Anyone with experience with automatic pop doors?

[jcf3202]

I'm looking at getting an automatic pop door. Anyone here who has/had any experience with them care to share?
Would you recommend one manufacturer over another?

 

[jcf3202]

Anyone?

 

[ravenzero]

I did a google search for them onetime and was scared away by the prices, 200-300 dollars is what i found them for. I suppose its a luxury item for it to be priced that way O_O

 

[jcf3202]

I agree they are pricey. Definately a luxury item. I wonder if they work as well as they advertise.

 

[Moxiechick]

I have an automatic door and I love it! While they are not cheap, they are worth it for the freedom of not having to be there to open and shut the door every morning and evening.

We did a lot of research before getting one, as we had certain things in mind for our needs.

We did not want a wooden door or frame. Wood swells with moisture and affects the ability of a door to open and close. We wanted one that was a complete kit so it would be easy to install. We wanted one that would work in all sorts of weather, as we get it all in Maine!

We decided to go with the Pullet-shut door opener. Good solid construction. Easy to install. It has a back up battery if the power goes out. It opens again for a minute after the initial closing, to give any stragglers a second chance at getting in the coop. At first we weren't sure if we would like a door that swings open rather than slides up and down, but it actually is the better choice, as chickens track shavings in the door way. A sliding door either would not be able to close properly if this happened, or would sense the obstruction and not close at all. This is not an issue with the swinging door.

 

[jcf3202]

Moxiechick, exactly the type of reply I'm looking for, Thank You!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

If you do a search on automatic door, there are lots of threads already on the automatic pop doors. Lots of opinions on the various types, too. We have the type that Foy's sells. We've had it since early in 2007. Works great.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Same here. Except I've only had mine since mid-2010. I have not yet had to replace the 4 AA batteries which operate the door. It uses a light sensor to trigger the door opening or closing. It's so wonderful I bought a second one for my larger coop, too.

It's perfect for those locations where there is no electric power, AND you don't need a 12v car battery to run it. Just 4 AA batteries.

There is no bottom track; you build it to drop below the opening of the pop door so it's tight against the walls and there's no gap for predators to get claws under the door to pull it up. The tracks are on the side, and they don't fill up with shavings at all.

 

[Moonkit]

Anyone have a link for the Foy's one?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

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

We actually bought our first one like this from Well's in the UK, before Foy's started carrying them. It shipped with no problem.