Omlet Plastic Chicken Coop Review – The Eglu Chicken Coop Review

When Omlet’s Eglu – now called the Eglu Classic – was launched back in 2004 I must admit I didn’t like it. It struck me as a fad rather than a serious product. I think I described it as an overpriced plastic triumph of slick marketing for the trendy set.
Eglu Classic on Omlet Web Site

Well, I was wrong.

I’m still not very keen on the colours, much preferring natural wood as a material for the garden but that’s a subjective matter of taste. And tastes vary, so let’s ignore the looks and consider it purely from the practicalities.

Lifespan – How Long Will an Eglu Last?

The Eglu 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 estimate.

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

Space & Capacity

The house will hold 2 to 4 medium sized hens in an area 0.64 M2 which is fairly efficient, especially when you take into account the nest box is included.

Design & Construction

The curved shape is attractive but the house is very practical at the same time. 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 top of the Eglu so you do not have to get inside the integral run – which is an optional extra.

Access to the nest box, or more accurately egg-laying area, is via a removable panel on the side. I did have some concerns about the nest box not actually being a full box as is traditional. I thought it would 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 holes at the top on the front face.

Eglu Access for Cleaning

Cleaning

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

Under the roosting floor is a removable droppings tray 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.

The Run

The Eglu 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 Classic at around £315 and £450 with a 2 M 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 few hens the Eglu Classic has to be well worth considering. More information, video etc. can be found on their web page.

Eglu Classic on Omlet Web Site

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