[Mega]

Hi

Really would like a couple of chooks in our garden. They would be in a permanent area with a tall run. Does anyone use an automatic opener system at all please? I am toying with having one just to open in the morning but put them to bed so we know they away safely of a night.
Thanks
Sam

[helens-hens]

Hi Mega

I have just started using an automatic opener, a VSBi, which is fitted inside the hen house and is light activated.

It depends on your birds but I noticed that mine were very vocal when the pop hole first opens in the morning and in vew of the fact that a) we have neighbours and b) it is getting lighter progressively earlier now, I have started to cover the sensor after they it has closed in the evening and removing the cover at about 7.15 in the morning. I have now ordered a timer for the VSB which should make life easier!

Apart from covering & uncovering the sensor (which is not ideal as they aren't that robust) there is no way of operating the pop hole manually so you wouldn't be able to shut it your self in the evenings. However I found the girls go up in time before it shuts (only once did this not happen and that was the very first time we had used it)

Hope this helps

[Mega]

Great thanks    Think I will have a look at the timer thing - as only going to have max 3 chooks figured that they would follow one another in and out anyway, so hoping not left out and door shut !  I am thinking it is easier to have this sysyem in place so makes it easier for them to be looked after when we go on holiday or if out when its their bed time.
Thank you

[nerdle]

I have one - its great.

[ehs284]

Have a look at some old threads. Hillfooter has produced a series showing how to make a DIY version. I made my own but it's a bit different. You can use timers rather than light activated. They are great in the morning when things are busy in the house; you know the chooks have an open door and access to food and water. One of the problems with light activated (I've found) is that in dark days they can close early; the chooks are then either outside, or, more likely, you spend hours looking for a bird which went to find a nice place for the night.

[nerdle]

Got mine from Flyte so Fancy.  I had all those concerns but not now. Its adjustable so don't worry.

She is always in bed well before it closes and it has survived the cold well.   

It's so great to get up and find a hen outside my door waiting for her brekkie having already had her morning stroll!

[Mega]

Thanks all  DIy one would sway hubby more  will have a look see if I can find the posting for it