1 hr late for a party last night - advice about an automatic pop door?

[verlaj]

So - we normally have no social life. Normally home at dusk to lock up the chickens when they roost.

Last night - we had 2 parties to attend - and were 1 hr late for the first one! After showering, dressing up, fixing hair and makeup (!) - ready to go - remembered we wouldn't be home until well after dark, and had almost 50 chickens not locked up! Tried to entice them all into the coop with scratch - worked for many, but still there were the dozen or so that had to be herded into the coop. Had to get my beloved to come help me - created a "chute" by the door, herded them around in a few separate groups, DH holding the door to let the new ones in without letting others out!! AT LAST.... got them all safely secured for the night. I needed another shower!!

(Here's expressing great appreciation for my patient and helpful husband!)

We arrived at least an hour late for the first party - fortunately the hostess has chickens and understood!

So - I'm thinking of getting one of those doors that is light-activated, that will close after dusk after the chickens roost. (Probably would be best to not have to plan our social life around locking up the chickens!) Those that have experience with them - do you have any recommendations on products, installation, things to be aware of?

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=99668 Have fun good luck>>>>

 

[verlaj]

Thanks - lots to read there about perfecting the design!

Anybody use a light-activated door?

 

[CloggingChicken]

I built a light sensitive relay circuit from directions on the internet and attached it to a cordless screwdriver with limit switches. The limit switches allow the door to break the circuit when it goes all the way up/down. Have about $15 invested in it at this point and need to get a sliding door and track mounted to use it in the coop. You could do the same type of thing pretty cheap, just takes some creative ideas and searching the internet or even BYC. Some other ideas on here have included a recycled power antena with transformers and timers.

Good luck.

 

[verlaj]

I'm passing these ideas on to my husband who is quite handy. He thinks the limit switches are a good idea - thanks for the suggestion.

 

[kcfuerst]

I have an automatic door opener/closer. Right now I have it working on a timer. I have the option to use the photocell, but have not put that to use yet.

I love the way it works! I work full time 10 hours a day and cannot always be around to open and close their door. It's awesome. I bought mine from the manufacturer in Germany after a not so pleasant experience with Wells poultry in the UK. It was expensive, but well worth it.

 

[verlaj]

Quote:
What brand is it?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

My crazy Sally Favors love to stay out til the owls come flying over. It scares me to think a door will close with someone outside. I have done it to several on many occasions (thank goodness I check). Sometimes to my beloved family pets so now I forgo the fun and attend my chickens. Life can be a pain sometimes but I am trying to take care of my more than 300 chickens. I don't want to lose one. Well, there are a few roos but you know those never get taken!

 

[verlaj]

Thanks, Nadine. I am now looking into the option of a mechanical door closer that operates on a timer instead of light activated. Others have set their timers to close the door 15 minutes after dark comes. Seems a good compromise between locking out straggler chickens and beating the nighttime predators. This, of course, is for the rare occasion when we go out at night!!

 

[cfabe]

I rigged up a timer-based automatic door for my coop. I used a cordless screwdriver motor and limit switches. I have a very detailed write up with schematics, instructions, photos and videos here: http://www.fabiens.org/ckblog/?page_id=106 Hope it helps!