Anyone have an automatic pultry door?

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by Smitty's Farm, Aug 24, 2007.

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  1. Aug 24, 2007 Post #1 of 14
    Smitty's Farm

    Smitty's Farm Songster

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    I'm trying to finish building my coop and would love to install an automated pultry door with a timer. I was wondering if anyone else has one.
     
  2. Aug 24, 2007 Post #2 of 14
    TxChiknRanchers

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    don't have one but have seen them for sale a think it was a UK internet shop......very interesting idea!
     
  3. Aug 24, 2007 Post #3 of 14
    Chelly

    Chelly Cooped Up

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    To open on a timer would be great, but if the door closes and not all the chickens are in - then what? They stay out all night?
     
  4. Aug 24, 2007 Post #4 of 14
    Wally

    Wally In the Brooder

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  5. Aug 24, 2007 Post #5 of 14
    Smitty's Farm

    Smitty's Farm Songster

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    I have seen some advert. from UK also, but was wondering if anyone has actually installed one. I was thinking of one with a timer. My chickens go to the coop like clock work when it gets dark.
     
  6. Aug 24, 2007 Post #6 of 14
    Smitty's Farm

    Smitty's Farm Songster

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    Wally,
    Thanks for the link. I've seen it. I would love to order one, but would like to talk to someone that has installed one first. I'm desperate to finish my coop, but scared to cut the small chicken door until I find out if automated door requires any special measurements.
     
  7. Aug 24, 2007 Post #7 of 14
    echix

    echix Songster

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    I have one --- I love it -- I change batteries twice or once a year - it is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

    I would not have a chicken coop without it! They all file in at dusk and like clockwork -- for 3 years running it closes tight. Opens in the morning light and out they go... how cool is that?!?!?!?! Same time every day - runs on photocell.

    No one ever gets locked out or trapped out -- I check daily and for 3 years the only time was when the batteries ran low the 2nd year and I replaced them. COOL!!!!

    I love it - Simon is awesome. Seriously - everyone SHOULD HAVE ONE!!!!
     
  8. Aug 24, 2007 Post #8 of 14
    Wally

    Wally In the Brooder

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    Smitty,
    From what I can tell it doesn't matter what size the door is. There are just some pullys attahed to a rope that actually opens the door. The mechanism just pulls the rope. Look closely at the pictures on the web site. Let us know how it turns out if you get one. I was going to get one but lost interest. It looks like it cost about $160.
     
  9. Aug 24, 2007 Post #9 of 14
    Smitty's Farm

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    echix,
    Thanks for the info. Where did you order it from? Was it hard to install?

    Wally,
    Thanks again for the info. Pondering if I should install one has slowed the progress of finishing my coop. I letting the chickens out in the morning and in at night, but need a back up plan if we go out of town.
     
  10. Aug 24, 2007 Post #10 of 14
    echix

    echix Songster

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    I ordered it from the UK site http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/door_opener.htm

    Simon     is the owner - is awesome. It shipped to the US so fast..

    No it is not hard to install... it was so easy - we bought one of those dog doors though from Pet-Co (XL) and used it for the "door part" and just hooked the VSB to it to lift and lower the door --- you can order the whole thing and figgure it out EASY!! So simple!!


    It just lifts the door with a string and lowers it... how cool is that!! I'll try to get you a pic on it at my coop......
     
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