I have used mine for 6 years with no problems. It is built like a tank and never fails. To close and then open again for any stragglers to get a 2nd chance is just brilliant! I cannot recommend this Pullet-Shut Automatic door opener enough. We have the battery/solar panel/light sensor version...
Our stories are exactly the same except that I have been using the Grounds from TSC for about three years. We found out about the non-availability just days ago, so my black 6x6 drying tarp will be here tomorrow and we are to pick up used grounds from Starbucks and from Elements coffee shops...
Not treats, really... but mine sure think they are: The guts and seeds of cantaloupe, spaghetti squash and pumpkin. And the white part of watermelon gets them excited, too.
I understand your concern, but from the ground a squirrel or a snake would be the only possible predator here. No coons, opossum, weasels, etc. Overhead, hawks would be an issue but the run has a full top on it.
Commercial? With 6 hens? LOL Even chicken math can't resolve that this is a labor of love and not about the eggs or meat. The idea is to take care of their basic needs as efficiently and cleanly as possible so that there is more time for small batches of growing fodder and fermenting feed...
These 12 week old girls have just moved to automatic feed, water and grit. The black feeder angles outside the run a bit higher up so that I can fill it without going into the run. They took right to th red water jug's two nipples in a very few minutes. Like everything else, when one figures it...
Update:
The 6 girls are nearly 3 weeks old. Two Buff Orps, two Barred Rocks and two white rock.
They are healthy and growing like I'm sure they all do... DAILY!
Grand kids involved and names for the chickens is ongoing. So far, we have Layla, Yoko, Tanzi, and Snowflake. Two more to go...
Already experiencing chicken math today! Ready to order chicks. Wanted 2 Buff Orps and 2 Dominiques, but minimum is 3 of each. So now it is 6. That fast!
Just in the planning stages for a small backyard flock... 4 hens is the beginning plan.
I have lots to read before I ask anything, but I assure you I will. Thanks ahead of time!