Any opinions on this automatic door opener?

[kittyacid]

I have decided to put in an automatic door opener for the girls. Does anyone have experience with this model, the one that slides vertically? I have seen the UK model and am looking for a kit that has the door and everything. This one looks very easy, though it does require electricity. Thanks!!

http://www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com/

 

[Gonzo]

I Think its a little pricey! I always go out and do a head count, and make sure everyones in before closing the door. I would worry about someone getting locked out.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I don't know about this one but the one from Foy's is great!

 

[ParadisePoultry]

I think it's great looking! I just bookmarked thesite so I can fin it again.

 

[ParadisePoultry]

Quote:
Do you have their website?

 

[MrRushed]

I'ts too much money but one of the better ones I've seen if your looking to buy one.
I don't have an auto door but I used his sliding door design on my coop.
THHN wire and a peice of plywood that I pull from the outside and hook it to keep it opean.

 

[TipsyDog]

I have this one (from Foy's) and I LOVE it. It works on batteries and I've had the same ones in there for a year. You need to buy the "doorkeeper" and the "sliding door".

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


Edited for clarity...

 

[kittyacid]

Thanks! What type of batteries does the Foy's model use? The one in the original link looked more simple to me than the one on the Foy's website - I have very basic installation abilities! Though he does not know it yet, I was going to have my electrician brother wire the coop for the plug in model. I also wanted to use a timer instead of a sensor just in case one of the girls decided to stay out a bit late. If yours is on a sensor, just how dark is it when the door closes at night?

 

[TipsyDog]

Quote:
My Foy's closer is so EASY to install, trust me, you can do it! I have the sensor and it works PERFECTLY. It will close when it is quite dark. I have an outside mount model and I put the sensor up past the coop roof along the run beams so it gets maximum light at dusk and closes when it's almost dark. All my girls are in every night (I check) and when I was away for a few weeks with no one home till way after dark they were closed up and protected every night without fail. You can adjust it slightly on a dial on the motor to be more sensitive or less to light, but I installed it without doing any adjustment and found it was perfectly set right from the factory.

The motor makes almost no noise, just a very low humm as the pulley is working and I'm pretty sure the girls know the sound and are sure to run in if they hear it before they are locked out! I couldn't be without it anymore! It uses 4AA batteries and I've had the same ones for a year, even through sub-zero temps this winter.

 

[kittyacid]

Okay, you have just about sold me! Love the thought of AA batteries and I'm sure my brother won't mind - I'm going to download the instructions and study a bit now.