automatic door for chickens,advise needed

[Wyogirl]

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

I have the slide down door from automaticchickencoopdoor.com . It has worked great! I also purchased another door for my 2nd coop from poultry butler and have not had very good luck with it
Ayda

 

[7 Biddies]

My Pullet Shut opens into a (hopefully) secure run, so haven't had anything in there trying to open it. But, I don't imagine they'd be able to even if it were exposed. The motor keeps it shut, and it fits tightly into the frame where the edge can't be accessed easily. If the door shuts too late, put the sensor under the eaves, under the house, or behind a post where the sun/floodlights don't hit it directly. Should close earlier that way. I've got mine under the eaves, and the door is closing at dusk (9:00pm).

As far as perching on the door, that hasn't been a problem with mine. It's too narrow for the girls to manage that; It would be like them trying to perch on a piano wire.

 

[Leahs Mom]

My Pullet Shut opens into a (hopefully) secure run, so haven't had anything in there trying to open it. But, I don't imagine they'd be able to even if it were exposed. The motor keeps it shut, and it fits tightly into the frame where the edge can't be accessed easily. If the door shuts too late, put the sensor under the eaves, under the house, or behind a post where the sun/floodlights don't hit it directly. Should close earlier that way. I've got mine under the eaves, and the door is closing at dusk (9:00pm).

As far as perching on the door, that hasn't bn a problem with mine. It's too narrow for the girls to manage that; It would be like them trying to perch on a piano wire.

Thanks - that's helpful. I was thinking that a preditor could work at that door edge. Anyone else having any problems w/preditors grabbing at the edge of the pullet shut?

 

[Leahs Mom]

I have the slide down door from automaticchickencoopdoor.com . It has worked great! I also purchased another door for my 2nd coop from poultry butler and have not had very good luck with it
Ayda

Okay. Got it. That's the one I have too from automaticchickencoopdoor.com. Liking it so far too.

 

[Leahs Mom]

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

I think you can get it separately from the pullet shut people (without ordering the door - just order the solar sensor.)

Scroll down the bottom of this page - order separately Solar Panel & Battery $50; Light Sensor $15. http://www.chickendoors.com/products.htm

 

[7 Biddies]

RE: "I think you can get it separately from the pullet shut people (without ordering the door - just order the solar sensor.)"


But, will it the connections fit together, or can it be adapted to fit yours? You'll need to check it out. But, they're very nice and helpful on the phone and I'm sure they'll provide the information you need.

 

[Kjf18]

 Thanks - that's helpful.  I was thinking that a preditor could work at that door edge.  Anyone else having any problems w/preditors grabbing at the edge of the pullet shut? 

Given the design of the frame and the tight tolerances, I don't think a predator could get ahold of it.

KJF

 

[akovia]

Raccoons and skunks are our most common non avian predators. The fit of MY Pullet-Shut door to the frame is tight enough that, should a coon get into my Fort Knox run, it would be unable to get even one digit into the gap and could not open the door.

The instructions I received with my door said that the solar programming was set up to open the door 30 minutes after the sensor recognizes daylight, and to close 30 minutes after the sensor recognizes the loss thereof. Thus, I don't know that a flashlight would be a useful actuator. Streetlights and floods are also addressed in the instructions as being problematic. I did note that the manufacturers can assist owners with reprogramming the 30 minute delay sequences over the phone if desired.

My experience with vertical track automatic pop doors, especially rope and pully designs, is that the bottom channel fills with debris and prevents the door from fully closing making an easy grab spot for coons. Be sure to inspect them daily!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

The reviews sound good, closing just at nine sounds right for my stragglers. Mounted under the eave would work. Am glad for the honest reviews and am calling the pulletshut guys tomorrow!

 

[okallthis4eggs]

OK if thats your decision. But remember I have the only one that the chickens can stand on top of and ride it like a elevator. They like that.