automatic coop door opener

[KDK1]

Also - I keep wondering. Those doors that slide up and down in a track - the ones pulled up by a wire or string.... what keeps them from being pushed up by a clever coon?? Just curious.

This is the one I built. It is powered by the add-a-motor connected to a timer. Very secure. Been working fine for a year now

 

[NYcue]

"And what happens when the water in the bucket freezes."


You could use Windsheild washer fluid instead of water. Winshield washer fluid won't freeze upto - 20 degrees as I understand. If the fluid is contained and won't leak. I have been thinking of a similiar idea of using weighted containers like this. The only difference in my idea is to use 2 pumps. This way... you don't need to have a pump on all the time to keep the door open. You would only need to turn on each one once a day for a couple of minutes.... for either opening or closing the door. That should make the pumps last much longer since they aren't on that much and the fluid should be sealed in containers and should never get dirty.

 

[Intmid8tor]

I have done some research and the Pullet Shut door looks like the best option out there.

 

[HotShot50]

The www.AdorStore.com automatic chicken door opener closer works horizontally. Read the blog on that site...it says something about putting it sideways. It automatically opens at first light and closes at dark, and does not need to be programmed or set. Just screw it to the wall over the hole.

 

[TexasTony]

HotShot50,

I thought it interesting that you have created a new account very recently, and all 3 of your posts are basically advertising for the adorstore automatic door. But you don't mention any affiliation with adorstore, rather the posts are written as if you are a happy customer. Is there some affiliation that you would like to mention?

I've posted long ago my affiliation with chickendoors.com (co-owner), and we are sponsors here on the BYC site. I normally don't post as we have thousands of happy customers and usually I just let them speak for the quality and customer service. But as it's now been a few posts from you, I thought it is time to ask who are you?

Tony

 

[trooper]

And what happens when the water in the bucket freezes.

You can use camper anti freeze in the water.

This is non toxic,fairly inexpensive,and I'd think be worth trying.Just a thought.

 

[cluck-cluck]

Looking at all these options, the one I understand best is the one using a car automatic antenna. But, seeing as it is extended, which closes the door, only as long as a current is running through it, I have to wonder what happens if there is a power outage?

Then there is the add a motor, which I don't quite understand what you get with it? I absolutely love KDK1's automatically locking door that he made with it, wow! If you see this, KDK1, can you post a how to build of that door? I love it, but would want a pattern, rather than trying to make it from scratch with all the rejected trials and errors adding up, LOL

 

[KDK1]

Looking at all these options, the one I understand best is the one using a car automatic antenna. But, seeing as it is extended, which closes the door, only as long as a current is running through it, I have to wonder what happens if there is a power outage?

Then there is the add a motor, which I don't quite understand what you get with it? I absolutely love KDK1's automatically locking door that he made with it, wow! If you see this, KDK1, can you post a how to build of that door? I love it, but would want a pattern, rather than trying to make it from scratch with all the rejected trials and errors adding up, LOL

Actually, I saw a video a couple of years ago of a similar door. When I decided to build one, I couldn't find the video again. I just went by what I could remember and came up with this one. I don't have any specs on it. It's made out of a cutting board, a few scraps of wood and some bolts.

 

[cluck-cluck]

You're a genius, LOL, I'm already drawing it out

Now I just need to find the money for the gizmo .... that'll take a while, LOL

 

[KDK1]

You're a genius, LOL, I'm already drawing it out

Now I just need to find the money for the gizmo .... that'll take a while, LOL

It took me a while to justify spending $80. for the motor. After I got it, I wished I had done it months before, It's probably the best thing I added to the coop. Along with the automatic waterer and feeder, I don't have to worry about them. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.Since I don't get on here a whole lot anymore, I'll PM you my email address if you have any questions.