auto door openers

[Gloria's Gang]

Was wondering if anyone has purchesed an automatic door opener over the internet and if so which model. I do not have electric in the coop (besides an extension cord for water heater). I would need battery or solar. I built my coop myself but I do not want to dable in electrical stuff. Thanks.

 

[gryeyes]

I have one of these. It uses batteries for power, and you can either use a timer (also uses batteries) for opening and closing times, or the light sensor (which is what I do).
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html

I am about to buy another one for a new coop I'm having built.

These have made life SO much simpler for me, especially in the winter when I go to work and come home in the dark. The door opens after dawn and closes at dusk. Wonderful!

 

[mcfarmall]

Wowsa, hang on to the wallet!!

 

[Redley]

Quote:
x2

Anyone have any luck with the infamous "drapery motor"?
If so, what's the overall cost with this design.

The pre-fabbed ones are WAY out of my budget.

 

[spartacus_63]

I have the AD 20 (drapery motor). If you already have a door and electricity, the cost is what you pay for the motor. If you do not have electricity then add the cost of the solar charger and a 12 volt deep cycle battery. If you do not have a door, any thing will work. A piece of metal or plywood. Cut it to size and put guides on either side and you are done. Easy peasy.

Almost forgot, a $10.00 timer from Wal*Mart...

 

[Jack Sparrow]

I don't have one of these but this automatic opener from McMurray Hatchery also comes with a light on a timer to add daylight hours for the winter time.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/auto_door_controller.html

Sure am debating getting one for my new coop

 

[Gloria's Gang]

The McMurray one is more expensive then the others I saw which ran about $180.00. I set aside a bit of cash from my tax return for this. When I go away camping for a few nights here and there in the summer, I want to know that the girls go out early at day break. Not when my helpful neighbor decides to roll out of bed and come over! I also don't want the supplemental light.

It is a bit extravagant to spend all that money but the peace of mind it will offer me is worth it.

 

[Tomski]

I've been playing with the idea of converting an old garage door opener...

 

[Egg Rookie 2010]

Ok I have a S*T*U*P*I*D question....so this door opens in the morning. Thats good. And it closes at night. Thats good. Stupid question part....do the chickies automatically go inside when it is dark? Like...what happens if that door shuts and someone is still lingering around outside? My babies are not quite 2 weeks old yet so I have no clue!

 

[spartacus_63]

Quote:
Yes the chickies will return to the coop at dusk. You may want to ensure the young ones have figured it out, but it doesn't take much to train them. Although I have known a few birds to prefer to sleep out side.