How can I encourage my chickens to use the Smart Feeder?

As with all new additions to your chicken's coop, it may take them a little while to get used to a new item, especially one which holds food or water. Consistency is important, so we'd advise placing the feeder in the same place as their previous feeder, or close to the same location, so your chickens know where to find their feed.

Demonstration is also a good way to encourage use. This can include sprinkling some feed (perhaps some treats) into the ports whilst the chickens are around so they can see where the feed is going.  You could also gently guide some of your more curious chickens (the rest would follow soon after).

If you are concerned that your chickens aren't feeding from the feeder, it might be worth keeping their old feeder in the same area to give them time to get used to the new feeder without relying on it and monitoring the chickens' interaction with the new feeder.