The Omlet Eglu Cube Review – Plastic Chicken Coop for 10 Chickens

Eglu Cube 2m Run

Eglu Cube with 2m Run

 

Eglu Cube on Omlet Web Site

Last and largest of the Eglu family, the Eglu Cube shares the best features of the original Eglu Classic but on a larger scale. It’s an elevated house and so makes very efficient use of ground space with the shelter of the coop being available.

Space & Capacity

Omlet state that the coop will hold 10 medium sized hens or bantams or 6 to 8 large breeds in an area just over a square metre which is fairly tight, especially when you take into account that the nest box is included in the space. Personally I would say it’s ideal for 6 large breeds or 8 bantams and pushing it a little at their stated capacity.

Design & Construction

The Eglu Cube is obviously related to the original Eglu but the boulder shape has given way to a more squared style which is still attractive.

It’s a double walled construction which, like double glazing, insulates the coop. It does keep cool in summer and warm in winter which is great for your chicken’s comfort and health.

Access for the hens is via a door at the front controlled by a handle at the side of the Eglu Cube so you do not have to get inside the integral run – which is an optional component available in 2M, 3M or even 4M Lengths. There is then a ladder to enable the birds to climb in and out of the coop easily.

Access to the nest box, is via a removable panel at the side. This means that egg collection is a doddle and you don’t have to access the interior of the coop.

I did have some concerns about the nest box not actually being split into separate boxes as is usual and being on the same level as the roosting floor. I thought it could encourage sleeping in there and egg eating but owners don’t seem to find either a problem.

The main floor is comprised of moulded roosting bars which the birds seem to like.

Ventilation

Good draft-free ventilation is provided by moulded slits in the body.

Lifespan – How Long Will an Eglu Last?

The Eglu Cube like all the Eglu range is constructed from UV stabilised Polyethylene which means that, barring damage, the Eglu’s shell should last between 50 and 100 years! Polyethylene is used for piping drinking water where a long life is vital and storage tanks. Because other components, like the door handle, may fail I would think 20 years a fair life estimate.

When it does reach the end of its life or usefulness, the Eglu is fully recyclable.

Eglu Cube chicken coop

The removable back, lid and slide out dropping tray makes cleaning simple

Cleaning

Any chicken keeper will agree ease of cleaning is very important and in this area the Eglu range is by far the best.

Under the roosting floor are removable droppings trays which is always a help with keeping the coop fresh, especially in the summer. Better still, the whole coop easily comes apart giving access to everything. It can then be washed down or easier still, jet-washed.

Red Mite

Red mite are the nightmare problem all chicken keepers hit at some point. They hide in any tiny cracks or crevices and any survivors of a deep clean breed like crazy becoming a problem again very quickly.

With the Eglu you can easily wash it 100% clean – killing off all the mites. That’s a massive plus point.

Eglu Cube Support Frame

The house sits on a coated steel support frame to give sheltered roaming room for the birds under the house. In addition, and this is really smart, puncture-proof wheels are fitted to the frame making it very easy for one person to move the coop as required. Just press the lever to bring the wheels down and you’re away.

The Run

The Eglu Cube is designed to be used with a fox-proof run that is available in 2, 3 and 4 metre lengths. Made from coated steel mesh with an anti-digging skirt and optional fixings for uneven lawns.

Conclusion

The Eglu Cube at around £599 and £749 with a 2M run is not a cheap coop. But considering the lifespan it does provide excellent value for money when compared with coops at a third of the price that last but a couple of years.

For the back garden keeper of a a larger flock or small scale hobby breeder the Eglu Cube has to be well worth considering. More information, videos etc. can be found on their web pages.

Eglu Cube on Omlet Web Site

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