automatic coop door opener

[BienChicken]

What genius ideas! I guess I better start saving up!

 

[cluck-cluck]

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.

Thank you. I think, compared to the cost of other openers, and what the antenna system would cost (at least half that price), and seeing your video, where I can "feel" the strength of the add a motor system, it's well worth it!

 

[backyardcelia]

i've always worried, what happens if one of the ladies didn't go in? (why do i think the answer is, they won't do it again)

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Quote: Just curious what do you use to supply 12 volts to the motor in the coop?

 

[okallthis4eggs]

i've always worried, what happens if one of the ladies didn't go in? (why do i think the answer is, they won't do it again)

They have to ring the doorbell which tells people inside the house that somebody got locked out of the coop.

No seriously on mine if that was a concern I could hook up a "Laser Parking Assist" inside my run that would emit a flashing light inside the house if someone was locked out. It could also serve as a "predator warning". Anything breaking the beam be it chicken or predator after hours would get your attention.

 

[trooper]

They have to ring the doorbell which tells people inside the house that somebody got locked out of the coop.

No seriously on mine if that was a concern I could hook up a "Laser Parking Assist" inside my run that would emit a flashing light inside the house if someone was locked out. It could also serve as a "predator warning". Anything breaking the beam be it chicken or predator after hours would get your attention.

I believe before I did that, I would invest in an wildlife camera.It takes pics of movement and all you would have to do is check it at your convience.

 

[backyardcelia]

lol.... i want a video camera just to see whose is whose egg! ;p (i MUST be new to this!!)
however.... i happen to LOVE the laser idea !!! especially if it were complete with a disco ball.
i also to love the idea of it being a predator deterrent, i'm going to think about incorporating that into my future coop
...and silly me, i actually was thinking about an intercom door bell!! ;o

 

[okallthis4eggs]

http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-LiftMaster-975LM-Parking-Assist/dp/B000JHM2AU It is a accessory to the garage door opener and only requires running two wires from the door opener to the laser beam. Nothing to invent.

 

[CluckAcres]

I made my own automatic coop door. Using water, pvc pipe,pulleys, string, aquarium sumergable water heater, five gallon bucket, fountain pump, boards. I will go out and take a few pics and post them back on here. Its easy and cheap!!!! IT WORKS OUT GREAT!!

 

[CluckAcres]

Ok here is my setup. Sorry the pics are not that good because my phone dont have flash. I will walk you all through the process with the pics. So here it goes. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!


Pic 1: This is 4" sewer pipe thin walled cut to around 24" in length. Top cap have eye latch to tie string. about 1 down from cap drill hole in side and put a male plastic fitting threw it and put nut on the back side. On the bottom cap drill hole and use another fitting just like the one mentioned. After you have fitting on and nuts tightened down then glue caps on with pvc glue.
I used 3/8" pond hose. Now to the 5 gallon bucket. Put in submersible water heater, fountain pump get like a 75gph. Then fill you bucket up water. Run your bottom hose from the tube to the pump. Run the other hose to just hang down inside the bucket. The top hose is a overflow hose and the bottom hose is for pumping water into the tube. I suggest you put a lid on bucket. Just drill some holes in the lid to run your hoses and wires through it.


Pic 2: Hang one pulley up high above the tube and the other pulley over and up above where you want your door.


Pic 3: This is the door. Just a piece of plywood. Make your own track out of wood. I put a 2x2 screwed to each side of where the door is. Then used 1x4 and screwed it to the 2x2 make sure to leave the hang over towards the inside so door cant swing in or out. I used a small weight on door to make the door heavier than the tube. You will just have to play around with the weight depending on what you are using for your door.


Pic 4: Pic of the bucket up close.