The Omlet Blog Archives: December 2014

Winter Preparations

With the passing of the Autumn Equinox, the sunlight fading and winter on it’s way, now is an ideal time to give your chicken coop a thorough clean out.  Chickens aren’t difficult to look after, but they do need a clean, draught-free coop to protect them during the colder months.  Doing the hard work now will save you a deep clean in January/February when it is too cold.

Here are some top tips to keep your hens happy during the colder months.

1. Pick a dry day (easier said than done), start early and take everything apart.  Remove the roof if possible and the roosting bars, droppings trays and nesting boxes if you can, and brush out any nesting material.  Using a special spray, such as Barrier V1 disinfectant, give everything a thorough scrub, remembering the corners and inside the top of the coop; places where mites like to hide.  I like to use a bucket of warm warm, a squirt of poultry disinfectant and a Bucket Brush and paint scraper to get to those fiddly areas.  The roosting bars are easily cleaned with a pressure washer as these tend to be where the most caked in droppings are.  Pay particular attention to the corners and joints as these are the most likely places for beasties to lurk!

Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse clean with a watering can or hose pipe and allow everything to air dry.  Reassemble the coop and give everything a good sprinkle of Red Mite Powder, especially the ends of the roosting bars.

2. Next, it’s time to look at the feeders and drinkers.  Empty the food and water out and give those a scrub too.  Rinse them very thoroughly and allow them to dry.  The plastic Grub and Glug can be placed into a dishwasher (top shelf) and they come out good as new (but maybe do this at night when your hens have gone to roost).  Consider investing in a spare set of feeders and drinkers as this makes cleaning out easier and they aren’t too costly.

3.  Check the structure of your wooden coop and look for damage.  Make sure all locks are secure, oil the hinges and tighten any screws that you can see. Consider treating the coop with a wood preservative if necessary.

4.  Look at the ventilation of the coop.  Omlet plastic coops have special air gaps built in as do most wooden coops.  Good air flow is vital for the health of your hens, so don’t be tempted to block up ventilation holes for the winter to keep them warm.  Hens have a higher body temperature than us and as long as you feed them well, they won’t suffer from extreme cold in the UK.  However, if you do want extra peace of mind, you can buy an Extreme Temperature Jacket to fit on your Eglu.

5.  People assume that keeping chickens means you will have rats. Rats aren’t interested in chickens, only the feed.  With food supplies low in the winter, rats come closer to civilisation in search of food.  Making sure you use feeders will help reduce spills and that should prevent Mr Rat from visiting.  Keeping the feeders in the run will stop vermin entering and making sure you always feed treats in bowls or scatter feed inside the run should stop any nocturnal visitors.

6. To prevent your chickens’ water freezing, consider investing in a water heater for your drinker.  These are usually a plastic disc that your drinker sits on and they are mains operated.  They use a low voltage, so they are perfectly safe for your hens.  This saves you changing the water every few hours when the temperature plummets.

7. Consider moving your coop to a more sheltered part of your garden, away from prevailing wind, if possible.  The location of your coop can have a huge effect on your hens.  If this isn’t possible, make sure you have suitable run covers to prevent rain and snow entering the run and coop.

8.  Your hens will spend more time in the coop in winter due to the longer nights.  With their increased feeding (to help them keep warm) there will be increased droppings, so you will need to clean the coop out more often.  I tend to ‘poo pick’ every couple of days to keep on top of things.  Adding extra bedding material to the droppings tray will also help keep the coop warmer.

9.  Giving your hens a handful of mixed corn an hour or so before dark will also help keep them warm overnight, as will making up a bowl of pellet porridge.  Simply pour boiling water over pellets and stir.  Allow to cool and give this to your hens.  You can add Poultry Spice as well to give them extra vitamins for the Winter.

10.  In the winter, your hens won’t have  as much access to your lawn, so give them greens to supplement their diet. Half a raw cabbage hung up in the run will keep them occupied for hours and it will also prevent boredom.  Stuffing a wild bird cage feeder with kale or greens is also a good idea.

11.  With limited access to the garden, give your hens a purpose made dust bath to help keep themselves clean.  Fill it with dry compost, cold wood ash from your fire and a sprinkling of mite powder.

 

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This entry was posted in Pets on December 29th, 2014 by admin


Days 17 – 24 of our Advent Calendar Competition

Enter our Advent Calendar Competition to win sensational, spectacular and scrumptious prizes! On offer this week:

Beautiful Pearl & Topaz jewellery from Jersey Pearl, a stylish toolbox from Future and Found, gorgeous gourmet popcorn from Joe and Seph’s, a Benny the Cat Trunki, a massage from Wish.co.uk, tonnes of tasty tea from The London Tea Company and tickets to The Nutcracker at The Unicorn. Plus, your chance to win an Eglu Classic, with chickens!

To enter, simply visit our Advent Calendar and click on today’s date, or click below. Check back each day to enter

every competition. Missed one? Don’t worry – they’ll be open for entry until Christmas Eve! Good luck!

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This entry was posted in Competitions on December 17th, 2014 by admin


Days 10 – 16 of our Advent Calendar Competition

Enter our Advent Calendar Competition to win sensational, spectacular and scrumptious prizes! On offer this week:

A limited edition painting from Nicola Metcalfe, a Fairy Wish Bracelet from Molly Brown, chocolate handbags from Choc on Choc, a glamping mini break at Elmley Nature Reserve, Christmas beer from Eebria, a Kissing Squirrels Picnic Hamper from Anorak and personalised ceramics from from Gilbert and Stone.

To enter, simply visit our Advent Calendar and click on today’s date, or click below. Check back each day to enter

every competition. Missed one? Don’t worry – they’ll be open for entry until Christmas Eve! Good luck!

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This entry was posted in Competitions on December 10th, 2014 by admin


Christmas Gift Ideas for all the Family

For cosy hens this Christmas

Eglu Cube, from £555

Egg storage with style

Egg Skelter, £19.79


A quirky cabin for catsCat Playhouse, £20.00

A clucking great wall mount

Felt Animal Head, £49.50

Great with a bottle of wine!

Corkers Cork Bear, £4.49

Perfect for the Star Wars fan

R2D2 Egg Cup, £8.75

Stack cans & bottles easily

Fridge Monkey, £4.00

The clever plant waterer

Rainy Pot, £19.50

Bake 3d jungle biscuits

Giraffe Cookie Cutter, £6.50

Chicken poop that tastes good

Lip Balm, £2.25

The Egg Cup for cheeky chaps

Double E(gg) Cups, £6.00

Keep dry & be seen in the dark

Reflective Umbrella, £23.50

Never lose your keys again

Sparrow Keyring, £9.50

A safe alternative to a real pup

Dog Kennel Play Set, £29.50

Apt for most children & men!

Mr Messy Egg Cup, £5.95

Scrabble up an appetite!

Scrabble Magnets, £6.95

FREE UK Delivery when you spend £40, until Christmas Eve!

Order by 22nd December for delivery in time for Christmas!

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This entry was posted in Pets on December 8th, 2014 by admin


Advent Calendar Competition – This Week’s Prizes!

Enter our Advent Calendar Competition to win sensational, spectacular and scrumptious prizes! On offer this week:

Delicious cakes from Meg Rivers Artisan Bakery, designer cushions from Thornback & Peel, two tickets to a

bread-making course at River Cottage, a trio of teacup bird feeders from Flock Follies, a bundle of dog goodies from Beco Things, £100 gift voucher for Frugi and an ‘oh cluck’ screen print from More than Words.

To enter, simply visit our Advent Calendar and click on today’s date, or click below. Check back each day to enter

every competition. Missed one? Don’t worry – they’ll be open for entry until Christmas Eve! Good luck!

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This entry was posted in Competitions on December 3rd, 2014 by admin


Advent Calendar Competition Day 1 – Win a £150 voucher for Seasalt Clothing

Win £150 of Vouchers to Spend at Seasalt Clothing!

Enter today’s Advent Calendar Competition to be in with the chance of winning a £150 voucher to spend at Seasalt. Go on a New Year shopping spree and treat yourself to a new spring wardrobe, or save for a rainy day, when retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered.

Seasalt is a Cornish fashion company producing women’s clothing, footwear and accessories. Their clothes speak of the landscapes, people and heritage of Cornwall, their daily inspiration. Unique prints, very clever designs and famously soft clothing.

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This entry was posted in Competitions on December 2nd, 2014 by admin


Win Diamonds from Molly B Couture

Win a Sensational Set of Diamonds to Dazzle the Night Away!

Enter today’s Advent Calendar Competition to be in with the chance of winning sensationally sparkling diamonds from Molly B Couture. A fine jewellery collection of unparalleled simplicity and loveliness, the Sterling Silver and Diamond Drowsy Cross Necklace, worth £285, features a cross set with round brilliant diamonds, 0.09 total diamond carat weight on an 18″ chain. The necklace also features that instantly recognisable Molly B Couture bow tag. All Molly B Couture jewellery arrives in sumptuous brand packaging too.

Molly B Couture jewellery is defined by romantic, timeless designs and glamorous, feminine collections. The designs have an enduring beauty and encompass exquisite treasures that will illuminate your style and become your signature. Want to treat yourself or a friend to some fabulous jewellery this Christmas? Get 10% off all Molly B Couture treasures with discount code: MBC10 (valid until 17th December).

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This entry was posted in Offers and promotions on December 1st, 2014 by admin


10% off Everything for One Day Only!

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with 10% off everything!

Get your Christmas shopping off to a cracking start with 10% off everything today! Eglus, Qutes, Beehauses, pet accessories, egg cups, gifts and homeware – they’re all included in this one day Christmas sale. But be quick, because this offer expires at 11:59pm tonight (gmt).

Treat the one you love to the gift of keeping chickens, with an Eglu Classic – Today’s price: £404.99

The kids want a hamster for Christmas? You’ll be happy to have the Qute on display – Today’s price: £62.99

Stock up on unusual stocking fillers to make the family giggle, like a pack of Edible Eyes – Today’s price: £4.05

And don’t forget, there’s also Free Delivery when you spend £40, until Christmas Eve.

Not in the UK? Don’t worry – we’ve taken 10% off in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Spain too!

So hurry, order today and save 10% on your Christmas shopping!

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This entry was posted in Offers and promotions on December 1st, 2014 by admin