We've spent an awfully large amount of time watching chickens in the last couple of days. They are very amusing indeed, particularly with their bedtime ritual, as they have had to manage the little ladder thing on the Eglu Cube that doesn't reach right to the ground.
One of the chickens (Gwennie) is much better than the other two - she goes up first to show them the way. Then Megan follows her. The only problem is that Gwennie then tries to get down before Megan is right up, so they have to pass on the ladder that is really only wide enough for one chicken. Then Gwennie shows Blodwyn how to get up and there is more passing on the ladder, turning round, changing her mind, flapping and wobbling. Finally all three get in, and then Gwennie comes out again to show off how she can fly down from the top rung, jump back up to the fourth run, do pirouettes on the ladder and so forth. It is absolutely mad!
I'm very impressed with the Cube. It is very sturdy, as is the weld-mesh run and extension. They have upgraded the door so you can get into the run and walk around (slightly crouched) with relative ease. It is a doddle to empty the poo trays, which I have lined with Hemcore horse bedding, and is easy to move around when you put the wheels down. It is expensive, but the convenience of not having to scrub out a wooden hen house, which would have put me off owning chickens otherwise, is worth the money.
Just waiting for my first egg now - they are a bit young still, particularly Gwennie who hasn't got any wattles yet. The other two are bigger and therefore more likely to lay soon.
Mr DS was very sceptical but he talks to them and takes them out little chicky treats, so I think he's sold on the idea!
