Advice on Automatic Doors?

[srodems]

Thinking about automatic doors, since when I went on vacation, although I had someone check on the girls twice the week I was off, I found signs of them being "cooped up" (feathers, one slightly broken beak, etc.). Does anyone have advice about automatic door openers? I am handy but also an aesthetic freak. I want it to look professional, and don't mind spending some money. Any advice would be great.

 

[WitksChicks]

This is the type of door I'm interested in getting. Here are some sites I've seen this automatic coop door openers on, only difference is the pricing.


http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/Automatic_Door_Openers.html?gclid=CMfTns-K6JsCFeFM5QodwAqu5Q

and

http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html

and

http://www.axt-electronic.de/index1.htm (on this site click on the US flag, then go to "specification & pricing"

 

[consdrs]

Go check out my page on automatic doors. cost less than 50.00 not that "aesthetic" but we have 2 of them and they are hooked up on the back side of the coop that no one but me sees. I will be posting the step by step directions as soon as I can get husband to sit down (for 5 min would be nice) and give me the directions. Its actually pretty easy took about a half hour to make and just as long to install. my first one has been happily pulling up and pushing down the fiberglass door since February.

Connie

 

[srodems]

Thanks so much for all the information. I am into aesthetics, but also hate to spend money if I can build it myself. The car antenna idea is awesome. Think I might try that. Directions are fantastics...seems pretty straight forward. I will start collecting items and let you know how it goes. Thanks again to both of you for the information!

 

[bathsheba8542]

We bought one from Foy and it works great. Opens when the sun comes up and shuts at dusk, well after the chickens are roosting.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I'm not mechanically nor constructionally gifted. I'm happy my coop is still standing after 2 years, lol. I have the door and connections from Foy's. I love it!! It's the best part of my coop!

 

[WitksChicks]

Quote:
I've been looking that these for a while, but am confused on what part are actually needed. Is the inside installation one run on electricity or battery, same for the outside sensor one. If I purchase either of the Doorkeepers does it include the sliding door (or is the door extra). Same for the timer.

Help, I'm looking to get one very soon!!

 

[srodems]

I feel the same way about all the parts. I often work with confusing catalogues, what I usually do is just call and ask to be sure I have the right parts and order over the phone. This is probably what I will do for this as well.

 

[Gwen]

I too am considering an auto door for my coop and I'm wondering about predators getting in if I'm not there to check on things - snakes and rats mainly. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Little Jerry]

I've been thinking the same thing check out this website. www.chickencoopdoor.com