Eglu Go, any good?

[Siskin]

Hi all,

I've recently acquired an allotment, and am seriously thinking about getting some chickens. I've heard that wooden coops can harbour red mite so have been looking at the Eglu, particularly the Eglu Go Up. Are there any downsides to this house, other than the price? I would try to make my own run as I'd like them to have plenty of space so it would just be a house I'd be buying.

Thanks

[skeggijon]

I know that wooden coops risk harbouring red spider mite, but I've always thought the Eglu seems overpriced style over substance, although some people swear by them.
I would always prefer to keep my boy and girls in something a bit more substantial. I could be wrong, but I think wooden coops give a bit more protection from the cold over the winter.

[veggiechicken]

I've never used an Eglu - too expensive!
My reservation about having one on an allotment would be - its too easily pinchable and desirable.
Fine in a back garden, but unless you're very sure of security on your site, I wouldn't risk it!

[muddled]

I have an eglu.
I've had it about 10 years, it looks and works as good as the day I bought it and (if I wanted to) I could sell it today for almost the price of a new one.

Mine is a classic mark 2.
The double layer moulded plastic with 2" air cavity keeps the birds toastie in winter and cool in summer.
A total deep clean takes 10 minutes.
Redmite do turn up each year but are easy to see and easy to eradicate.
And it's pink

I love, love, love my eglu and having tried both, I will never again keep birds in wooden coops.

BUT

Remember when I said I could sell it today for almost as much as it cost?
That's because they hold their value and there is thriving market for second hand eglus....just take a look round flea bay!
This is not good news for you if put one on an allotment.
Your untraceable eglu represents a fast 400 to 900 quid (depending on model) to any passing thief, is lightweight and fits in a hatchback.

[Scarlet]

You can creosote a wooden coop inside and out before you get your birds, fingers crossed a recoat every summer should keep them at bay. I've got a wooden shed, it does the job and I like being able to stand up in it. Clean it out regularly and be on the lookout for mites is the key. I've never fancied an eglu, they are over priced, I don't like plastic, they are cramped and they don't look like they have enough ventilation either. I would be worried if they were placed in an allotment in full sun....but that's just my thoughts. I don't know anyone that has one so ive nothing to compare my wooden ones with.

That said, ive read that some peeps who just keep 3 or four birds think they are great.

[Scarlet]

The double layer moulded plastic with 2" air cavity keeps the birds toastie in winter and cool in summer.
A total deep clean takes 10 minutes.
.

How about in full sun Muddled, and how many birds do they fit?

[ancee]

We've got wooden and last year red mites were so bad. And I did everything right!!! I'll have a go with creosote this year. Not heard of that. But my god, last year it really was a war with them. Poor birds suffered and so did I! Creepy horrible creatures. Dreading this year! Wish I could've afforded an eglu. One less problem to deal with if it doesn't let mites in. I'm itching now....

[Scarlet]

Ancee, you will need to do it in the summer as it needs to be thoroughly dry before they go back in. I have a few coops so I can swap around. If they don't dry out you can keep them overnight in some cardboard boxes. You need to do inside and out.

[veggiechicken]

I've wondered about those plastic dog kennels and whether one could be adapted for chooks? Or even a child's playhouse that sometimes come up on freecycle.

[ancee]

Thank you Scarlet. I need to do something drastic. I thought I'd filled every nook they could get into with silicone. Painted all wood with thick white gloss too. Then I jeyesed-d it. And scrubbed everywhere Then got housing spray and sprayed it to death. Changed all the bedding which I do constantly anyway. All chickens were diamorphous (can't spell it) earthed. After airing it, they were put back. Next morning everywhere covered with them again. I did all of this constantly over the summer. Became a bit obsessed. They'd disappear for a while then come back full force like I'd done nothing. We have a lot of wild birds in the garden who I love and encourage. So they must be coming off them, so I'm at a loss as to what to do

[ancee]

Just had stars *** for a word then weird. Looks like I was swearing!

[ancee]

Oh! Is it because it's a brand name? Sorry. I disinfected it with a smelly dark sticky product!

[veggiechicken]

J@yes is always changed to ***** for some reason lost in the history of the Vine!

[Siskin]

Thanks everyone for the replies, didn't think about theft . We do have a fence around the site that is kept locked at all times, but I was told there was a break in last year although luckily my plot wasn't touched, as it's away from the main gate. I'm only wanting a couple of birds so don't need something huge anyway, but being rubbish at DIY I thought a plastic house would be ideal.

I do have a shed (more of a shack) that the more capable would probably convert into a hen house; the position is ideal as it is behind the greenhouse with a good long, two-foot wide stretch of ground that would be an ideal chicken run. If I included some pictures next time I'm down there, perhaps people would suggest how to either make it suitable, or more likely, knock it down and replace it?

[veggiechicken]

I've wondered about those plastic dog kennels and whether one could be adapted for chooks? Or even a child's playhouse that sometimes come up on freecycle.

Siskin, I blame you!! I've just bought a dog kennel to convert into a chicken coop http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...oop_88098.html