[Mrs.Veg]

I asked the question whether eglus are good henhouses and I got to thinking about what it is that makes them so hygienic, etc and came up with this idea - I've got a huge plastic barrel thingy and I thought I could somehow make a wooden cradle for it to lie on and wedge a perch inside.  (and a ramp up to it)  Don't know how to do the door bit yet, but it could turn out to be a watertight, easyclean henhouse.  (obviously have to ventilate it).

Does it sound like a good idea or is there something I'm forgetting?

Any thoughts?

[WG.]

Remember to anchor it to the ground against the wind

[Mrs.Veg]

Good point.  It is pretty wild here at times.  However, the place I have in mind is in amongst trees and shrubs.  I spose I could lash it down with something!  

[WG.]

I'll swop you some of my smoked garlic for some eggs (I can wait until you have spare eggs).  (See swop shop entry for details)

[Mrs.Veg]

Smoked garlic?  Sounds yum!  Thanks for your confidence in my future egg-producing!

[WG.]

I'll open negotiations on a PM

[Mrs.Veg]

Went to swapshop page, you said, "will consider just about anything that can be posted. " - not sure if the eggs will make it!!  Oh well!  

[WG.]

Yeah but I hadn't anticipated anyone being "within a stones throw" of me     .

[Aunt Sally]

I asked the question whether eglus are good henhouses and I got to thinking about what it is that makes them so hygienic, etc and came up with this idea - I've got a huge plastic barrel thingy and I thought I could somehow make a wooden cradle for it to lie on and wedge a perch inside.  (and a ramp up to it)  Don't know how to do the door bit yet, but it could turn out to be a watertight, easyclean henhouse.  (obviously have to ventilate it).

Does it sound like a good idea or is there something I'm forgetting?

Any thoughts?

You will have to make sure it is really well insulated to keep the hens warm in winter and cool in summer.  The eglu is double skinned and always keeps the interior comfy so preventing the extremes of temperature  :!:

[Mrs.Veg]

Yes Aunt Sally, you're right, I wouldn't want my hennies uncomfortable.  I still think it would be warmer than a wooden hut though, but maybe too hot in Summer?  Maybe I should just have them move in with us, it would be simpler!    

[Aunt Sally]

The eglu is tremendously well designed by people who have kept chickens all their lives. With comfort and hygiene and security for "back yard" hens topmost  :!:  

[Mrs.Veg]

I live in the middle of nowhere (literally) with a lot of foxes and badgers nearby.  We kept ducks at the bottom of our field (too far from the house we think now) and we had them in a secure pen (chicken wire sunk a foot into the ground) and a very sturdy house.  The pen was regularly broken into (dug under) and there were claw marks and footprints all over the door latches.  We ended up rehoming our beloved ducks to prevent a tragedy.  

I would love to have a couple of hens nearer the house, but I can't help thinking our vicious neighbours (the badgers and foxes) would simply upend the eglu and grab the contents.  Maybe I should build a moat around it or something!

[muntjac]

 a swim and a nice meal ,, can i come ?

[Aunt Sally]

I would love to have a couple of hens nearer the house, but I can't help thinking our vicious neighbours (the badgers and foxes) would simply upend the eglu and grab the contents.  Maybe I should build a moat around it or something!

They'd need muscles like Popey Mrs Veg.      

[Mrs.Veg]

You sure Aunt Sal?  It looked like a bear had attacked my henhouse!