Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Auto Closes Coop - Beta Version 1.0

[Nifty-Chicken]

Okay everyone, after years of talking about it, and finally coming up with a general plan, I've developed the Beta version of the auto coop door closer. If you had to buy the 3 main parts new (timer, actuator, AC adapter), they wouldn't cost you more than $15.

Here are the original plans for the automatic chicken coop door.

Here's the video of it in action (narrated by my very own 5 year old Alana)

Keep in mind, this is just a beta version for proof of concept! In the next versions I'll try to slow down the door decent, clean everything up, and put it on a better looking chicken coop!

I'll work on more details later, but right now I'm off to a Fall Harvest Festival at church. I'm happy to know I can set this thing and know my girls will be locked up safe when I get home!

UPDATE: Here are all the details and lots of pics of the design: http://www.nifty-stuff.com/auto-coop-door-prototype.php

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Put a blade on the bottom and its a guilateen (SP?) for predators.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Here is the whole system. At the core it is actually pretty basic and simple.

I'll post more later!

 

[MHF]

I think she has a future in advertising:

And the door is cool also.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

haha... thanks! In the first take she said, "...and we do not want any chickens in there!"

CUT!

I had my wife pick up this digital timer: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95205

It was on sale locally for $7.99. A bit more than the cheap ones, but I can enter the start and end time exactly and make it only a minute.

 

[Faye]

This is a great idea... small price to pay for "insurance".

 

[donnaIL]

I like this inexpesive plan... Have you figured out how to make it open in morning and then close at night?

Also how is the door locked when closed. Thanks, Donna

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

All details will hopefully come today (if I can get this BYC University shirt order finalized).

Adding the ability to open the door automatically will tripple (if not more) the difficulty and complexity of the system. I just need a system that will come in and guarantee a safe coop if we forget, or get home too late.

The door is secured by a pin that falls into place once the door drops. I'll post lots of pics once I get a chance.

 

[sillybirds]

Looking good. Simple and effective!

 

[Peepthis541]

You know, what might be a good door design is a revolving door.

I don't know if chickens are smart enough to learn how to enter and exit something that is seemingly closed, or push through something.

But if you had a revolving door design, and then used something like a door lock actuator to lock the door in place at night, and then free it to turn in the morning, I think it would work.

What do you think?