For a growing laying flock, which daily task would you automate first?

[Elowen]

Hi everyone,
I work with poultry equipment and am interested in hearing how keepers here approach day-to-day work as a laying flock grows.
If you were improving a setup, which task would you look at automating first: feeding, watering, egg collection, or manure handling? What made the biggest practical difference for your flock, and what turned out to be more complicated than expected?
I realise many members here keep backyard or smaller flocks, where simple manual systems may work best. I’m especially interested in the practical trade-offs—time saved, cleaning, maintenance, reliability, and cost—rather than any one particular product.
Please mention roughly how many birds you keep and what your setup is like, if you’re comfortable sharing. Thanks!

 

[Mandy Onderwater]

@FarmingBoy! any pointers?

My dad only ever kept a small amount of chickens. Like, maybe 4 at a time, so we never really had a need for automation. Though, automated egg colllection would've been amazing as our girls would attack if they saw us carry an egg. They were vicious!

I suppose I would prioritise watering. Having access to clean water is a must. My main downside may be that I might forget to clean them at times.