Automatic chicken door killed hen

[jthornton]

Make sure the door does not close until dusk or a few minutes later.

When I designed my door it is raised and lowered with a string so it's impossible to hurt a chicken. Once the door is fully down an electric lock keeps it from being lifted up.

JT

 

[Larry55]

The problem with auto doors is just what u experienced. What happens if all the birds dont come in at same time? My coop door opens and closes manually . Sorry about ur dead bird.

 

[lazy gardener]

I have my door set to close shortly after dark. This should limit the issue, I would think. Though, nothing is 100% fool proof. I'm always worried that a critter will enter the coop and get SHUT IN with them, so I check every night after the door has closed.

 

[Joeschooks]

So sorry for your loss.
Rather than heavy steel could you use a thinner, lighter aluminium sheet on a string? Mine is 3mm aluminium and seems to do the job pretty well.

 

[lazy gardener]

My door is a large plastic cutting board. It's not heavy enough that it could cause harm, at least I don't think so.