Automatic Coop Door

[The Old Whittler]

I got an auto coop door 2 years ago after 22 years of chicken keeping & I love it! Mine automatically updates opening & closing times by your location & after a few problems with my first one, it has been flawless! I did have a few times where hens were locked out, but I always check them when I am home. When I go away, I hope for the best, as they would be left open if I didn't have it!

This door has a timer delay built in it that keeps the door from closing too early and locking your chickens out. If you'll notice most security lights will come on about 10-15 minutes before it's completely dark outside and that's just the way photocells work. The photocell that this coop door has is no different. That's where the adjustable delay timer comes in on this coop door. It's set to where the door will close about 10 minutes or so after it's totally dark outside eliminating the possibility of locking your chickens out. The delay is adjustable if you need it to close sooner or later.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Mine does not close by light, but instead by the time of sunrise/sunset according to your latitude/ longitude. I can set any amount of time before or after sunset/sunrise etc. Never have to change the clock. Can also use straight timer mode if desired, but who would want to. Would never depend on a light sensor. My girls were caught outside for dumb things. It also has the second door opening mode for anyone caught outside on the first close.

 

[The Old Whittler]

Since chickens and predators both go by the amount of light and not by a clock I think I'll stick with a door opener that goes by the amount of light to open and close. Just my opinion. lol

 

[Cindy in PA]

Got ya, but mine goes down based on sunset time which is before darkness! I can customize it to go down at sunset for my area or some amount of minutes after sunset etc. They are in & shut way before dark.

 

[jthornton]

You want the door to go down at civil dusk which is about 30 minutes after sundown.

JT

 

[Cindy in PA]

My door goes down 10 minutes after sunset. My girls are in at least 20 minutes BEFORE sundown, so it works well. It has been working for almost 25 years & 2 1/2 with the door. Everyone has what works for them.