Automatic pop hole opener

[pebojuno]

Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone has used an automatic pop hole opener and how well they have worked?

I keep my chickens at my partner's parents farm- I currently have 10 pekins there and some growers in my back garden. The pekins currently have a large chicken shed and a fox proof covered run but ideally I would love them to be able to free range around the fields -The problem I have is that the farm is about 4 miles away from me and so I would find it quite tricky with work/ children etc to get there twice a day at the correct times.

I am hoping that someone with some experience with the automatic openers can tell me how they got on with them- ie. Were there many losses due to chickens being shut out accidentaly? I realise that Mr Fox may well pay a visit during the day as well but that could surely still be a problem if you were to lock the chickens up at night by hand? Any help/ advice on this matter would be welcome.

Thanks, Nicky

 

[Tim]

Hi Nicky - I use lots of the VSB openers - they are excellent and once set up correctly they work perfectly for me.

See my Automatic Pop Hole Opener Review

Sorry, my lunch hour is over and I must dash!

Tim

 

[pebojuno]

Tim,
Thank you for the link to your review it was very helpful - The VSBbi is the one I was looking at buying so it's nice to hear that they do work well.
My chickens are going to be very happy when the pop hole problem is sorted - they'll have a nice big field to strut about in! It may even mean I can add to the flock (again!) Will need to be Defra registered at this rate!
Thanks again, Nicky

 

[Anonymous]

me thinks you should be on comision Tim .

 

[Tim]

me thinks you should be on comision Tim .

Nah, can't be bothered with all that! Adverts work better for me - that is only once a year and helps pay for the server.

Just remember to change the batteries every year and inspect the cord. Other than that, I have 3 running without problems. The timer is well worth having because it saves them being let out at 3am in the summer months when there is the risk of a fox popping in!