Automatic coop door opener

[Frandy]

I am after some advice.
I have just ordered a automatic door opener so I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to let them into their run. Can I leave their feed out in the run over night or will I still need to get up and put it in the run in the morning? The feeders are hanging feeders so not easy acessable to rodents, I hope.

 

[aart]

If rodents can get in the the run, I wouldn't count on hanging feeders keeping them away.
Spilled feed can attract them, and rodents are pretty good climbers....
....and jumpers, chicken height feeder are nothing for most mice and especially rats.
Might think about a rat proof treadle feeder.

 

[rosemarythyme]

No reason to run out to feed the chickens at crack of dawn. My auto door opens at 7:45 AM but I don't get up until 8:30-8:45. The chickens have to wait to eat until I bring food out. I do not leave feed in coop or run overnight, as I've had rodent issues before and really want to avoid that particular problem.

 

[tommyleeduong]

I am after some advice.
I have just ordered a automatic door opener so I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to let them into their run. Can I leave their feed out in the run over night or will I still need to get up and put it in the run in the morning? The feeders are hanging feeders so not easy acessable to rodents, I hope.

this may be late of a reply but i mix in chile pepper and paprika into my feed mix. keeps everything away except the chickens, they seem to like it more then without the peppers mixed.

 

[tommyleeduong]

this may be late of a reply but i mix in chile pepper and paprika into my feed mix. keeps everything away except the chickens, they seem to like it more then without the peppers mixed.

should have seen the squirrel that was having a field day at my feeder. After i added the chile pepper and paprika, it took one sniff and freaked out. hahaha. Now i refill the feeder weekly instead of every 2 days. also dont know if my chickens got bigger so they are less messy. but after introducing the peppers, I have 99% less spilled food on the floor.