Eglu Large Cube and Walk-In run

[mo9885]

Hi Everyone,
I've read every post I can find about the Eglu coops and I've read sooo many reviews online, I've researched all of the other wood coops that have been recommended and think I'm leaning towards the Eglu for the low maintenance and easy cleaning even though its $$$. My only concern is the predator protection. I've read from some that racoons can reach in the run but aren't the chickens closed up in their coop at night? I've read bears tried and failed to break-in which is good. I'm just looking to hear of anyone who has first hand experience...go for it or no. Please help I'm a new mom to 10 bantams and they're outgrowing their kiddy pool in the sunroom.

 

[nuthatched]

I'd personally not buy one, they cost too much, are too small, iffy ventilation and are easier from predators to break in. The 'redeeming factor' of easy cleaning isn't a selling point for me since I don't use a hose (and that's the reason it says easy clean) to clean out my coop.
I'd look for a shed on Craigslist and convert it.

 

[Acre4Me]

Good luck! Do a search on here for Eglu to see all the recent discussion.

Do you have bears?? If so, I would not rely solely on a plastic coop, but you may need strong electric fencing to deter bears. I do t deal with bears, but seems electric is the only detergent that works, as long as it is installed in a sturdy manner.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

IMO, 10 bantams would be wedged in there like sardines. In the picture there are only 3 large fowl birds in the "main" part and there just isn't enough room for even them. If you hae much wind, that thing will blow over unless it is heavily staked down some how. Are you going to totally cover the run part with a solid roof or tarps o something so theay they can go outside no matter how terrible the weather is?

 

[Chookchicken]

All my coops are Eglus, they work well. I’d be worried about fitting 10 bantams in the coop. My coop currently has 9 bantams (it fits them well, but I wouldn’t get anymore). The one complaint I have is that sparrows can get through the walk in run mesh. I’ve never had problems with predators, and a plastic coop is more durable then a wood one.

In summer I leave the coop door open to help with ventilation. In winter the coop is well enough ventilated that the door can be closed. If you have the space I’d recommend a bigger coop, otherwise the Eglu will work well

 

[mo9885]

All my coops are Eglus, they work well. I’d be worried about fitting 10 bantams in the coop. My coop currently has 9 bantams (it fits them well, but I wouldn’t get anymore). The one complaint I have is that sparrows can get through the walk in run mesh. I’ve never had problems with predators, and a plastic coop is more durable then a wood one.

In summer I leave the coop door open to help with ventilation. In winter the coop is well enough ventilated that the door can be closed. If you have the space I’d recommend a bigger coop, otherwise the Eglu will work well

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have 10 bantam chicks, 3 assorted and 7 silkies so I’m sure I’ll have a couple roosters that I will need to rehome (I have a farm who has offered to take any for me). So I’m sure I’ll end up with 9 or less. I’ve heard someone people put hardware cloth on the outside to help keep smaller critters out. How big is the run you have with it?

 

[mo9885]

IMO, 10 bantams would be wedged in there like sardines. In the picture there are only 3 large fowl birds in the "main" part and there just isn't enough room for even them. If you hae much wind, that thing will blow over unless it is heavily staked down some how. Are you going to totally cover the run part with a solid roof or tarps o something so theay they can go outside no matter how terrible the weather is?

I have 10 chicks so will most likely have a rooster or two I'll need to rehome. There are stakes that comes with it to secure it down.

Good luck! Do a search on here for Eglu to see all the recent discussion.

Do you have bears?? If so, I would not rely solely on a plastic coop, but you may need strong electric fencing to deter bears. I do t deal with bears, but seems electric is the only detergent that works, as long as it is installed in a sturdy manner.

There are bears and I've seen posts about them ripping off chicken wire to get to hens. I have seen a few posts of bears not getting into these but maybe they just weren't hungry enough. I'll look into electric fence. I was also thinking of doing the eglu and attached run and then a heavy duty run around it from tractor supply.

 

[mo9885]

IMO, 10 bantams would be wedged in there like sardines. In the picture there are only 3 large fowl birds in the "main" part and there just isn't enough room for even them. If you hae much wind, that thing will blow over unless it is heavily staked down some how. Are you going to totally cover the run part with a solid roof or tarps o something so theay they can go outside no matter how terrible the weather is?

They do include stakes to secure it down and I've heard they're actually pretty heavy because its all doubled walled. They sell tarps that bungee down on top of the run.

 

[nuthatched]

They do include stakes to secure it down and I've heard they're actually pretty heavy because its all doubled walled. They sell tarps that bungee down on top of the run.

the fact that they sell things to make their coops better instead of just making better coops tells a lot.
Even 5 bantams would be pretty squeezed in this coop.

 

[Acre4Me]

I have 10 chicks so will most likely have a rooster or two I'll need to rehome. There are stakes that comes with it to secure it down.

There are bears and I've seen posts about them ripping off chicken wire to get to hens. I have seen a few posts of bears not getting into these but maybe they just weren't hungry enough. I'll look into electric fence. I was also thinking of doing the eglu and attached run and then a heavy duty run around it from tractor supply.

Yes, if you have bears, best to get ready to electrify! You can search BYC for threads on bears. People in bear country have some good advice. Remember that momma animals often teach their children about electric fences. @cmom has some experience with the benefits of electric fence and momma animals teaching young. Not sure she contends with bears though.