeing photo's - good luck with bedtime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 First bedtime I had to crawl into the run and stuff the slightly unwilling ladies into the coop. Took only one night for them to figure out that was home. Have fun with them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Can't wait to see your new girls Have you given them any names yet ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridieLou Posted June 3, 2016 Author Share Posted June 3, 2016 Morning! A rather eventful first night for the girls...! Two happily confronted the ladder when it got dark, but the third (Ailsa) just couldn't work it out. We left her for a while, hoping she might copy the others, but no luck. Then as my husband and I were standing in the doorway we were visited by a fox patrolling the garden! Poor thing was very distressed, as you'd imagine, but flapped and squeaked till he left. Not long after that she decided that the safety of the cube might be a good idea after all, and cautiously/slowly went up. Was a little worried about what state they'd be in this morning, but they all happily trotted out of the house and down the ladder - in fact, Ailsa has been practicing going up and down this morning (with mixed success...!). Names - we've two Gingernut Rangers called Dolores and Cilla, and a Miss Pepperpot called Ailsa. Funny little personalities already - Cilla loves being stroked. Haven't tried hand feeding but perhaps an afternoon treat might be in order! Love them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 They sound lovely Make sure they're well secured - the fox will keep checking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 I had 2 gingernut rangers and a pepperpot as my first chickens ( 7 years ago ) I love your names for them. I can't believe how quickly a fox appeared in your garden so soon after getting chickens - I hope he stays away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridieLou Posted June 6, 2016 Author Share Posted June 6, 2016 They are so lovely, I'm pleased you like the names! Fortunately Trevor (the fox...) hasn't made an appearance since and, remarkably, Ailsa laid on her fisrt day! The two GR's (Dolly and Cilla) laid on day two, so so far we've had 5 eggs in three days! Expecting to find another when I get home tonight! All on the small side, but good shells and otherwise perfect Been trying them on various veggies to see what they enjoy and they are not really into anything, but yesterday I gave them a courgette and they devoured it. Had a couple of cuddles - Cilla loves being picked up and stroked, and Ailsa tentatively came for one yesterday. Dolly is not impressed...! Thoroughly enjoying watching them clamber up and down the ladder as though they've had one too many G&T... Oh, the chap from Omlet said to leave them in their run for a week before letting them out. Is this standard? How soon do you let yours roam? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 Oh, the chap from Omlet said to leave them in their run for a week before letting them out. Is this standard? How soon do you let yours roam? Thanks! This is so they have learnt where their home is. Did he clip their wings for you to show you how it is done ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
