FAQ's

What makes the Gillandra Automatic Chicken Feeder different to others?
Our Automatic Chicken Feeder holds 2 full 20kg bags of feed and sits neatly against a fence or wall. Our feeder opens and closes at a set time, or, has the option to open and close with the day light. This eliminates the need to open and close your feeder daily or to have the feed left out overnight.

How big are the Automatic Chicken Feeders?
Our Automatic Feeder is quite large and somewhat heavy. It is made from Australian Bluescope Galvanised Steel for strength and durability and can handle all types of weather conditions. The size also means it can hold approximately 40kg of feed.
Dimensions: 21.5cm x 41cm wide x 91cm high

How heavy is the Automatic Chicken Feeder?
The weight of the feeder (without feed) is 14.4kg

How does the Automatic Chicken Feeder work?
Our Automatic Feeder comes with a motorised control box that has a string attached to the door. The door opens and exposes the feed that is gravity fed down the hopper.

The motor can be programmed to:

• open at a set time and close at a set time
• open at a set time and close with the day light (lumens sensor)
• open with the daylight and close with a set time
• to both open and close with the daylight.

How many chickens can feed at once with the Automatic Chicken Feeder?
We recommend one feeder per 6 chickens however this is variable, and we recommend you see how the feeder works for your flock. The chickens will feed and then walk away in general which allows the opportunity for other chickens to feed. Three chickens can stand at the feeder side by side (size depending) at any given time.

What are the Automatic Chicken Feeders made of?
Our Automatic Chicken Feeder is made from Australian Galvanised Steel to make them more durable and tolerant to most weather conditions.

Does the Automatic Chicken Feeder come assembled?
Our Automatic Feeder does not come fully assembled. For packaging purposes, we cannot attach the motor to the feeder or the handle onto the lid. In saying that however, the only things you need to so is,
mount the motor onto the feeder and attach the swivel latch to the door, and unscrew the handle and screw it onto the lid the correct way.

Where can the Automatic Chicken Feeders be placed?
We recommend our Automatic Feeder be placed against a wall or fence where you can use the eye bolt to tie it back for extra security and stability. We recommend the floor to be level and sturdy. The chickens may scratch at the edge of a soft surface making it unstable.

Is the Automatic Chicken Feeder waterproof?
Our Automatic Feeder itself is waterproof, however, blowing or sidewards rain can go in if the feeder is open at the time of the weather event. We have found the chickens eat the feed even though it’s a bit damp and the feeder still works fine.

Can ducks, geese and turkeys use the Automatic Chicken Feeder?
Ducks, Geese and Turkeys can all use the feeder.

How long will the food last in the Automatic Chicken Feeder?
The food in the feeder will last as long as the recommended date on the actual feed itself. The feeder should stay dry and clean inside the hopper at all times.

What type of feed can be used in the Automatic Chicken Feeder?
Any type of dry feed can be used in the feeder.

Why should I use an Automatic Chicken Feeder?
Our Automatic Feeder makes keeping chickens easy and frees up more time for you to do the things you want to do. It allows you to enjoy the chickens at the times that suit you, instead of being another job at dawn and dusk every day.

Can the Automatic Feeder be programmed to open and shut multiple times per day?
Our Automatic Feeder cannot be time programmed to open and shut multiple times per day. The light sensor option will open and shut at the detected light levels all day.

What happens if the Batteries run out?
When the batteries are getting low the motor red light will flash rapidly. If the batteries die completely the door will remain closed. The batteries can be easily changed, and you will need to reprogram the feeder for it to operate again.

What happens if the string breaks?
If the string breaks you can easily retie it. There is approximately 2m on the spool, leaving plenty of string to retie several times over. The string should not be rubbing on anything and if it is you may need to check the feeder is vertically level and not tilting backwards.

Can I use the lumens sensor option if my feeder is inside the coop?
The lumens option works well indoors if the coop has plenty of light. If the coop is lit up overnight you will need to check that the light isn’t too bright. If it is, the feeder will stay open.

How is the Automatic Feeder powered?
The feeder is powered with 4 x AA batteries. We did a trial on one of our feeders using everyday good quality batteries from your local supermarket. These batteries lasted 18 months.