I Thought Chook Watching Was Boring. Then I Acquired the Chook Buddy.
Let’s be trustworthy. Whenever you consider “hen watching,” you most likely image a retired couple in beige vests holding heavy binoculars, whispering a few neurotic sparrow.
I definitely did. I like nature, positive. I’ve a yard. However I by no means thought I’d be the particular person sending screenshots of a Cardinal to my household group chat at 10 AM on a Tuesday screaming, “LOOK AT HIS MOHAWK!”
However right here we’re. I purchased the Chook Buddy Sensible Chook Feeder on a whim (okay, I noticed it on TikTok), and it has utterly taken over my life in one of the best ways doable.
It’s basically a flowery hen feeder with a high-res digital camera and AI that identifies the birds for you. Is it well worth the premium price ticket in comparison with a $15 plastic tube from House Depot?
I’ve been feeding the neighborhood flock for 2 months now. Right here is my trustworthy assessment.
It’s Like “Pokémon GO” for Actual Life
Right here is the hook: You do not have to sit down at your window ready for birds. The feeder does the give you the results you want.
When a hen lands on the perch, the built-in digital camera wakes up, snaps a high-definition picture (and video), and sends a notification to your telephone: “You might have a customer!”
Opening that notification is a dopamine hit. You unlock your telephone and increase—there’s a crystal-clear, close-up picture of a Blue Jay staring proper into the lens. The AI then identifies the species for you and provides it to your “Assortment.”
I discovered myself attempting to gather all of them. “I bought a Chickadee! Now I would like a Finch!” It gamifies your yard.
The Photo voltaic Roof: Do Not Skip This
I purchased the bundle with the Photo voltaic Roof. The digital camera runs on a battery. In case you get the usual model, it’s important to take the module out and cost it inside through USB-C each week or so (relying on how standard your feeder is).
With the Photo voltaic Roof, I have not charged it as soon as in 60 days. The solar retains it topped up completely. Until you reside in a cave, spend the additional cash for the photo voltaic panel. It makes the gadget actually “set it and neglect it.”
The Video High quality
I used to be anticipating grainy safety digital camera footage. The Chook Buddy shoots in 1080p, and the standard is gorgeous. You possibly can see the feel of the feathers, the glimmer of their eyes, and the seeds flying all over the place after they eat.
The microphone can be surprisingly good. You possibly can hear them chirping and scratching round. I generally simply depart the stay stream open on my iPad whereas I work—it’s the last word ASMR.
The Squirrel Battle
Everyone knows the enemy of the hen feeder: The Squirrel. Does Chook Buddy cease them? Form of.
The AI is sensible sufficient to acknowledge a squirrel. It can ship you a notification saying “Squirrel Detected!” and you’ll really hit a button within the app to play a loud noise or yell at them by means of the speaker to scare them off. It does not bodily block them (except you purchase a separate baffle in your pole), however getting a close-up video of a squirrel getting busted is truthfully simply as humorous as seeing the birds.
The Cons: Wi-Fi is Key
That is the one potential dealbreaker. The feeder wants to achieve your property’s Wi-Fi community to ship you the pictures. When you have a large yard and also you need to put the feeder 100 yards away from your home, it will not work. I had to purchase an affordable Wi-Fi extender to verify the sign reached my favourite tree. Check your telephone’s sign in your yard before you purchase.
Closing Verdict
Is it costly for a hen feeder? Sure. However it’s priceless as a supply of pleasure.
It connects you to nature in a approach that feels trendy and easy. My children like it, my companion loves it, and I’ve develop into the “Chook Man” at work. It is usually the one finest reward you can provide to oldsters or grandparents who “have every thing.”
Prepared to start out your assortment? Test the present worth (and seize the photo voltaic model) on the hyperlink under.
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