[Troubled Waters]

Hello!

We don't have one and are not getting one but were offered a second hand one cheap a while ago.  Just wondering if anyone had one and had any opinions?
Good design?
Easy to use?
Too expensive?
Cheap and nasty?
Gimmick?

Any feedback most welcome.

Cheers, hfw. 

[jameslindsay]

2 of my friends have these and absolutely love them. They are expensive to buy but seem to be easily moved and cleaned.

[shetlandpaul]

if cheap buy it. it would be in the sea within two weeks.

[little blue]

Def too expensive!  And have you seen those beehives they're now making?!
But if they get folks hen-keeping live and let live I say.
I wouldnt choose one, dont think they'd be easy to clean, and too small.
But a cheap enough one?? I'd consider for the right price and put bantams or quail in it!

[shrekfeet]

best time to buy your chicken housing is when it's going CHEEP

ha ha

Sorry

 

[ballingall]

Never actually seen one (in person as it were) but too expensive for me to buy. I however, randomly know someone from another forum who works for the company. I'm waiting for him to offer us a discount.....

Beth

[Troubled Waters]

Thanks for the info guys. I agree on the price. And although I think they are great urban solutions not sure if they fit with my ideal image of the smallholding we will eventually have. But if they get more people to keep chooks...
 

[Gordon M]

I've just bought one and yes they really are expensive but worth it in my opinion as they are so easy to clean, in addition, redmite have nowhere to hide in them, that was one of the reasons for me purchasing it in the first place. Worth paying that bit more for your birds comfort really.
They are very well designed, sturdy and easy to move around the garden, I must admit to being happy with my purchase. I believe it will last for many years as its not just flimsy plastic.
Just after I bought it however, a friend pointed me in the direction of a company called "Solway Recycling" (find them on Google). They also make a plastic henhouse from recycled agricultural plastic and it looks the business,(they also make pig arks etc from plastic as well) the run is smaller than the Eglu but it's about 100 quid cheaper, it also holds I think 8 birds, so that may prove more popular than the Omlet product. Had I seen it first I would likely have bought it before the Eglu, but as I mentioned, I'm very happy with what I bought and my chickens seem very chuffed with it.
Anyway, I hope this is of use to you.

[shetlandpaul]

a question about them. do they become overly sweaty in summer and whats there thermal insulation like.

[Gordon M]

I can't answer that at the moment as I only got it about 2 weeks ago and it lashed with rain for a week and wasn't all that warm. That said, there are non-adjustable air vents at the top of the Eglu and a 1/4" gap above the removable dropping tray so there should be reasonable airflow through it. The Eglu itself is double skinned providing air gap insulation and should hopefully keep the birds warm enough through the winter months and not too hot in summer but I won't know for sure until then.

[northfifeduckling]

I've got one on loan. Generally I think it's great for small spaces. Relatively easy to clean. I wouldn't buy one at full price, though...
I was concerned when it was hot in the late mornings - I think it is safer to put them in the shade - I must say that I kept ducks in it for a few weeks, which are late risers 

[ballingall]

I went to visit my aunt this morning, and she has recently got herself 5 light sussex hens, and an eglu. She has one of the big ones for 10 birds, and I have to say I was quite impressed. She said it is very easy to clean out, easy access to the nestbox, and to open and close the pop hole. It looks as if it will last longer than her wooden henhouse which she also has.  I probably wouldn't keep 10 birds shut inside the run all the time, but she lets hers out to scratch around the orchard, and it is fine for that.

That said, price wise it is very steep (to my mind). But as others have said, if it gets people keeping hens, then why not.


Beth

[Rosemary]

I agree, Beth. It's horses for courses.