Automatic Chicken Door

[Chefdmc]

So I decided to go away for the first time since I built my coop, almost 1 year ago. Of course that’s when tragedy happens, right? I had a chicken/dog sitter staying and keeping an eye on everything. I checked my run camera while I was away, only to notice one of my hens caught and killed in the auto door. Only to find out another hen was caught on the inside too! Couldn’t figure out why this happened.....had no issues after 10 months. Next night the door closed on another hen and killed her too. There was some reason why the flock wasn’t going inside at night. Had the door unplugged until I got home to see what was going on. I was of kinda baffled........guess what happened......the timer light bulb on the inside burned out and 1/2 of the flock refused to go inside to roost as usual. I got home and saw they were just hanging out in the coop doorway. So now, flock reduced from 9 to 6 hens, I don’t want to use the automatic door unless I have a secondary light of some sort in coop......Anyone here have any suggestions/similar experiences with hens not wanting to go inside a dark coop? I didn’t think I would have to install emergency lighting system for my coop!

 

[N F C]

Sorry about the losses you have had, that's always tough.

I've never used an automatic door but hopefully someone more experienced with them will come along with some advice (and I want to welcome you to BYC).

 

[rosemarythyme]

Are there any windows in your coop? I really prefer natural light in a coop, it allows the flock to get inside and roosted at the proper time, and there's no fussing with lights or electricity.

 

[TooCheep]

Sorry about your problems, but it sounds like it is a matter primarily of design.

I only have experience with one commercial-made auto door (Chicken Guard Premium), but I can't see how it could kill a chicken. It uses a string to slowly raise/lower a relatively lightweight aluminum door (think cookie tray bottom) on a string. If a bird was somehow caught under it, they wouldn't be crushed. Some commercial designs (or home builds) force down the door which might result in crushing.

The thin aluminum door might not sound terribly secure, but it actually works well. It is strong enough to keep out predators and slides up/down in grooves in the frame and there is also a groove at the bottom of the frame so that the door goes down into the groove and a raccoon can't get his claws under it to lift it.

Also, the system can be set to raise/lower manually, based on timers or via lux (light) settings. There are other commercial devices that are very comparable and may have some different features you like. Here is a picture of my setup:

 

[RebelChief]

Very sorry for your loss...that sucks. Mine is supposed to have a failsafe sort of like a garage door that if it hits something it will stop and go back up. I'm hoping that it works if this ever happens.

I have a light in mine that is charged with solar and only stays on for a bit after dark. It's enough for them to get in and get settled and then it goes out. I got it on amazon. Might be a good back up option for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XDQX7P3/?tag=backy-20

 

[TooCheep]

I'm hoping that it works if this ever happens

That should be fairly easy to test if you are concerned. Just put something semi-soft and trigger the door closed to see if it is crushed or cut. Something like a hot dog or cucumber should work. I'd suggest a cooked chicken leg, but that might cause a bit of a stir.

 

[aart]

I'd suggest a cooked chicken leg, but that might cause a bit of a stir.

Needs to be raw

Would be good to test, for sure...stuffed animal might be appropriate.

 

[David61]

Night light. I used a night light to get them using the roost. Now my first layer was not coming off the roost to lay until sun up. Dropping the egg on the poop board if she could not see to get in the nest. I put a light in the nest box and she is laying in the box not on the poop board. I'm getting up at 5:30 to plug the light in but I just ordered Mr. Beam dust to dawn battery op stair lights. Two AAA batteries with photo cell on off. 6 months / 8hr a night.
Her lay time is 6:15-6:25. I found out by sitting on a bucket to see way she was not using the nest. Sunrise @6:57 and if its over cast it was to long for her to wait.
I turn the light on at 5:35-5:45 and she is giving egg at 6:00 on the nest. My Mr beam dim LED lights will here in a few days. It should do the trick until longer daylight.
https://www.mrbeams.com/amber-led-stair-light

 

[Chefdmc]

Sorry about the losses you have had, that's always tough.

I've never used an automatic door but hopefully someone more experienced with them will come along with some advice (and I want to welcome you to BYC).

Thank you!

 

[Chefdmc]

Very sorry for your loss...that sucks. Mine is supposed to have a failsafe sort of like a garage door that if it hits something it will stop and go back up. I'm hoping that it works if this ever happens.

I have a light in mine that is charged with solar and only stays on for a bit after dark. It's enough for them to get in and get settled and then it goes out. I got it on amazon. Might be a good back up option for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XDQX7P3/?tag=backy-20

I think the back up light is a great idea! Thanks!