Breeder has just refused to sell to me as I own a Cube (??)

[saltyseadog]

I've just ordered a Cube - after much consideration I chose it because I work F/T and wanted to be realistic as to how much time I would have for the upkeep of a wooden run.

I've just phoned a poultry farm (one that sells birds in v.large volumes - not a hobby breeder) to be told rather sniffily that they won't sell to Omlet Eglu/ Cube owners.

Am I making a big and expensive mistake buying the Cube? Are my girls going to be unhappy in it ?

Salty, I'm so excited for you. I'd be popping out to the garden all day just to check the cube was real. And I'd be doing it tomorrow to check that I really had chickens.

bramble, chicken maths is a wonderful thing. How will you wait until September to get your chooks? Lovely breeds you've chosen - I really love sussex breeds especially the white colours, so lovely and traditional looking.

I'm ridiculously excited. E-mailed my dad to say that it is the best birthday present ever (they gave me b'day money towards it) - he must think I have regressed to being about 10years old.

I was really impressed with the Omlet service - the chap made it up in about an hour. Just as well as my DIY skills are rubbish.

Bramblebooks - how exciting. I have a horrible feeling that this could turn into an expensive addiction!

It is all so lovely! I currently have 5 ladies, but room for more (there's always room for more?)

Now. About persuading DH to move to a house with a field ...

Off to the garden to play with the girls.

Good luck tomorrow Salty ... can't wiat to hear.

Bramble .. how can you bear to wait til September??? Lovely mix of breeds though!

Well they're home and we've had our first egg! I wish it wasn't so hot as I just want to sit in the garden and watch them all day, but that wouldn't be good for 10w DS.

I did have to stifle a laugh at the breeder chasing them around the pen with a large butterfly net - I think I may leave it a few days before I allow them to free range .

Salty, brilliant! And an egg already - wow! Who laid it? What ages are they? Sorry, too many questions! And a 10w old DS ... you will have your hands full! Enjoy.

No idea Millie as to who laid it - DH found it and thought that I'd planted it as a joke!I'm surprised that they haven't been spooked by the move/ having my dogs sniffing around.

They're about 8 months (Brahmas come into lay at about 6 mo I think) they're pretty slow to mature but live longer than hybrids. So glad I found a breeder I liked without Cube prejudices .

Yep, I will certainly be kept busy - 2 dc, 2 dogs and 4 chooks . Very very happy with the Cube - it does look very low maintenance which appeals to my slatternly ways. I'll try and post a photo on my profile later.

Congrats on becoming a chicken-mummy. An egg all ready is fantastic - hopefully the rest of the hens will be in lay as well. Do they crouch for you?

DP wants us to get brahmas or orps when we get hens but apparently the Eglu Classic isn't suitable for heavy breeds (think the door isn't quite big enough for really big birds) and I want to get a Classic first to get used to having hens.

Salty and LRS ... how are your chickens getting on?

They're good thanks. It's lovely starting to see their different personalities coming through Mrs. McClucksky is my best layer, Nessa is head hen, Doris is the boldest with humans and Pamela is quite shy. I heart them!

My dogs are very keen on them - however I don't think that their friendly interest is entirely altruistic

Having said that I am a little stressed at what they are doing to our lawn - which shouldn't come as a surprise. It should be OK if we move the Cube every couple of days I reckon. They can certainly poop!

Sorry Millie - should have asked you how yours are doing too . How are they?