Automatic chicken door

[Suzierd]

I am wanting to buy a good reliable automatic chicken door. I need it to run on battery with solar power would be nice. I have no electricity at the coop. I read a lot of people like Foys but I can't find it on their site. Any ideas on the best one. Also need easy install I'm not real handy. And a timer I don't want them out until fully day light. Thanks for any help.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Here is the page for Foys:
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/electronic-doorkeeper/2101-doorkeeper-inside-installation

Here's their doors:
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/electronic-doorkeeper


I have 2 of them (inside mount with light sensor) and they work perfectly. They have never failed on me, and the only upkeep I do is change the batteries once a year. They are well worth every penny. I have their doors too.

It's really easy to install - just make sure you have the rails in the right direction (there is a top and a bottom). I made this mistake when I installed mine. The directions for installing are very clear and simple.

 

[Suzierd]

Thanks Happy Chooks! I found the site and tried to search automatic chicken doors and nothing would come up. Thanks for the direct link.
So if I get the
outside door keeper 189.95
Metal sliding door (12x15 for standard chicken?) 29.95
Do I need the timer or will a cheaper one work? 83.95
Do I need the sensor cable and idler?
Whew this is adding up. I really want the peace of mind tho. Appreciate the help.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I have the inside mount and the door - that's it. I don't have the timer, just the light sensor that comes with it. It is adjustable, so you can adjust the sensitivity for opening/closing. You'll want to watch it on the first full moon and make sure it's not opening - I had to adjust mine to be less sensitive as where my first coop is placed the moonlight of a full moon shines right on the door. If you have multiple doors in the same coop, you can use the pulley to have them both open by one doorkeeper.

Here is the inside mount doorkeeper - it attaches on the inside of the coop:
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/electronic-doorkeeper/2101-doorkeeper-inside-installation

And I have this door:
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/electronic-doorkeeper/2104-metal-sliding-door12-x-15


So, $241.90 not including shipping.

 

[Suzierd]

Ok, thank you. Good to know I don't need any extra cables or anything. I will watch out for that full moon!

 

[Suzierd]

May I ask why you choose the inside door keeper over the outside one?

 

[Happy Chooks]

May I ask why you choose the inside door keeper over the outside one?

I chose it to keep it out of the weather. The light sensor is on a wire, so you can still have that outside with a hole drilled for it to pop through.

 

[Suzierd]

I feel like I'm bugging you now but I have to ask before I order, why is the indoor one more expensive? I would think the out door one would be more hardy.

 

[Suzierd]

What brand of AA batteries do you use? I'm surprised AA last so long. I'm excited to get one set up.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I feel like I'm bugging you now but I have to ask before I order, why is the indoor one more expensive? I would think the out door one would be more hardy.

No idea - I haven't ever seen the outside mount.

What brand of AA batteries do you use? I'm surprised AA last so long. I'm excited to get one set up.

I have used both Energizer and Sams Club brand. It's low voltage and only opens/closes twice per day. I change mine every June.