The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Marches Farmer on July 05, 2014, 03:09:01 pm
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Broodies everywhere this year, so running out of room (again) and don't have the time to build sheds for growers. Any ideas on housing that I can hose clean in case of red mite but doesn't cost the earth? Presently cobbled together a wondrous collection of houses and runs using fireguards, puppy panels, pallets, etc., but although working just fine have now run out of said fireguards, etc.
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Might be worth checking ebay for second hand Eglus. My eglu go is the perfect broody coop. Only catch being they are expensive new
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I've tried a variety and if it's just for short term until they go out into a bigger run and share a house, you can get some good deals on eBay or Amazon. I'd hate to use them all year round - there's always niggles re. cleaning them out, doors not shutting neatly, stupid systems for pulling out the floors for 'easier cleaning' which means half the bedding drops down the gap when it doesn't shut neatly etc. - but for short term broody/grower use they do well.
If you want a decent solid build, it's definitely worth spending the extra. My year-round houses are the decent ones. I've got one from Jim Vyse, two from Steve Fisher woodworking, three from Wells and three standard sheds. Of these the easiest are the standard sheds but they're also the biggest so they take the most cleaning. I like the Wells houses too. Don't really like the Jim Vyse one but more because I don't like Arks as much. Steve Fisher ones were annoying to assemble but fairly solid now.