auto door openers

[spartacus_63]

I actually made a door like a drawer. I installed drawer runners on it and that eliminates any problem from swelling. Mine also drops below a lip to prevent access from the outside when closed.

 

[CopperCT]

Quote:
Yes, they will go in on their own. Sometimes ridiculously early. Although we have never, ever had a probelm, I always check to see that they're all in the coop at night, anyway.

X2. The chickens go in well before the door closes but I always do a head count anyway to be sure. The only time I had an issue was when I had to move the light sensor after I put a tarp over the run for the winter. I guess I moved it to a place that registered it was time to close the door earlier than where it was previously. About half the chickens got locked out that night but I moved them back inside and the very next night they were all in before the door closed and every night since then. They figure it out pretty quickly.

 

[Green_Eggs_and_Ham]

Hi, we bought the Addamotor one mentioned a couple times. It's not the whole door and frame... we didn't need all that. Plus the cost...

We were easily able to build a frame and found a piece of scrap metal for the door. Didn't take DH but an hour. It's on a regular $10 timer we bought at Lowe's.

I did a lot of looking around on the internet and found the best price at Discount Automation. It is now even cheaper than when we bought it last spring.

Here is there website: Discount Home Automation I don't know I think I've seen them advertise on here too. Either that or it was the motor company?

Anyway, for $100 we were done. Works great. Never ever had an issue with it. Just make sure the door goes down below the floor. Raccoons won't be able to lift it then.

They now have a Solar Panel, Battery, & Timer kit you can hook up. Has anyone tried this yet? I'm interested in knowing your experience with it!

@Egg Rookie 2010, yes, it did happen once just after we installed the motor. I always go out on the deck to look over the girls at night. Part of my nightly routine. Once there was one girl who was out. I let her in and she never did that again.

Good luck, and have fun!!!!

E/