[melc1962]

I am planning on getting an eglu for my 4 hens so they can stay at my sister-in-laws for a fortnight. Will it be big enough for 2 RIRs and 2 Warrens? A huge cap ex but at lest it will make going away on holiday less stressful in future and they seem to retain their value quite well. The girls will have to be incarcerated for a fortnight as one of them is a Houdini character always on the lookout but hey, it's only two weeks. Part of the problem is, I don't just want them fed, I want them loved and cared for while I'm away. I never worry about the cats like this!
Melc1962

[Aunt Sally]

My honest opinion as an Eglu owner is that the standard run is only suitable for keeping 2 hens in if they are not free ranging most of the time  

If you intend to house 4 hens in it for 2 weeks then I would consider that you need to add a run converter and a run extension to double the size of the run. Making it about 4 squ metres as opposed to the standard run at about 2 squ metres.

Sorry to give you bad news but it's good advice in my opinion.  Hens need at leas 1 squ metre of run space each.  And while they don't mind at all snugling into the eglu at night together, if the hens are squashed into the standard run during the day they may start to peck and pluck each other  :shock:

[melc1962]

Thanks Aunt Sally. I've just looked on the omlet website and can't find any mention of a run extender. Do they do one? Oh dear, I can feel the cost escalating - him indoors will NOT be impressed!!

[Aunt Sally]

They are both on this page Mel

http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cat=Chicken%20Extras

[Poolfield2]

At this rate it might be cheaper to pay someone to pet sit!

[Aunt Sally]

I don't think I'd buy one just for holiday use to be honest.

[Vember]

If only you were near me, I'd look after them for you

[compostqueen]

I was talking to a pet sitter the other day and he only charges 50p an hour  

[Kate and her Ducks]

50p an hour!!! Mine charges £10! Where can I find yours?

[mdueal]

WE should do house swaps - where we look after each others animals and get a holiday somewhere different at the same time!!. I would be totally up for that!!

[poultrygeist]

That wouldn't be fair on the poor person who got our house !  :shock:

I'd never live with myself.  :?

Rob  

[Kate and her Ducks]

Think its a fab idea but would also probably have to spend a week tidying my house to make it fit! Spend considerably more time cleaning the duck house and tidying the garden than I do my own house. And the garden and duck house is pretty ramshackle.  :oops:

[FCG]

Kate i wouldn't mind looking after your ducks if i had the time!

However i think mine are going to my aunts when we go on holiday, she has 2 dogs but i think would gladly love the free eggs.

[Porffor]

Jeez 50p an hour.. lol that's CHEAP!
My sister is a vet nurse and used to sit for clients in london (she's moved to scotland now) one hired her a car for 2 weeks, she stayed in their house they paid her £250 a WEEK!!! no i'm NOT Joking!!! She still worked part time with their permission as well. lol

My pet sitter (let in and out and feed girl) cost me £10 for 3 days when we went away the other week.. not her rates, that was my rate. lol

[compostqueen]

Well it's actually £1 an hour cos it's husband and wife team