I really want an Omlet Eglu Cube- am I nuts?

[ThinkingChickens]

We are getting three hens for eggs and as pets. I have searched chicken coops more hours than I care to admit. I keep coming back to the Eglu Cube in red. I just love the design, how it blends more in the garden, and it's ease of use in cleaning. Am I nuts? I know they are pricey but is it functional? Anyone else have one or have been tempted by one?

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Eglus-Plastic-Coops/Eglu-Cube-up-to-10-chickens-p623.aspx

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I think those look really nice- but my concerns would be - is it warm enough in the winter wherever you live? Is it insulated at all? Also, does it heat up inside too much it if you live in a hot climate?

I have always thought these look really cute- there have been threads on them - you can do a search in the BYC search bar.

 

[Kathryn4629]

I really liked to look of it until I saw the price.

For much less you could have someone build you a small coop and paint it the red color. Not to mention have it insulated, wired for light and basically make it a royal chicken palace.

 

[Keri78]

looks like a marketing ply to me!!!

You could almost achieve the same look with some wire and a rubbermaid tote from Target. After a couple winters I think it's going to look beat. I'd opt for something made of wood for sure.

 

[elmo]

Does it provide at least 12 square feet of floor space? That's the minimum usually recommended for 3 chickens. Does it have 3 square feet of ventilation? That's usually what's recommended for 3 chickens (1 square foot per chicken).

In addition to those paramenters, one problem I have with all low to the ground coops is that they don't allow chickens to roost up high as most chickens instinctively wish to do. Unless you pick very heavy breeds or Silkies that don't want to roost up high, I wonder about the long term stress on chickens of forcing them to roost so close to the ground.

And the other aspect to a low to the ground coop is that you'll be doing a lot of bending over and/or squatting to tend to the chickens and coop. That may not be much of a consideration to you younger folks, but my 52 year old joints are compelling me to take things like this into consideration.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Wow 1400.00 for the 9 footer is pretty pricy. But looks pretty much turnkey. Are there any roosts inside the Eglu? Or are the chickens going to be sleeping in their nests. If they sleep in their nests they will poo there. Not good for egg cleanliness. Ideally the roost should be above the level of the nest with enough headroom to move around and jostle together for sleeping.

I could do all new materials even using one of those Rubbermaid Trash sheds and build a run with a walk in door and net roof for under 500 and I walk with a cane.

They are very cute I have to admit much like a habitrail.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Hmm, good things to consider. I'm worried about the upkeep of the wood models in our weather (both hot and cold) as well as being able to fully clean the coop. This is all washable. As far as weather proofing here is what they say:

Equipped with both twin walled insulation and draft free ventilation, the Eglu Cube will keep your chickens warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

I know price seems high but we like the look. Unfortunately a Rubbermaid shed looks like a Rubbermaid shed. LOL Without considering the price do you think it's a good coop? We are also considering a much less expensive wood coop but we just aren't sold on it.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=226864
try this thread if you wish

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Ooh, thanks for the link!

 

[Judy]

I have a Rubbermaid shed -- long story, needed a quick fix -- and frankly this looks much the same. Actually I like the color of mine better. And I would much rather have a wood structure.

Sorry, there's just no way I would spend that kind of money on plastic. Plastic does not stand up to weather so well, either, even when supposedly treated for it.