Best Automatic Coop Door?

Beni

In the Brooder
Apr 17, 2017
15
4
44
I'm a first-timer at raising chickens and my first flock (12 birds) is just about ready to be turned out. I know I want to install an automatic coop door either on a timer or with a light sensor. The two brands that look best so far are the Ador chicken door and the Pullet-Shut Door. I'd appreciate any recommendations / warnings or other thoughts to consider before I make a purchase! Thanks in advance :)
 
I'm not familiar with the Ador, but I have three Pullet-Shut doors and absolutely LOVE them.

They are very well designed and very easy to install. I don't use them in conjunction with the optional light sensor; instead I just reset the door every couple of months as days get longer or shorter. All of the doors are under some type of roof (associated with a chicken run), so they aren't directly exposed to sunlight or rain, although I don't think you have to shelter the door from weather. I've had no mechanical problems with them over the 3 to 4 years that I've had them. All of mine are powered by the optional solar panels that you can order with the door. I had to replace one of the batteries after a couple years of use, but that's not a big expense.
 
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Hi - this looks great - I am interested in this set up.
Just wondering if there is any chance that the solar panels malfunction if the day isnt sunny enough? Thanks! -Kate
 
Love my ChickenGuard extreme, $15 discount they are a BYC sponsor I think the code was backyard15

It has a light sensor/meter you can program to shut the door. I went out at dusk and watched the chickens put themselves away. checked the light meter on the door and it was whatever number, I think 200 so I set it to shut at a lower number, 190 I think. Now without fail the chickens use their internal light meter to go to bed and the door shuts 8-10 minutes later. I do not use it to let them out, I do that manually and randomly, I do not want them making noise to get out at certain times every day and prefer them locked up when I am away.

Batteries supposed to last a year...

Gary
 
Love my ChickenGuard extreme, $15 discount they are a BYC sponsor I think the code was backyard15

It has a light sensor/meter you can program to shut the door. I went out at dusk and watched the chickens put themselves away. checked the light meter on the door and it was whatever number, I think 200 so I set it to shut at a lower number, 190 I think. Now without fail the chickens use their internal light meter to go to bed and the door shuts 8-10 minutes later. I do not use it to let them out, I do that manually and randomly, I do not want them making noise to get out at certain times every day and prefer them locked up when I am away.

Batteries supposed to last a year...

Gary
Thanks for the info, Gary, and the discount code!
 
Love my ChickenGuard extreme, $15 discount they are a BYC sponsor I think the code was backyard15

It has a light sensor/meter you can program to shut the door. I went out at dusk and watched the chickens put themselves away. checked the light meter on the door and it was whatever number, I think 200 so I set it to shut at a lower number, 190 I think. Now without fail the chickens use their internal light meter to go to bed and the door shuts 8-10 minutes later. I do not use it to let them out, I do that manually and randomly, I do not want them making noise to get out at certain times every day and prefer them locked up when I am away.

Batteries supposed to last a year...

Gary
Thanks Gary, we appreciate the kind words. We are proud to be a BYC sponsor and the special BYC coupon discount of $15 "backyard15" is still valid. Thank you for your business!
 
While I designed my own automagic chicken door so I can't comment on commercial doors, the first design I had a light sensor and I found out rather quickly that was not very good when a thunder storm came up and it got dark enough to close the door before the chickens could get back inside... I had to go out in the rain and manually open the door for them. So I through that idea in the bit bucket.

JT
 

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