Automatic door closing.

[Huskeriowa]

Hi all,

I have an automatic door installed and am placing the chicks in the coop tomorrow night. The door shuts by an 'eye' that will determine the amount of light in the sky. I have it set so that it will shut when the sun is down. The amount of light in the sky is minimal and within five or so minutes after closing, you would need a flashlight to feel comfortable walking around. Do I need to set the door to shut later when it is totally black out or is it ok as it is?

Thanks much.

 

[Doopy]

It's going to take a few days or even a few weeks to determine how to set the sensitivity of your photo switch. Be patient and watch the behavior of your chickens. If you have trained them correctly they will go into the coop when the outdoor natural light is at a certain darkness every evening. Of course this changes with the seasons and that is why some folks prefer the photo switch over a simple timer. Just sit back, relax, and watch for behavioral patterns and soon you will know how to set your door timing.

My concerns have always been when to open the door in the AM. I like to keep the ladies inside the coop until the urge to lay eggs is gone and the egg laying is complete for the day. This greatly reduces the number of eggs being laid out under the bushes and back in the woods. But some of the pullets don't lay every day and I hate to keep them cooped up until everyone is ready to start their day out doors. But like almost everything else in life I have come to a compromise and have our door set to open at around 9:30 AM. Our coop is very large and I don't worry about conflicts too much while their cooped up in the morning.

Hope this helps.

 

[Huskeriowa]

Yes it does help. Thank you

 

[chickadde]

Where would i find a door that shuts by the light in my area? Washington is my location. Thanks for your help and what a great idea.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
It's pricey, but this one is the one I have (I actually have two, one in one coop, the second one in another coop):
http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html

The factory setting for the light sensor has been perfect, no need for adjustment at all. The door closes after everybody is in as dusk falls, and opens AFTER dawn.

The money was WELL worth it, for me! I work, and in the winter am at work before dawn and home LONG after the sun has set. The doors take care of the chickens for me, in that sense of the word.

 

[chickadde]

Thank you for your help.