FAQ

There is no requirement for maintenance action. In extended testing, the solar panel, fitted as standard, maintained full charge in the batteries, including when unfavourably positioned, subject to bad weather, and seasonally short days. You might want to make use of the delayed opening function during periods when daybreak is earlier than you wish your hens to be let out, achieved by simply turning the knob to the required setting.

Yes, we regularly export to customers in many overseas destinations, and can also take payments in US$ and Euros.

No I’m afraid that, as a small family business, we are not set up or authorised to offer this facility. Such schemes may be offered by some of the payment processors as part of their service, but without our involvement.

We may be able to help with other types of coop. Please contact us at info@henpal.co.uk with details, and we will advise you. Also, we are developing other versions and new products, which will become available on our site following completion of testing and proving in the field.

Yes, in the event of any problems within 12 months of purchase, you may return the product to us, and providing it has not been damaged or misused, we will repair or replace it. We should first be contacted to advise us of the problem, and we will confirm the return procedure.

No, we have designed the product with this situation in mind. It can be fitted without the need to use any tools, or wire anything up, and requires no disassembly, modification or drilling of your coop. It really does take only a few minutes to install it and have it working for you. For your reassurance, there is a video showing installation of the device, which you can view on our website at www.henpal.co.uk , so available to view before making a purchase. Illustrated written instructions are also provided with the product.

Yes, by simply lifting up the Hen Pal device so that the lip on the front panel clears the roof of the coop, it may be turned in such a way as to close or open the door. Alternatively, the front panel may easily be removed by releasing the black thumbscrew, to allow manual turning of the complete device to the door open or closed position.

No, the device is activated by the change in light level between night and day, so there is no need to set/adjust a clock or create a programme of opening and closing times. To keep you in control, a delay function is attached to the light sensor, so that opening can be delayed when it gets light earlier in the summer than you want your chickens let out. You simply turn a knob in the controller to the required delay setting. Similarly, door closing can also be delayed to accommodate stragglers who are slow to get to bed.

It has been designed and extensively tested to cope with a wide range of temperatures, and in stormy conditions, so unless the door gets buried in snow, it keeps working.

The device has control sensors, so that if a chicken is in the wrong place at the wrong time, when the door encounters it, the closing action is reversed to avoid it prior to completing the door closure.

The device will continue to follow the usual routine while you are away, but in the interests of responsible animal welfare it is advisable for some periodic checks to be made, in case of unforeseen damage or debris affecting its operation. With the standard solar panel, there is no concern about charging or replacing the batteries before you leave. If your hen coop is within range of a remotely accessible security camera (e.g. “Ring”), this would enable you to keep an eye on the situation.