automatic door for chickens,advise needed

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Wow...modern technology....what will they think of next! So i had pulled the photo sensor terminal off the battery moving it around, and checked on what to do to reactivate it...guess what, put it back on the terminal....that's what. That's it. It opened fine this morning and everyone was out and about, they actually were very quiet and snuck out and went hunting bugs, so no little roo squabbles to wake me up...fan..tastic! I couldn't wait for it to close last night so i chased the stragglers in and closed it manually (Hawaii five o was on) but I think the later the better for the last ones in...
Checking on the predator aspect, I seriously doubt anything can get it open, it's like a clamshell, there's no space or way to lever it open...with my old guillotine hunk of slab wood was the same thing, claw all you want, you have to rip the frame off to get anywhere ...my only issue will be early morning predators until the yard is fenced and the dogs are loose. Until then...run fast and fly high chickies...

 

[Basel]

Very cool.

Does anyone know how long the battery lasts?
Also, how much for a new one?

Thanks!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

So many factors enter into that question, that it's impossible to say. Climate, #1, use-don't let the charge run down....I think mine will last many years. Yes you can buy them separate.,it's a heafty battery though and the quality is there, plus the terminals match my connections, too easy...I don't feel overpriced and i bet if you went to batteries r us you'd pay alot more for the same thing....the ad price comes with a trickle charger...remember, they aren't in the battery business but certain they will provide separate items that go with the system. Research the costs and call them...

 

[bradselig]

Im very interested in one of these as well. With working retail, I get stuck with all sorts of hours. Some times I leave early before the sun is up and others get home after dark. My main concern is the door swinging out. Does anyone know how it will do with strong gusts of winds? Im afraid it will break off the door? I thought about reversing it and opening inside, but dont want to risk predators being able to just push on it to open.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I asked about that as well and there have been no reports of wind damage...it can withstand quite a bit, I placed mine on the side that gets the least wind, it can easily e manually closed in case of,say hurricane, and i plan to put a post next to it for additional strength. It's pretty strong though, it's metal that would push against the metal frame in a gust or two, seriously I bet it would be fine, there wouldn't be any strain on the motor itself.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

nine twenyfive, the door closed-ha! Too cool. Everybody was roosted with alot less fussing-maybe cause they were out sooner, hours sooner and are exhausted! Here it is deep twilight, I can still see fine without a flashlight...perfect.
but apparently not well enough to avoid stepping in poo...

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Almost finished..I decided to house the battery and magnet outside, where it's convienent , and fills the space where the previous pop hole was--no chicken poop..now all I have to decide is doing want a small roof or a large one to protect the door too.notice how uneven my hole is...prob shouldn't have used a chainsaw.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Almost finished..I decided to house the battery and magnet outside, where it's convienent , and fills the space where the previous pop hole was--no chicken poop..now all I have to decide is doing want a small roof or a large one to protect the door too.notice how uneven my hole is...prob shouldn't have used a chainsaw.

Put a large roof over it. This winter you will want to keep snow and ice off of that nice new door so it can open and close properly. Blowing freezing rain on it and that might be a problem. I would go large

 

[karlamaria]

http://www.flemingoutdoors.com/automatic-chicken-coop-door.html totally sturdy and works wonderfully. it cost a lot ( 220.00) but as well worth it !

 

[akovia]

These are very common motorcycle batteries. Easily found anywhere for $20. Many theories around recharge cycles, but these type of batteries benefit from trickle charging, including solar. I don't have power to my coop, so I extension cord to the supplied charger every couple of weeks for an overnight charge. That will suffice until I get power to the coop. Regardless, these batteries have a service life like those in your car. A good quality one in moderate climate will easily last five years. Minnesota less, Alabama more. Cheers.​