Any opinions on this automatic door opener?

[WoodlandWoman]

Congratulations!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:

 

[TipsyDog]

Told you so...

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats! I just ordered another one for my next coop!

 

[nvmycj]

What happens if the automatic door locks out some of the ladies?

 

[cherylcohen]

Regarding the one with the light sensor...is it sensitive because our coops are in a shady area.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

You can adjust the light sensor model to open a little earlier or later. It's wooded here and we haven't had a problem.

 

[Tecalli]

I was reading this post awhile back and went directly to Foy's to order my automatic door, but they were sold out

Looks like they have them back in stock now. Many of you are saying you just use the light sensor and not the timer. So I know exactly what to buy, what are the advantages of the sensor vs timer? For those of you just using the sensor, why does that work for you and why did you opt not to use the timer?
Thanks!

 

[gryeyes]

I HAVE the timer if I want to use it, but I don't need it. The instructions mention using it for a sort of "absolutely latest" time to close, or to delay opening when dawn comes around 4:45 a.m., wherever that occurs. Like, in Alaska, I guess, when the sun never sets for months, or only rises for a few hours in the winter.

My coop is under deciduous trees, but the sensor "reads" filtered light just fine. The door closes about 30 minutes AFTER the last chicken goes inside (except one night, when my usually last in hen missed it). She spent the night under the coop where I couldn't reach her, and never, ever missed the automatic door closing time again. My ducks often stay out, and they will occasionally miss it, but they have an alternate sleeping site. For the most part, unless they're swimming in their pool, they do make it into the coop before the door closes.

 

[cherylcohen]

ok just got my Foy's door opener...it doesn't specify the size of opening to cut out, so am i correct to assume that it just needs to be smaller than the sliding metal door...duh?