Shirl Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 Now I've upgraded from my mark 1 to a cube I was going to sell the eglu BUT I wondered wether it would be any good for hatching some eggs under a broody. A place fairly near sells hatching eggs and the owner has said she'll take back any boys. All good so far. So the question is how could I adapt the Mark 1 to stop little chicks from falling through the wooden rungs? I assume that would be the only consideration? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 I think you just take the roosting bars out and put some bedding directly into the droppings tray. I know others have done this so am sure they will be along to tell! Sounds like a great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I didn't take the roosting bars out but I did fill all the floor area with Aubiose to make it level and I used an offcut of wood just outside the door to make a ramp down to the ground. They are soon up to coping with the bars, so by the time they've reduced the Aubiose by scratting it all over the place, it isn't a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted October 15, 2007 Author Share Posted October 15, 2007 Ah being a Mark 1 the droppings try doesn't go all the way to the front. At the front near the door there is a wire mesh. I wonder if it would be safe to try and cover it up ? I'd hate to find a trapped chick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Yup, put some newspaper or hardboard over the mesh. As Lesley says, they are ideal for hatching - I used our rablu. Just be sure that you know what you are going to do with any resultant chicks - don't want to sound like I'm laying down the law, but it's best to think these things through. Wait until spring too - if you start them off now, by the time they hatch it'll be too cold for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted October 15, 2007 Author Share Posted October 15, 2007 Oh I am planning on waiting until next year, I just want to be sure its worth keeping the Eglu. As I said the provider of the hatching eggs will take any cocks and with an Eglu and cube I'll have loads of room. I'm only planning on 6 eggs to start with and I'll see how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Brilliant Shirl, I just get the heebeejeebies when people sudenly start talking about hatching I hope that it goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I used a Mark 1 as well Shirl. Glad you'll have a home for any cockerels - hatching usually produces a slightly higher percentage of cockerels than hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted October 15, 2007 Author Share Posted October 15, 2007 That's probably why she doesn't mind having them back. I've no idea what she'll do with them though but I guess its best not to ask. I don't think bantams make great table birds . I think its a great opportunity to do for the children. Of course I'll hate every minute of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Of course you will A bantam cockerel makes a great meal for 1/2 - very handy for ageing parents who don't need a full sized bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted October 16, 2007 Author Share Posted October 16, 2007 A bantam cockerel makes a great meal for 1/2 - very handy for ageing parents who don't need a full sized bird! Nooooo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
