Buzz
For years, I toyed with the idea of keeping chickens in my backyard, but I was aware of the challenges involved. Taking care of living creatures requires significant effort, and my schedule was already packed. However, I remained determined. From robot vacuums in my living room to automated watering systems in my garden, I rely on smart technology to simplify my daily tasks. I believed someone must have found a way to partially automate the care of backyard chickens—and if not, I was ready to pioneer the effort.
My assumption turned out to be partially correct. While there are numerous smart devices available to ease the burden of chicken care, you’re still managing living, breathing animals that demand more resources and time than anticipated. That said, raising chickens can be incredibly rewarding, and with the help of smart technology, you can focus more on bonding with your flock and less on the mundane tasks. You might even find yourself carrying a can of dried worms everywhere, wondering how you got here.
Here’s how I leveraged smart technology to streamline the care of my four backyard chickens (Cacciatore, Marsala, Kiev, and Korma).
Begin with a more intelligent chicken coop
I’m skilled with tools and have a Pinterest account, so I could have built the ultimate coop in a weekend. However, that would require actual effort, and the goal was to avoid such hassles. Instead, I was eager to test out the Smart Coop.
Constructed from metal and pre-molded plastic, this wifi-connected coop is available with or without an attached run. It features an app-controlled door that can be set to open and close at specific times or based on sunrise and sunset. With various preset options (like closing 20 minutes after sunset or partially closing to allow stragglers to enter), it offers significantly more functionality than a typical automatic coop door.
Once you configure the settings to suit your needs, your chickens will quickly adapt and enter the coop on their own when it’s time. I only had to rescue Marsala a few times (because she’s that chicken), and even that process was simplified, as the app sends me an alert whenever one of the girls doesn’t make it inside before the door closes.
The Smart Coop also includes two wifi-enabled cameras that monitor both the run and the coop. These cameras use a specialized surveillance algorithm called EggsteinAI to track your chickens' locations, detect predators and their types, identify eggs ready for collection, and monitor the door’s activity. Notifications are sent to your app or via text, allowing you to respond appropriately—such as triggering an alarm, activating a light, or closing the coop door if a predator is detected.
Through the app, you can view motion-triggered clips of your chickens to confirm they’ve entered the coop at night, mastered roosting, or are engaging with their toys. You can also enjoy watching their quirky antics (my Instagram stories will never be the same).
While you could easily install smart cameras in any traditional coop and automatic doors are not a new concept, the AI alerts have significantly reduced my stress by allowing me to monitor the coop remotely. Unlike my chickens, I have a job and can’t spend all day outside with them. Additionally, no matter how close you are to your flock, your presence will always unsettle them slightly because, well, they’re chickens. Mine see me as their leader, and the moment they spot me, they stop being cute and turn into chaotic bundles of excitement. Using a camera to check on their roosting, eating, or general behavior minimizes disruption. I can also observe how my dog interacts with the coop and monitor any curious local wildlife without disturbing them. (Being able to easily share clips of my chickens’ antics is just an added perk.)
Smart Coop also offers accessories to simplify coop maintenance, including coop liners that make cleaning as easy as emptying a litter box, solar panels for the cameras, and weather covers for the coop. The coop and run are built to be incredibly sturdy and secure, ensuring the chickens’ safety at night in a way that a homemade wooden coop couldn’t match. The double-walled plastic is fully sealed, except for vents that allow airflow, and all doors are equipped with locks. The app also includes support and a community tab to connect with other chicken and duck owners. Honestly, I was thoroughly impressed.
Install sensors that are smarter than your chickens (which isn’t difficult)
Despite its many features, the Smart Coop doesn’t monitor the temperature inside the coop or run. Shortly after moving my chickens outside, my city experienced a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. While chickens typically don’t need temperature control, they are vulnerable to extreme heat, so I sought ways to keep them cool.
Monitor temperature
I set up Aqara temperature and humidity sensors—one inside the coop (which, being a large plastic box, tends to get hot at night when sealed) and another in the run. Now, I receive real-time alerts when temperatures surpass a set limit, allowing me to take action if needed. I also configured the sensors to activate automations: a Dreo smart fan in the coop turns on when temperatures rise above 80 degrees. (Turns out, chickens adore a cool breeze.) Setting up this automation was straightforward, as both the sensor and fan integrate seamlessly with most smart hubs.
Set up water alerts
One of the surprises in raising chickens was realizing how much water four of them can consume in a single day. To avoid daily checks and refills, I installed a water sensor. Unlike typical leak sensors, the YoLink water level float sensor alerts me when water levels drop below the desired threshold. I connected it to my smart drip irrigation system, which automatically refills the chickens’ waterer whenever the sensor signals low water levels. It’s incredibly satisfying to see it in action.
Track their food supply
I haven’t found a dedicated wireless light sensor for the coop’s lighting, but most motion sensors include this feature. I placed an Eve motion sensor at the bottom of the chickens’ food dispenser. As they eat, the sensor gets exposed to light, triggering an alert to let me know it’s time to refill their feed. (My chicken food deliveries are automated through Chewy, arriving every few weeks.)
Use smart technology to train your chickens
Let me start by saying I might be more invested in my chickens’ enrichment than most: I’ve added a swing, a bridge, a mirror, and even a xylophone to their pen, though they mostly prefer standing in front of the fan, channeling their inner Beach Ken. What I truly want is for them to seek my approval. The solution? Rewarding them with treats when they behave as I’d like.
To achieve this, I use the Switchbot bot, a small device that mimics a finger to flip switches or press buttons. I programmed it to activate a treat dispenser whenever my chickens peck a corresponding Switchbot button. The results are endlessly amusing. (I’m even considering repurposing the dog treat dispenser my dog couldn’t figure out; I suspect the chickens might master it, which says something about my dog’s problem-solving skills.)
I hope this doesn’t give the impression that I rely on smart technology to neglect my chickens. On the contrary, automating routine tasks has freed up more time for me to truly enjoy their quirky personalities. I still visit them daily, often in the early evening, to give them attention and cuddles before bed (Cacciatore, in particular, is a very sensitive chicken). During these visits, I also take the opportunity to verify that all my systems are functioning properly and online.
Many aspects of chicken care, such as cleaning treat trays, replacing bedding, and refilling grit and dust bath areas, can’t be automated. However, by automating what I can, I’ve been able to focus more on the joys of tending to my small flock.
