Recent content by DrRocco

  1. DrRocco

    Advice needed on Integrating mixed age and species birds

    All very helpful information! Thanks guys!
  2. DrRocco

    Advice needed on Integrating mixed age and species birds

    This winter, a critter of some sort got in my coop and killed all but one bird in my 3 year old flock. We've been planning to repopulate with baby chicks this spring and thought it might be fun to throw some ducks in the mix. Currently, I have the single 3 year old Buff Orpington alone in the...
  3. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    Oh, I missed that when I first looked at it. I'm looking at a latching relay circuit, right?
  4. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    That looks like it would work, but it's dependent on two, manually operated switches. That's fine if you're merely looking for an electric door.
  5. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    You know, I just realized that you will need two relays. Because I'm using push buttons right now, I forgot to factor in the relay that would replace the buttons. I'm using a couple industrial SPDT relays I had leftover from when I used to do this stuff for a living. I don't remember if they're...
  6. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    I actually used two relays for that. I already had them on hand. You can do it with one though. You just need a DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) relay. Hook it up like this: As far as the door track is concerned, I haven't had any problems yet. The screw drive is powerful enough and the...
  7. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    That motor should be strong enough for any setup you use. Those light sensors though, what a steal! I'm gonna order a handful of 'em. Good catch! My screw drive is simple. I mentioned it earlier in the thread but I'm not sure I attached the video correctly. It's pretty much a cordless...
  8. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    Which motor on sciplus are you looking at? Certainly there's a way to move from a square to a round shaft. The screw drive on my door is really working well and is simple to make. You might want to consider something similar. Just a thought. I meant to get more done with this project over...
  9. DrRocco

    Fence Height for "Free Ranging"

    Flying Toasters! Now I feel old. Thanks everyone for the info! If any of you enjoy digging post holes, let me know. :)
  10. DrRocco

    Fence Height for "Free Ranging"

    I have Australorps and Buff Orpingtons. They certainly don't look like efficient flying machines. Where do they fall on the flyability scale?
  11. DrRocco

    Fence Height for "Free Ranging"

    Just a few inches? How does that work when they try to roost? I didn't figure a clipped wing would hobble them that much. My birds have to make it about 2' up to the roosting bar.
  12. DrRocco

    Fence Height for "Free Ranging"

    I live in town and my birds are truly "backyard" chickens. Right now, my yard is fenced but only with 3 foot high chain link. Come spring, I'd love to be able to let the girls out of the run to pick through the grass and the garden whenever I'm outside. I'm certain that I wouldn't feel...
  13. DrRocco

    Humidity Issues

    Yikes. It sounds like you are in serious need of ventilation. I'd put a turbine vent on the coop if I were in your shoes. http://www.askthebuilder.com/roof-turbine-vents/
  14. DrRocco

    biggest egg I ever seen

    I got this one yesterday. I was pretty excited, but I think you've got me beat!
  15. DrRocco

    Arduino controlled coop door help requested

    Oh, and sciplus.com is a great place to get motors and such on the cheap.
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