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Original poster

Upgrading to a cube? I want more hens

10 replies

Grockle · 29/03/2011 21:22

I have 3 in an Eglu but might be able to buy a second hand Cube. How many hens is too many in an average sized urban garden?

And do I really want a Cube?

OP posts:
brambleschooks · 29/03/2011 21:32

I had an eglu... I still have it and may sit my broody in there soon on eggs. I got a cube 16 weeks after the first eglu and have gradually gone from 2 to 7 hens.

They have a bigger impact on the garden, but they are great creatures.

Original poster
Grockle · 29/03/2011 21:35

I am convinced that I NEED a Cube and more hens but my friends and family seem to disagree. They think I am a bit bonkers Hmm

OP posts:
nickelbabyhatcher · 31/03/2011 11:32

it says 6-10, but realistically, 6 would be the optimum.
and make sure you increase your run size (if it's not already big enough)

Go for it :)

VivaLeBeaver · 31/03/2011 11:41

I've got a cube, currently have 7 hens and have briefly had 10 hens in it. Their run is huhe though - about 20ftx12ft and I never shut the cube door.

I do like it and it is easy to clean out but its not the idea hen house I thought it would be. I still get red mite. If it rains badly the nesting box gets some rain going in to it - this is a common problems and some cubes are worse than others. Look at the Omlet forum though I think some posts get deleted on the subject. Hmm I've spent ages tightening bits, etc and while its improved it is not bone dry in there when it really lashes it down.

The nesting box has a long slit/hole in the bottom of the floor. So any sawdust in there falls out within 24 hours. I put duck tape over it but it only lasts so long before getting unsticky and coming away. Just seems a really silly design flaw.

dobby2001 · 31/03/2011 13:08

Grockle if you can bear to look at other coops aside from the cube, I can highly recommend the greenfrog design ones. My DH bought me their new chicken lodge which we put up on Sunday . Its fab, no scres or nails to worry about, all recycled plastice so same easy clean option as the eglu plus has a good roof with generous overhang which after yesterdays rain,i can vouch keeps inside and a good area around the base dry for those sheletering hens who dont have the sense to go inside Grin

Also a bit cheaper although most dont have integral runs -but easy to get one made.

www.greenfrogdesigns.co.uk/for-poultry-361-0.html

Original poster
Grockle · 31/03/2011 18:54

Oh, that's not what I wanted to hear! I love my little Eglu and am desperate for more chooks so the offer if a second had Cube was very tempting. I shall have a think. Would my girls be a bit put out by some newcomers?

OP posts:
ditavonteesed · 09/04/2011 08:22

I have a cube with 2 extensions, currently have 3 but have had 7 at one point, think 6 is the right amount.

ditavonteesed · 09/04/2011 08:22

oh and lots of info on introductions on omlet forum, if you could keep your eglu for a vbit and do it slowly that is definatly best.

Original poster
Grockle · 17/04/2011 21:10

Thank you! I'm going to get it - hopefully next weekend Smile

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Original poster
Grockle · 21/04/2011 22:05

I've got it! It's all in bits all over the garden but my new coop is here, hooray! Now I just need extra hens to fill it!

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