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     This device would be used mainly when you are away from home, at times when chickens may need minor care.

     There are some devices that just open and close the door but this would also give chickens water and turn on a heat source if it gets too cold.

    This is not a substitute for regular care but provides some flexibility for busy modern backyard farmers.

    My wife and I have a few chickens we care for and as with any farm animal they need daily care, more than once a day in many cases. Our busy schedules don’t always allow us to be home to close the door at dusk for example.  We have had lost several chickens to fox and fisher cat and having the door open after dark is an invitation for trouble.                   

      Other features like automatically keeping the chickens watered, or turning on the heat source are features that are not required for survival but it would give my wife peace of mind to know a device was looking out for them when we are not around.