Poultry Farming
The connection with nature and animals, the enjoyment of home-grown food, a fresh egg from your own chickens for breakfast. Hobby farming is becoming more and more of a trend and combines leisure (hobby) and agriculture (farming).
Keeping chickens is ideal for hobby farmers and self-supporters
Keeping chickens is ideal for hobby farmers and self-supporters and is not difficult. In order to provide the chickens with optimal conditions right from the start, the following things should be in place:
- Sufficiently large stable and free run (space for scratching)
- Laying nests and perches
- Water trough & feeding trough
- Grain mix but also green waste from your household
- Additional supplements such as various minerals and vitamins
- A food ball for leisure activities
- Litter such as pellets/straw litter, sawdust or straw
- Chicken literature on care, keeping, breeds & co.
- For the winter, a heatable drinker or hot plate
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Find out here about our entire product range on the subject of keeping chickens:
The chickens
Since chickens are very social, at least four animals should always be kept. There are different breeds that lay eggs. Professional breeders, poultry breeding clubs or experienced hobby farmers are good contacts here and can advise which chickens suit the respective keeper.
But the neighbours should also be involved in the decision, especially if you are thinking of keeping roosters.
The Enclosure
Freedom of movement for chickens is particularly important! Each chicken should have twelve square metres of space in the enclosure so that they can eat, scratch, peck and act out their natural behaviours.
A run can be easily formed with poultry netting. To adapt to the needs on the pasture and to protect the chickens, the nets come in many different versions. They differ in lengths and heights, stakes with different bottom tips, electrifiable or non-electrifiable.
Non-electrifiable nets offer a simple fencing option. Electrifiable nets are essential to ensure optimal safety and protection of the chickens - especially in the presence of potential predators (dog, fox).
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The Chicken Coop
A maximum of two to three animals should be kept per square metre. In the coop, the chickens sleep, lay eggs and seek shelter from bad weather. Therefore, the chicken coop should meet the following requirements:
- dry
- well ventilated, but not draughty
- let in enough daylight
- offer protection from heat and cold
- Easy to clean
To meet the basic needs of the chickens, the coop also needs:
- perch for the night
- Laying box as a nest
- Litter
- Feed and water dispenser
The Laying Nest
Installing a laying nest allows hens to lie in good condition and prevents the loss of eggs. The nest should be placed or hang away from passageways and feeding areas. It is filled with straw to avoid broken and dirty eggs. If there is no nest or if the nest is not comfortable, the chickens lie in different places in the henhouse or in the garden. The eggs are lost, broken or dirty.
Here you will find a large selection of coops, chicken houses, nets and accessories for your chicken keeping:
The fascinating digestive system of poultry: anatomical features and optimal nutrition
Chickens and other poultry are very special when you look at their digestion. In most creatures, digestion begins with the chewing process. In poultry, the teeth are missing, so the mechanical part of digesting food does not begin in the beak. Nature has compensated for this anatomical "flaw" by creating a gizzard.
Very important for good digestion is clean water and high quality feed.
Chickens feed mainly on grains (wheat and maize). They also find fresh plants and insects in their enclosure. Green waste such as peelings, stalks of fruit and vegetables or lettuce leaves are wonderful for chickens. A hen consumes about 12 to 150 kg of green waste per year.
Daily menu
- 25 cl clean water, especially in summer
- 100 to 150 g of cereals (wheat, maize) and protein crops (peas, beans), whole or ground
- Pasture, insects and green waste
- Minerals for solid eggs
Supplementary feed from Ida Plus supports the health of your chickens
Supplementary feed for chickens is essential to ensure optimum care. Ida Plus feed supplements in particular play a key role in this by strengthening the chickens' immune system. Targeted nutrients intensify cell protection, while vitamin D ensures strong bones and vitamin A supports the immune defence. This targeted support is essential in various phases of the chickens' lives, be it during the laying phase, moulting or during growth. Ida Plus therefore offers a comprehensive solution to ensure the health and vitality of chickens, especially during the demanding winter months.
Find out about the benefits of Ida Plus’s poultry feed supplements.
You can find our full range of Ida Plus poultry feed supplements here.
Health check for chickens: signs of healthy poultry
Your chicken is healthy if:
- the eyes are clean, without discharge and not inflamed
- the nose is dry and the animal does not sneeze
- the plumage is shiny, clean and not smeared with dirt
- the buttocks are clean and not sticky
- the claws and beak are not too long and the toes are not malpositioned
- no bumps, swellings or incrustations are visible or felt on the body or can be felt
- the chicken is lively and alert and has a good appetite.
The best automatic feeders and poultry drinkers for chickens - innovations from Kerbl for species-appropriate chicken farming
A species-appropriate supply of fresh water and clean food is the basis for healthy, happy chickens. Modern automatic feeders and poultry drinkers ensure that your animals have access to clean water and feed at all times - whether in the coop, run or mobile house.
The feeders and poultry drinkers specially developed by Kerbl offer you numerous advantages: automatic water and feed supply, stable hygiene thanks to raised feet, weatherproof materials for outdoor use, easy cleaning thanks to removable parts and practical fill level indicators. This allows you to optimise your chicken run and keep chickens with minimum effort and maximum safety.
The new Kerbl poultry drinkers and feeders have been specially developed to meet the needs of chickens. The SmartCoop automatic feeder and the SmartCoop poultry waterer can also be equipped with the SmartCoop barn automation system. This means you benefit from convenient barn automation, protection against frost in winter and digital control - perfect for modern hobby farming and professional poultry keeping.
With Kerbl automatic feeders and poultry waterers, you have the basis for healthy, stress-free and economical poultry farming.
Feeders and poultry drinkers for chickens from Kerbl - for optimum care, less waste and maximum hygiene in the henhouse
Our automatic feeders and poultry drinkers set new standards in species-appropriate chicken farming. They offer automatic water and feed supply, minimise feed loss and ensure a clean, solid solution thanks to their feet. The weather-resistant containers made of high-quality plastic, practical carrying handles and transparent tops with a measuring scale make handling easier. This allows you to feed chickens correctly and reliably check the fill level at all times.
Find out here about suitable drinkers and feeders as well as sustainable organic feeders:
Advantages at a glance:
The innovative poultry drinkers and feeders with feet from Kerbl offer an automatic supply of water and feed, a stable stand and minimise soiling. Both products are durable, weatherproof, easy to clean and have transparent containers with a measuring scale for easy monitoring of the fill level. Thanks to their particularly space-saving design, they can be flexibly positioned on the wall or hung up and take up very little space in the stable or run. The modern, colourful designs set visual accents in the henhouse. Other practical advantages include stable feet, a convenient carrying handle, removable lids and a user-friendly click mechanism for easy filling and cleaning. Developed by Kerbl - for efficient and hygienic chicken keeping.
Smart solutions from Kerbl
SmartCoop Feeder
The SmartCoop feeder with safety flap protects the food from rodents and ensures optimum feeding thanks to the height-adjustable partition - even for floury or granular chicken feed.
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The safety flap reliably keeps mice, rats and other rodents from getting to the food. The feeder is also ideal for outdoor use, as the safety flap prevents wild birds and other animals from gaining access to the food. The flap also protects the feed from light rain so that it does not get wet or clump together. Thanks to the wall mounting, the feeder is particularly space-saving and requires very little floor space. The automatic feeder can be retrofitted with the SmartCoop feed dispenser with fill level sensor (70662). This enables automatic dosing of the feed and monitoring of the feed quantity in the SmartCoop automatic feeder.
SmartCoop Poultry Waterer
The SmartCoop poultry waterer ensures maximum hygiene with smooth-running drinking nipples, anti-mite lid and drip tray.
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The robust, food-safe canister ensures a safe water supply and is easy to transport thanks to the carrying handle. The space-saving wall bracket allows flexible installation even in small poultry houses. The swivelling drip tray means the drinker can also be used as a stepping aid for chicks. Cleaning is effortless as all parts are easy to dismantle and neither dirt nor germs stick to them. The SmartCoop poultry waterer therefore offers an optimum combination of hygiene, convenience and efficiency for modern poultry farming. The poultry drinker can be retrofitted with the SmartCoop drinker heater with full level sensor (70652). This keeps the drinker frost-free all year round and allows the amount of water to be controlled.
Important facts about automatic feeders and poultry drinkers for chickens
- Compact poultry drinkers and automatic feeders with a capacity of 3-5 litres or 3-5 kg are suitable for small groups of up to 10 chickens, while a larger volume or several devices are recommended for larger flocks. The SmartCoop series is particularly suitable for automated feeding and large groups.
- Durable and easy-to-clean materials such as robust, weather-resistant plastic are ideal for automatic feeders and poultry drinkers. Stainless steel is also very robust, but is less commonly used in the hobby sector.
- Automatic water and feed supply systems work reliably if they are cleaned and maintained regularly. Modern systems such as SmartCoop or the Kerbl Hobbyfarming series are particularly recommended here.
- The refill intervals depend on the number of chickens and the capacity: 5-litre drinkers are sufficient for approx. 10 chickens for 1-2 days, automatic feeders with 5-7 kg for 2-3 days.
- Transparent containers with a measuring scale make it easy to check the fill level. Electronic systems such as SmartCoop offer a digital fill level display.
- Cleanliness of water and feed is ensured by raised feet and protected outlets such as nipple drinkers or hinged systems.
- Automatic feeders with a lockable flap, such as the SmartCoop automatic feeder, offer protection from rodents. Grids on the feed disc also prevent food loss.
- Quick and thorough cleaning is possible thanks to removable parts and smooth surfaces. Weekly cleaning is recommended.
- Simultaneous access to feed and water for all chickens is ensured by several feeders or poultry drinkers as well as sufficiently large feeding and drinking areas.
- With the SmartCoop poultry drinker and optional drinker heater, the water does not freeze in winter.
- Installation is generally straightforward and many models are ready for immediate use. Wall brackets such as SmartCoop offer space-saving installation.
- Wall mounting is possible for many models and provides additional hygiene and space savings in the barn.
- Robustness for outdoor use is provided by weather-resistant materials such as plastic or stainless steel. This means that the devices are also suitable for changing locations.
- Accessories and extensions such as attachments, holders or fill level sensors are available for many systems and enable customisation.
- Lightweight, transportable models and wall mounts offer flexibility in the choice of location - ideal for stables, runs or mobile stables.
- Suitability for different types of feed is ensured by height-adjustable partitions, as with the SmartCoop automatic feeder - whether floury, pelleted or granular feed.
- Feed waste can be effectively avoided by using grids on the feed disc and automatic folding systems.
- Different age groups in the flock require customised solutions: Lower models or special attachments are useful for chicks, and step mechanisms should be adjustable for all age groups.
- Fresh water and food at all times, even when you're away, thanks to automatic systems with a large storage container and fill level sensor. Smart systems also offer digital control.
- Mobility is guaranteed by lightweight models with a carrying handle, making the appliances easy to transport and flexible to use.
- Removable parts and handles make it easier to transport and move the appliances quickly.
- Investing in high-quality, automatic feeding and watering systems pays off in the long term by saving time, reducing feed loss and improving hygiene.
- Spare parts and repair options are available for a long time with branded products such as Kerbl, which further increases the service life of the systems.
The Clutch
A laying hen lays 180 to 200 eggs a year, with cycles depending on certain conditions:
- Age of the animal: Hens lay their first eggs at the age of 5 to7 months and then regularly up to the age of 2 to 3 years
- Season: The short days of winter slow down the laying rhythm, which then reaches its peak in the spring
- Their own rhythm: Hens lay in a cycle of 5 or 7 days (4 laying days and 1 rest day, or 5 laying days and 2 rest days)
- Food and water: A varied diet with grains (wheat, maize, oats, barley) and plants (grass, organic waste), bran mash or moistened bread promotes regular laying even in the winter. Sufficient clean drinking water must be provided.
The Egg
The eggs hens lay are a reflection of the diet and life of your animals. They can vary in flavour and colour depending on the season and feed composition. Eggs from your own laying hens have been neither transported nor stored. They are simply fresh eggs that you can eat up to 28 days after laying. The egg is an exceptionally wholesome food. Its proteins consist of 23 amino acids, 9 of which are essential as our bodies do not produce them themselves.
Give your chicks the best start with useful helpers such as incubators, brooding accessories and radiant warmers:
The four seasons in the henhouse
With the days getting longer, spring is the richest season in the henhouse. The "egg production" increases significantly.
Summer with long hot days is the season of lice and other parasites. Cleaning and maintenance of the chicken house and monitoring of watering are important.
Autumn and the first frost require some care and attention. A comfortable and clean chicken house for longer nights and rainy and windy days, a diet enriched with protein to compensate for the gradual disappearance of insects.
In winter, the last of the summer vegetables are harvested from the vegetable garden. It is now time to make it a field of discovery for the chickens.
How to get your chickens through the winter frost-free
Although most chicken breeds are well adapted to the cold, wind, wetness and snow can quickly become problematic. Winterise the chicken coop and enclosure and always provide an extra portion of fatty feed. This will give your chickens the best support for the winter. The following steps are important when preparing for the cold season:
Prepare the chicken coop for winter
Humidity, moisture and wind can quickly become a problem for chickens. Make sure you keep the chicken house dry and protect your chickens from draughts. If it is particularly cold, you should also install an automatically closing door. A heatable thermal chicken coop offers a winter-proof solution. The double-walled construction provides optimal cold insulation. In the best case, heating coils are installed in the floor area to keep the interior frost-free. In this way, you offer your chickens safe and comfortable accommodation.
The drinking water must not freeze under any circumstances. The right location is important. Place the drinking trough in the middle of the chicken house. If it is very cold, it is advisable to place an additional heating mat underneath. Check the water in the drinker every day. Heated small animal bowls are particularly safe and comfortable. The bottles of these bowls are double-walled insulated and also have a heating element integrated in the bowl. This special small animal bowls supplies your chickens with fresh water frost-free down to minus 20 degrees.
Heating plates as well as rubber heating plates are also suitable for ensuring that your chickens are still supplied with fresh water even in the coldest temperatures. Anti-slip strips on the top guarantee safe standing for a variety of drinkers.
Timely basic cleaning
Clean the chicken house thoroughly in autumn. Before the onset of winter, the chicken house should also be repainted with milk of lime. This reduces the germ load and keeps parasites away. Renew the litter and sand bath regularly before and during the winter. Generously line the floor of the chicken coop with straw. This helps to insulate against the cold.
Is the coop or chicken house suitable for winter?
Check the chicken house for damage and carry out any necessary repairs. The housing and also the enclosure must be able to withstand sharp winds, heavy rain and large amounts of snow. Test the roof for tightness. Draughts and moisture can penetrate through cracks and holes in the outer wall. Is the ventilation working? You must rectify any defects before the onset of winter. The ideal humidity in the chicken coop is 60%-80%. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity.
Check the outdoor enclosure
Chickens are active and need exercise - even in winter. Regularly check the fence of the enclosure for loose wires. The chickens could injure themselves on them. Holes in the fence can also develop over time. They make it easy for foxes to get into the enclosure. You can keep wild animals out with an electric fence. With an electrifiable poultry net, you and your chickens are always on the safe side.
The right winter food
The usual grain mix is not enough for chickens in winter to stay fit and healthy. Chickens have a significantly higher energy requirement during this time of year. Laying and pullet hens need additional support with feed supplements.
Prevent light deficiency
In winter, chickens lay fewer eggs. They need their energy to protect themselves against the cold. During the darker months, the lack of light also affects the laying performance of your chickens. Your animals need 13-14 hours of light per day for full performance. Therefore, make sure they have enough light. If there are no large windows or glazed doors in the coop, at least install lighting. Preferably with a timer and dimmer function. This way they can simulate sunrise and sunset.
Find out about all the useful products such as thermal chicken coops, frost-free bowls, species-appropriate feed and accessories to get your chickens through the winter in the best possible way:
Mobile Coop - flexible chicken coop
The innovative Mobile Coop combines important animal welfare standards with an appealing look and improved ergonomics for breeders. They are the ideal and also very safe housing for your chickens (recommended for 4-6 chickens). In the coop, the chickens find an integrated laying nest and a rounded perch for optimal sleeping comfort. The raised body with the smooth surfaces facilitates cleaning and prevents the red bird mite from settling in.
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Thanks to the sturdy metal frame and the mobile unit with two wheels, the hutches can be moved very easily by one person to a freshly lawned area. Due to the robust construction, the Mobile Coops are suitable for all seasons and weather conditions. The large windows provide sufficient light in the coop and guarantee a healthy day-night rhythm.
The advantages of the Mobile Coop made of plastic
- Extremely robust and durable
- Incl. integrated laying nest and rounded perch
- Special opening of the laying nest allows quick egg removal
- Door with large window ensures a bright interior in the stall and guarantees a healthy day/night rhythm
- Incl. poultry ladder
- The faeces tray can be quickly and easily pulled out through a side opening for cleaning
- Secure door lock protects against unwanted guests (e.g. martens, foxes, raccoons)
- Easy interior cleaning with a brush or garden hose, for example. faeces exit via an opening in the interior floor
- Highly stable metal frame with two wheels and handle on the side for lifting and easy moving
- Easy installation thanks to permanently mounted threaded inserts
- Smooth surfaces make it difficult for the poultry mite to settle in
- Insulating effect thanks to double-walled elements (cool in summer, warm in winter)
The advantages of the Mobile Coop made of wood
- Convenient moving of the chicken coop due to the stable moving unit with wheel axle and two wheels
- Highly stable metal frame with two wheels and handle on the side for lifting and easy moving
- Laying nest integrated in the coop, offers the chickens the necessary peace and quiet to lay eggs
- Door with large window ensures a bright interior in the stall and guarantees a healthy day/night rhythm
- The perch serves as a sleeping place. The faeces tray underneath catches the faeces directly
- Secure door lock protects against unwanted guests (e.g. martens, foxes, raccoons)
Smart Coop for smart hobby farmers
Did you know? The mobile chicken coops Mobile Coop are great to upgrade with our brand new SmartCoop coop automation system.
Control the light and chicken door conveniently via Smart Coop App.
SmartCoop - the world's first plug & play barn automation for the hobby farmer and direct marketer
Healthy chickens are happy chickens!
SmartCoop makes it possible. The intelligent interaction of the individual modules ensures an optimal living environment thanks to automated processes, eliminates husbandry errors and thus promotes the welfare of the animals. The system can be operated both manually via a control unit and fully digitally with a mobile device. The modular design also allows full flexibility to adapt the system perfectly to different conditions. This allows SmartCoop to be integrated in very small barns as well as in larger fixed or mobile barns. All modules can be installed and operated individually or together, depending on which functions you want to use.
Turn your chicken coop into a place of well-being, that thinks for itself and makes everyday life easier for people and animals!
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Automates the chicken coop
Constant day-night rhythm for more well-being and higher laying performance
Optimal temperature & air conditions for a healthy stable climate
Monitoring of water and feed administration
Reliable
Arbitrarily expandable
Operation via app possible
Easy installation
Facilitates everyday life
The SmartCoop System
In its full expansion stage, the SmartCoop system can be combined with all of the modules listed below.
SmartCoop Control unit
The control is the heart of the SmartCoop system. All modules are connected to the control and programmed.
Connectivity Module
The connectivity module connects the control with local Wi-Fi and allows all functions to be programmed and monitored via the Kerbl App.
LED Barn Lighting
The LED barn lighting provides targeted lighting for barns according to your individual settings and creates a healthy day-night rhythm.
External Daylight Sensor
When assembling the control indoors, the external daylight sensor replaces the integrated control sensor and detects the ambient light outdoors.
Feeder with Safety Flap
The SmartCoop Feeder ensures your chickens have constant access to hygienic feed.
Feed Dispenser with Fill Level Sensor
The feed dispenser is an accessory for the feeder for controlling the time and amount of feed provided and for level control.
SmartCoop Poultry Waterer
The SmartCoop poultry drinker ensures your chickens have constant safe access to clean drinking water.
Drinker Heater with Level Sensor
The drinker heater is an accessory for the poultry drinker for level control and prevents the drinking water from freezing.
Barn Ventilation
Stable ventilation ensures a safe supply of fresh air. Stable ventilation removes moisture and air contaminated with ammonia and effectively protects against moisture damage and mold.
Barn Ventilation Exhaust
The barn ventilation exhaust removes air contaminated with ammonia and moisture and provides effective protection against moisture damage and mould infestation.
SmartCoop Chicken Door
The chicken door with rack and pinion drive is a professional everyday helper and reliably protects every chicken coop from predators.
Cable Pull for Chicken Door
The cable pull opens and closes all common, vertically mounted wooden, metal and plastic chicken flaps reliably and automatically.
SmartCoop Signal Lamp
The signal light allows the detection of control messages from a greater distance.
Air Temperature Sensor
The air temperature sensor monitors the temperature in the coop and enables temperature-dependent control of the coop ventilation.
Areas of application SmartCoop
Wooden barn with SmartCoop system installed
Mobile Coop with SmartCoop system installed
FAQ SmartCoop
Here you will find the answers to the most important questions about your SmartCoop modules.
SmartCoop Control unit (70600)
1. The control unit regularly loses the time and date setting
- The power supply is temporarily interrupted.
→ Make sure that the power supply cables are free of faults. In solar mode, check the battery voltage if necessary. - The connection cables of the connectivity module (art. 70620) or external daylight sensor (art. 70622) have been extended.
→ An extension is not permitted with these modules. Remove the extension cables. - A module is defective and leads to increased current consumption.
→ Unplug all modules and plug them back in one after the other. Check at which module the error occurs again. - The barn ventilation (art. 70625, 70626) is blocked.
→ Clear the fan wheel of dirt and ensure that it can rotate freely.
2. The error "battery empty" appears regularly in the display.
- The battery voltage is too low.
→ Recharge the battery and acknowledge the error with the key to return to normal operation. Just recharging is not sufficient, the error must be acknowledged! - The voltage value for activating the energy-saving mode is incorrectly selected.
→ Check the value and correct it downwards if necessary (Attention! Observe the permissible voltage range of the battery!). - The solar system does not supply enough energy.
→ Optimise the orientation to the south and make sure that no obstacles (branches or similar) cause shading.
3. The error ‘Battery low’ regularly appears in the display, although the control unit is supplied with power from the 12V power supply unit.
- The threshold value for energy-saving mode is set too low. It may happen that the voltage drops briefly despite the mains supply and an error message is triggered.
→ Set a threshold value of 9.0 V for ‘Energy-saving mode active under’ in the battery settings.
4. The error "extraneous light interference" appears in the display.
- The system was disturbed by extraneous light (e.g. car headlights, street lamps, garden lighting, etc.).
→ Make sure that no extraneous light can reach the light sensor.
5. The error "flash error" appears in the display
- The light sensor is not communicating correctly with the control unit.
→ Check which firmware version your control unit has. The firmware version is shown on the display for a brief moment when the control unit is started up. If your control unit has a firmware version older than V01.32, please contact the Kerbl Hobbyfarming team of experts.
→ If the firmware version is V01.32 or higher, please perform a restart. Disconnect the power supply unit of the control unit from the power supply for at least 10 seconds and then plug it back in. If this is not successful, please reset the control unit to the factory settings in the menu.
Connectivity-Module (70620)
1. The module cannot be paired with a terminal.
- Perform a reset (press PRESS button for 5 sec) of the connectivity module and pair again.
- You are too far away from the connectivity module with your end device, which is why there is no connection.
→ Move close to the connectivity module. - Bluetooth is not activated.
→ Activate Bluetooth on your end device. - The connectivity module has already been added with another account.
→ Reset the device ID in the control unit menu and pair again.
2. the CC module flashes green/white continuously and does not connect to the WLAN.
- An incorrect WLAN name or password has been entered. You are too far away from the connectivity module with your end device, which is why there is no connection.
→ Press the reset button for 5 seconds and pair again with the correct WLAN access data. - You are trying to use a 5 GHz WLAN. The SmartCoop only supports a 2.4 GHz WLAN.
→Please change the settings in the router. - The control unit is not within range of the WLAN.
→Ensure sufficient WLAN reception by amplifying the WLAN or placing the control unit closer to the router. - You use a public WLAN.
→ Use a WLAN that is protected by a password. - The WLAN name must not contain any unauthorised characters (comma, space).
→ Select a WLAN name without illegal symbols and pair again.
Cable Pull (70640)
1. A "door fault" appears in the display.
- Make sure that you have selected ‘ Cable pull’ and not ‘ Chicken door’ in the menu settings when selecting the door type.
- Door runs against a stop in the upper end position.
→ Recalibrate (more distance) - The weight of the slide is too high.
→ Insert another slide that does not exceed the maximum slide weight. - Door gets stuck when opening.
→ Ensure the free movement of the slide. (Clean slide area)
2. Cable stops too early or too late in lower end position.
- The door has not been calibrated or has been calibrated incorrectly.
→ Perform a calibration.
3. The retaining cord of the cable pull gets tangled.
- The cable pull has not been mounted horizontally or the free movement of the slider is not guaranteed.
→ Check whether the cable pull and the attached slider have been mounted correctly (see operating instructions cable pull for chicken door).
4. The cable pull does not move automatically and cannot be operated manually. The cable pull is not displayed in the app.
- The cable pull is not recognised by the control unit because it is not connected correctly.
→ Make sure that the cable pull is connected to the correct slot on the board (04 – Door Automation). - The control unit does not recognise the cable pull because the calibration of the cable pull has not been carried out.
→ Carry out the calibration of the cable pull.
Direct drive chicken door (70645)
1. A door error appears in the display.
- Make sure that you have selected ‘Chicken door’ and not ‘ Cable pull’ in the menu settings when selecting the door type.
- Door moves against an object during the closing process so that the process is blocked.
→ Remove the object and acknowledge the error message. The chicken door must then be recalibrated.
2. The door does not close or open completely.
- The door has not been calibrated or has been calibrated incorrectly.
→ Perform a calibration.
3. The chicken door does not move automatically and cannot be operated manually. The chicken door is not displayed in the app.
- The chicken door is not recognised by the control unit because it is not connected correctly.
→ Make sure that the chicken door is connected to the correct slot on the board (04 - Door Automation). - The control unit does not recognise the chicken door because the calibration of the door has not been carried out.
→ Carry out the calibration of the door.
LED Barn Lighting (70621)
1. The lighting remains without function.
- The jumper plug on the last module is not placed.
→ Place the jumper plug on the last module. - A lighting module is defective.
→ Connect each lighting module separately to the control unit in turn (with jumper plug placed) and replace the defective module. - The control unit is in energy-saving mode: The control unit has an energy-saving mode for battery and solar operation. This causes the connected modules with high energy consumption to be switched off automatically when the battery voltage falls below a freely selectable level. All power-intensive modules are deactivated with the exception of the chicken door or the cable pull.
→ Charge the connected battery and acknowledge the error to go to normal operation. Check that the voltage value for activating the energy-saving mode is correctly selected. When using a solar system, it must also be ensured that the system supplies sufficient energy.
2. The lighting flickers, shines only very dimly or is completely without function
- More than three lights were connected in series.
→ A maximum of three luminaires may be connected in series. Remove all surplus luminaires.
3. The control unit reports an "extraneous light fault".
- The automatic system was disturbed by extraneous light (e.g. outdoor spotlight, lantern, car, etc.).
→ Ensure that there is sufficient protection from extraneous light. If necessary, shade the light sensor slightly.
4. How does the control unit calculate the lighting duration and time?
- The control unit calculates the required lighting duration based on the actual night time using the set dark time. In the evening, the time at which the door is closed is used to calculate the lighting duration; in the morning, the time at which the brightness exceeds 10% (twilight) is used.
If a later opening brightness or time is set in the morning, the lighting is still active until the door is opened. If no door is connected, the control unit still uses the set closing and opening values to calculate the lighting times.
5. The lights do not switch off at night and the door does not close.
- The closing light is activated. The brightness value that must be undershot to close the door is not undershot. The control unit remains in the ‘closing light phase’ as the door does not close and the closing light therefore does not switch off.
→ Increase the set closing brightness value so that it falls below this. If necessary, use an external daylight sensor to screen out or eliminate extraneous light influences (Christmas lights, street lamps, etc.).
6. During initial commissioning, the lamps light up permanently and do not switch off.
- → Carry out a restart. If this does not improve the situation, wait 24 hours so that the control unit has run for a day. The lamps should then switch on and off correctly.
Barn Ventilation (70626) and Barn Ventilation Exhaust (70625)
1. The fan produces only little air flow or does not start.
- The fan impeller or the housing is very dirty.
→ Disconnect the module from the control unit to prevent the fan from being switched on unintentionally. Remove foreign objects and clean the fan wheel and the housing with a damp cloth.
2. The fan is without function.
- The temperature cut-off is activated. It is recommended to temporarily deactivate the fan at very low outdoor temperatures in order to prevent cold air from entering the barn. With the "OFF below" setting, you can define a temperature value below which the ventilation is deactivated. A value between 0°C - 15°C is recommended. The setting values for "OFF below" and "100 % ON above" must not be too close to each other (at least 10°C difference). Otherwise, malfunctions will occur.
→ Check what temperature you have set in the menu at "OFF under" and adjust the value if necessary. - The control unit is in energy-saving mode: The control unit has an energy-saving mode for battery and solar operation. This causes the connected modules with high energy consumption to be switched off automatically when the battery voltage falls below a freely selectable level. All power-intensive modules are deactivated with the exception of the chicken door or the cable pull.
→ Charge the connected battery and acknowledge the error to go to normal operation. Check that the voltage value for activating the energy-saving mode is correctly selected. When using a solar system, it must also be ensured that the system supplies sufficient energy.
3. The fan is permanently activated and does not switch off.
- The "summer mode" is activated. With the setting "100 % ON over" you can select a temperature value above which the fans are permanently switched on with 100 % power to ensure a fast air exchange and a cooling effect. The fan remains active until
- The temperature drops 5°C below the set value.
- Night falls if the "Night OFF" function has been selected.
- The recommended temperature is between 25°C and 35°C, depending on the season. The setting values for "OFF below" and "100 % ON above" must not be too close to each other (at least 10°C difference). Otherwise, malfunctions will occur.
→ Check which value you have set and adjust it if necessary. If this function is not desired, set the value to 99°.
Drinker Heater with Level Sensor (70652)
1. The message "Water empty" appears in the display, although there is still enough water in the canister.
- The feeder heating with level sensor hangs too far up.
→ Pull the cable a little through the lid until the heater rests on the bottom of the canister with the lid on. - The sensor pins are dirty, which is why erroneous "water empty" messages can occur.
→ Clean the sensor pins with a damp cloth so that the level can be determined correctly again.
2. The message "Water temperature" appears in the display.
- The water has frozen in the drinker because the ambient temperature is too low.
→ De-ice the drinker by pouring warm water into the drinker and check the correct placement of the drinker heater.
Feed Dispenser with Fill Level Sensor (70652)
1. The error "Feed malfunction" appears in the display.
- The engine was blocked, possibly by a foreign object or similar.
→ Uncover the feeder and remove any foreign objects. Acknowledge the error and check the function several times by briefly pressing the feeding button.
Automatic chicken doors – safety and convenience for your chicken coop
Do you want to protect your chickens from predators and make your everyday life easier at the same time? Our automatic chicken doors open and close all by themselves – right on time at sunrise and sunset or according to your individual schedule.
This means your animals are safe from nocturnal predators around the clock, even when you are not at home. Easy to install, weatherproof and durable – discover our innovative solutions for a completely secure chicken coop now.
How automatic chicken doors reliably protect your chickens and make everyday poultry farming easier
An automatic chicken door should meet the following quality criteria to ensure both the safety of the animals and convenient handling.
- Reliable mechanism in all weather conditions (rain, frost, etc.)
- Flexible control with light sensor, timer or both combinable
- Manual operation via button on the device, via external button or conveniently via app
- Easy installation without prior technical knowledge and suitable for all common coop openings
- Secure power supply via power supply unit or self-sufficient power supply via battery or solar operation
- Automatic shutdown of the motor in case of overload for greater product safety
- Integrated safety mechanism with stop function in case of resistance to prevent animals from getting trapped
- No unwanted opening due to lightning or brief brightness (passing cars, etc.)
- Use of robust, weatherproof and UV-resistant components for durability
Automatic chicken doors from Kerbl
Kerbl offers a wide range of automatic chicken doors that have proven themselves over many years thanks to their high quality and reliable functionality.
From classic control units with flexibly connectable sliders to practical plug-and-play complete solutions, there is the right solution for every poultry farmer. Discover our various models now and find the optimal solution for your needs!
Automatic control for chicken doors – our all-rounder
A wide variety of chicken doors made of wood, metal or plastic can be connected to the automatic control system. The cable pull opens and closes the slider fully automatically and offers a very flexible solution for all chicken keepers who want to work with a classic sliding door. We offer aluminium sliders in various designs to suit a wide range of coop openings.
Advantages at a glance:
- Suitable for different types of sliding doors and versatile in use
- Daylight and time-dependent control possible
- Manual control on the device or via connected external button possible
- No unwanted opening due to lightning or brief brightness
- Automatic motor shut-off in case of overload
- Stop function in case of resistance with subsequent continuation of the closing process Battery, power supply or solar operation possible
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EasyProtect automatic chicken door – simple and secure plug-and-play chicken door with integrated self-locking mechanism
The EasyProtect automatic chicken door is our plug-and-play solution for all chicken keepers who want to install the control unit and door in one go. It is characterised by its simple installation and integrated self-locking mechanism.
Advantages at a glance:
- Offers the same range of functions as our automatic chicken door ( Art. 70550)
- Integrated self-locking mechanism prevents the door from being opened accidentally from the outside, protecting against intruders
- Very easy to use and install, as the control unit is already mounted on the door
- Compact design also allows installation on low chicken coops
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SmartCoop System – fully automatic chicken doors with app control for maximum safety and comfort
The world's first plug-and-play coop automation system for hobby farmers and small-scale poultry farmers. The SmartCoop system can be operated manually via a control unit or fully digitally via an app on a mobile device.
You can connect the SmartCoop cable pull or the SmartCoop chicken door with a rack and pinion drive to the SmartCoop control unit and operate it fully automatically.
SmartCoop chicken door with rack and pinion drive – automatic chicken coop door for maximum protection and safety
The SmartCoop chicken door with direct drive opens and closes automatically based on time or light settings. Equipped with a rack and pinion drive and external light detection, it ensures maximum protection and safety for your chickens.
SmartCoop cable pull – automatic control for vertical chicken doors and secure poultry protection
Automate your current chicken door with the SmartCoop cable pull for chicken doors. This reliable mechanism safely and automatically controls vertically closing chicken doors, either on a timer or light-dependent, and protects your poultry from uninvited guests.
What do I need for chick rearing?
Hatching chicken eggs yourself and looking after your winged pets from the first hour of life - this is the dream of many chicken lovers is not only something for experienced breeders. With the right equipment and the necessary care, chick rearing is also possible for hobby keepers. Here you can find out what is urgently needed to raise sweet, fluffy chicks.
Raising chicks requires a few things to ensure they grow up healthy and happy. Here are some basic things:
- Incubator: An incubator is necessary to incubate the eggs. There are different types of incubators, depending on their size and capacity. A simple incubator for home use may already be sufficient.
- Heat source: Chicks need a lot of heat in the first weeks to stay healthy. A heat lamp or hot plate are popular heat sources for chicks.
- Food and water: Chicks need special chick food and fresh water to grow and thrive.
- Bedding: Good bedding helps keep the floor dry and clean and provides a comfortable surface for the chicks.
- Housing: Suitable housing for the chicks is important to protect them from predators and provide them with a safe and comfortable home. A simple box or hutch may be sufficient to start with.
- Hygiene items: Cleanliness and hygiene are crucial for the health of the chicks. Therefore, you should have disinfectant, disposable gloves and paper towels ready.
In the beginning there is the egg - in this case the fertilised egg. You don't have a rooster in your flock or perhaps no chickens at all? No problem. Fertilised eggs of various chicken breeds are available, for example, from your local small breeders' association or from experienced breeders on the Internet. Carefully packed, the eggs can easily be sent by post. As always when purchasing animals: Please inform yourself in advance about the keeping conditions of chickens in general and the desired breed in particular!
The fertilised eggs are there - now the incubator is used. The temperature in the incubator must be 37.8 degrees and the humidity 55-75%. Place the incubator in a place without draughts and with a constant temperature between 17 and 25 degrees. Start it up 24 hours before you put the eggs in. Then the temperature and humidity can settle at the right values.
The new Covatutto 16L digital Pro incubator is ideal for beginners. The correct temperature and humidity can be easily checked via the digital display. In addition, a motor automatically turns the eggs twice a day.
Now it's time to wait - 21 days for hen's eggs. 3 days before hatching, switch off the motor for egg turning. Remove the separating plates between the eggs. Now the suspense is rising - which egg will be the first to peck a little beak into the open?
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The freshly hatched chicks stay in the incubator for the first 24 hours. Then they can move into the coop. But beware: Young chicks have a high heat requirement and need an additional heat source - like the CosyHeat heating plate. The chicks can slip under the plate and rest in the cosy warmth. The temperature can be adjusted continuously and adapted to the chicks' need for warmth: If they snuggle close together, they are too cold, and if they sit far out on the edge of the plate, the unit is set too warm. The integrated thermostat ensures a constant temperature under the plate. Since it does not heat permanently, but only ensures that the desired temperature is reached, the CosyHeat is more energy-saving than conventional radiant heaters.
A drinking trough with fresh water and an automatic feeder for chick feed complete the equipment of the chick house. Be sure to place food and water away from the heat source so that the food does not spoil. Now you can watch the cute chicks grow up – they grow up so fast!