Eglus and bantams?

[cotton54321]

Hi guys
we are about to order an eglu. I have been trying to persuade OH to have a couple of chickens for ages and now it looks like its going to happen!
He has been sold by the easy clean aspect so I'm sure it will be worth the money.
We were thinking about buying 3 chickens but I didn't know whether it would be a bit of a squash and, not sure if I'm right here, but bantams are smaller right?
Just wondered whether bantams were good layers or whether I am best with hybrids - just want my little chickens to be happy!!

Any advice would be really appreciated!
Thanks
Melx

[poultrychat]

Hello cotton, I don't have any experience of eglu's, the only thing I have heard from various people is that chickens somtetimes get bored in them due to lack of space. Bantams are simply a smaller version of the larger chickens, so they can lay the same amount of eggs as the larger breeds they just lay smaller ones, so for your omelettes instead of 3-4 large eggs you would probably need 5-6 bantam eggs.

[cotton54321]

Don't suppose you know of any breeders in the midlands?

[Lorna]

Hi Cotton,

Have you had a look at Poultrychat's website? They're a good bunch (or should that be clutch) on there too.

[poultrychat]

That would depend on what size and what breed you are after cotton


Hey, Lorna, I like that

[Lorna]

Thanks PC

[Becka]

Hi,
I have an orange eglu and live outside Glasgow. I have three chickens and one bantam in my eglu and they cope just fine although up until recently they were free ranging for most of the day I bought my chickens from Jedburgh and Glasgow and have been very pleased with them - roughly four eggs a day and lots of chicken antics to keep you busy. My German Shepherds have been firmly put in their place and will give in to the chickens every time - they definitely rule the roost in the garden!
Becka

[Jaxom]

Hi Becka, welcome to the vine. A number of Grapes keep chickens and post regular. I am sure they will eagerly anticipate further updates from you about your chickens.
Jax

[Clarea1]

I keep 3 hens in my eglu and they have pleanty of room, If you were planning to keep them in the run I wouldn't advocate more then 2/3 hens but bantams probably 4. If they were free ranging, easy 4 hens and 5/6 bantams. I would go for less and you can always add later if you find you have extra space. However, hens can be a bit catty with new arrivals so it's a bit six and two threes in that respect! I love my eglu and my girls!

[cotton54321]

Have finally bought them today and they have all gone to bed better than the children!
The boys have been so excited and we have turned a male majority household around!

[smallblueplanet]

C'mon then cotton post some piccies of your girl majority!

[cotton54321]

I'll be out there tomorrow - if my 3 sons let me anywhere near them!