I have 16 chickens and will try 10-15 in the coop. If it doesn't work out, I have plan B for the ones that don't fit.
Essentially, the Eglu is their "sleeping" and nesting area. When they aren't doing those two things, they will be in a spacious run. We will also be moving their whole set up around in a circular pattern so they will get a new area to root and forage in. The Eglu is by no means an area for them to "hang out" in.
I've seen others' wooden coops and it's filled with their toys, water, ladders, food, nesting boxes, etc... All of my chickens' accessories will be in the run, with the things that need covering, covered. Additionally, with the water, it will be heated through the winter so it won't be frozen. As for the food, it will be covered to avoid other critters from getting to it.
All in all, we decided on the Eglu because predator proofing is so imporant to us and we love the idea of it keeping the weather outside (summer heat out, winter cold out).
Lastly, Omlet has a 180-day money back guarantee so if it really doesn't work out, we will very much be returning it.
Personally, keeping of farm animals have really changed in the recent years and I feel keeping an open mind on new things isn't a bad idea. If this kind of thing makes it easier for people to "make" their own food for themselves and their family, and at the same time, keeping animals' health in mind, I think it's amazing!
I will keep this thread going to update about my Eglu experience for those interested especially because the Eglu Pro is newer and only a handful of people have it as of right now.
Constructive comments are welcomed!
Prefab companies use the same space requirements as egg farms, (1sq foot per hen) you know those videos where you see rows and rows hens stuffed into a 2x2 cage with 2 other hens? Those are the space requirements.
There's nothing 'new thing' about it, it's the same inhumane practice, just made of plastic and conveniently in your backyard this time. And the good for 'animals health'....I guarantee you that it doesn't even cross the mind of a prefab designer:
Tight quarters, even just for sleeping, (which is only enough space for 8, max) will cause stress and aggressive behavior in birds, such as picking, cannibalism, egg eating, bullying and drastically reduced lifespans.
Low ventilation will not allow ammonia and water vapors to release, which causes respiratory and ocular issues and frostbite.
Double plastic walls won't 'keep heat and cold out,' it will keep heat in like a green house, so they'll cook in summer and won't do anything in winter since chickens are already insulated with their feathers. The 'smaller coop keeps them warm' is a myth.
Eglus are well known not to be predator proof, especially their runs and doors.
Their metal components are known to rust quickly too since they appear not to be galvanized.
Omelet designs coops to look cute and modern, to attract a certain clientele.
Where did you read reviews? Because omelet keeps a pretty tight reign on 'bad press' across social medias.
I don't quite grasp as to why you'd want a coop that won't even accommodate all of your current flock, let alone one that will not comfortably hold a third of them.
The general rule in coop for experienced backyard chicken owners is
at minimum:
4 square feet per bird in the coop.
8 square feet per bird in the run.
1 linear foot of roost space per bird.
1 nest box per 3 birds.
1 square foot of permanent ventilation per bird in the coop.
Those are the minimums, bigger is better, easier and healthier.
You could have 6 birds in this omelet, comfortably.
I once again recommend you reconsider as nothing sours chicken keeping more than a bad coop.
