Anyone tried the Chicken Coop Door - comes framed and ready?

[nanaimochick]

I really like the look of the automatic door opener made by Chicken Coop Door - on sale now for $165.95 because it comes with the complete door (framed), motor, timer and it is a simple plug in to an extension cord. Has anyone purchased this model? The other motors I've seen are $99 so for the extra $70 it seems worth it to get the complete kit - mostly because I'm not much of a builder and really hate that stuff actually

http://www.chickencoopdoor.com/Products.html


Any comments or ideas????

 

[crj]

I would google automatic chicken doors or something like that and shop around. Me? I like letting my chickens out. Since most are in a pen I leave the door to the coop open on occassion. If you have the money go for it. I would seriously look and see if I couldn't make it myself. I bet it isn't that difficult. Compare making one to buying one and see how if it's worth the cost.

 

[Nonny]

LOL - my first thought on seeing that was that it could double as a guillotine when you have a roast planned for dinner.

 

[nanaimochick]

Nonny - I'm hoping the chickens will be quick enough to miss the guillotine since it moves pretty slowly! That would NOT be good LOL!

CRJ - I have looked around quite a bit and seen ideas for making your own opener using a drapery motor (I guess these things exist!) - in the end the guy spent $120 on supplies and he didn't even want to mention his TIME! I do have my chickens in a pen so I guess leaving the pop door open is an option but it worries me, especially if I want to go away for a night.

I'll keep researching -- hoping to get more ideas and reviews... ANYONE ELSE?

 

[nanaimochick]

Just found out that the Customs Duty is around $80 -- what a burn... guess I'll need to find something else!

 

[Wyogirl]

Quote:
YES!! I LOVE OURS. We installed this same door about a year ago and love it. Even when it gets 30 below, still works.
It's very easy to set up also
Ayda

 

[featherz]

I did it with the motor and all the parts were available as scrap - so my cost was the cost of the motor ($80) and a walmart timer. It's easy enough to make a door - if we can do it anyone can!

(a computer programmer and a nurse, not builders!)..

 

[nanaimochick]

I'm so keen to set this up but now I must find a place in Canada to buy one. With the cost of the Border Duty it is not worth having this shipped. I'm trying to talk our feed store into ordering them and they are pretty interested.
Question - can you open the door manually without reaching the motor/timer part???