Even on days when it's stormy and very dark, mine is open by 7 am. Only had 1 day when someone was left outside and that was the day they were all spooked by a hawk and she was hiding. No problem, I count heads and went looking for her.
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2) I used a 14 gallon drum I purchased from Amazon with a nice plastic/sealed lid. On the side of the drum I installed about 10 horizontal chicken nipples - which have not started leaking yet.
I then cut a small hole in the plastic lid and placed a 100W fish tank heater in the drum. (Sealed the whole with more epoxy). This water lasts the chickens at least 3 weeks. Just need to make sure the water level does not drop too low to expose the tank heater. I also add a little bit of bleach/chlorine to the water to prevent it from growing algae. (7-9cc per 14 gallons works fine.)
Is your pullet-shut door still working? I am looking to purchase one for my second coop. I have a Coop Controls on my other house, this house is smaller and the Coop Controls will not work. I like the solar option and size of this door, but want to know if is going to work longer than a couple of years.I've had my pullet-shut door for over a year and I really love it. It's super easy to set up and to set the timer.
I also was reticent about the automatice sensor, especially since some of my girls are "night owls" so to speak, and don't go to bed until the last bit of sun is gone. I got the solar panel for it. It's up on the roof and it charges the battery which sits right next to the door and puts out the power. The only problem I had was once when a raccoon, in an attempt to get at my birds, kicked over the battery and the wires disconnected from the door. At 9am there were some very cranky chickens in their roosts! But as long as you keep the battery safe from movement, it works like a charm.
I cannot tell you the peace of mind it's given me. Incidentally, I live quite close to the makers of the pullet-shut and went to pick up my door at their facility. The gentlemen are extremely friendly, willing to help with any problems, and I feel confident that if I ever had a serious issue with the door, that they would work with me to make it right.
@Feather Mommy you quoted an old post from 2014, member hasn't been here since 2019, so you will not likely get a reply.Is your pullet-shut door still working? I am looking to purchase one for my second coop. I have a Coop Controls on my other house, this house is smaller and the Coop Controls will not work. I like the solar option and size of this door, but want to know if is going to work longer than a couple of years.