automatic door for chickens,advise needed

[okallthis4eggs]

It is made from a old garage door opener. The pop door is in a garage door track and the door opener pulls it up and down. When the door goes open early in the morning the light comes on and the girls can see to fly down from the roost. After 4 1/2 minutes the light goes off by itself. By that time they are all outside in the run. I open it in the morning from the house by remote control. Also I can control it from inside the coop by a wall button that also has a "light" button to turn the light on and off. Works really good but you might not want to go thru the trouble

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Best of all it was free.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Aha very clever. Must be nice. I am not so inclined., if I tried that, I would probably succeed in making the roof go up and down. Which would prob accomplish the goal, but result in leaks and soggy bedding. The daydream for me is hearing the chickens in the yard while I snooze on. I only was forced to learn to use power tools to modify my coop, making a window is next, I finally know where I want it. I want to add on a sleeper/roost coop this summer, design it but leave the building of it to the big boys.

 

[grammaC]

I also bought the Pullet Shut door. I've had it for about a month and so far it works like a charm.
The photocell sensor must be fairly sensitive, since right now the door doesn't close until around 9:30pm.
But, all the ladies are roosting inside by about half hour before. Mine opens into a secure run, so I haven't had to deal with any predators trying to get in. Thank heavens!

I'd absolutely buy from them again.

 

[bj taylor]

i am shopping for an automatic door. i had a question about the automatic pullet shut door. when i called the guy was friendly, open about pros & cons & helpful. i'm pretty sure this is the way i'm going.

i was interested in the photo sensitive thing that makes the door open & close based on daylight. i have flood lights. he said it wouldn't work for me - it needs to be very dark for it to work because they had a problem with the doors opening when there was lightning. so they had to make adjustments.

i will just program mine to open at a certain time & close at a certain time & make adjustments with the seasons. i can then go on vacation! i will also be glad when they can go out & i can stay in bed sometimes.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Good point, maybe I can tuck the sensor under the eave on the ne side where it will be away from my floodlight, I'd wondered about that too,but also it could go to the timer if it failed, am thinking up senerios for when i call. And then too, if i shine a light over there if it would trigger the sensor..a good question. Hmmm.
I also have forgotten to go out and close it a time or two...very dangerous out here.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I don't use a photo sensor since I feel that it shuts too late. Often night preditors are out a little before dark when there is still enough light to keep the door open.

On the pullet shut door...I would have chosen that one but I don't like the idea that the birds can roost on it when it's open. Anyone using it have that problem? (
I chose the type that slides down from above.)

I also had the thought that it would be easier for a raccoon to grab the edge of the pullet shut door and work on opening it - as well as dogs that use their paws to pry things open. Since I haven't used one those are just kind-of "common sense" thoughts based on watching raccoons and dogs work and work to pry things open like that.....

Curious if those of you who are using the pullet shut have raccoons in your area? Have any of you set up a trail camera to watch what's going on out by your coops to see how they interract with the door?

 

[Wyogirl]

This is the one I use. Can't give a full review on it yet as I've only owned it for a few weeks.

http://www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com/

I've had mine for 3 years and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT!
Do Not buy the poultry butler door, very flimsy IMO and works when it wants to!!!!!! I should of bought another of the automatic chicken coop door! Live and learn
Ayda

 

[Leahs Mom]

I've had mine for 3 years and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT!
Do Not buy the poultry butler door, very flimsy IMO and works when it wants to!!!!!! I should of bought another of the automatic chicken coop door! Live and learn
Ayda

I'm a little confused...are you saying you have the pullet shut door or the slide down door?

 

[Aquaman05]

Where can you purchase the solar option to add to a DIY coop door ?