Automatic door - is there a solution for this coop?

[tinselheart]

We're keen to fit some sort of automatic door on our houses so when we're away we're only asking neighbours to pop up to collect eggs occasionally, rather than opening the door and closing it every day.

We have two of these houses and everything I've seen online doesn't look like it would work with the door design/shape.

Does anyone have any ideas they can suggest or link to?

(Coloured birds on sticks are crow deterrents - they work!)

 

[PapaRo]

We're keen to fit some sort of automatic door on our houses so when we're away we're only asking neighbours to pop up to collect eggs occasionally, rather than opening the door and closing it every day.

We have two of these houses and everything I've seen online doesn't look like it would work with the door design/shape.

Does anyone have any ideas they can suggest or link to?

(Coloured birds on sticks are crow deterrents - they work!)

I need picks of all 4 sides and a pick from a little ways back so I can see what I’m working with.

 

[tinselheart]

I need picks of all 4 sides and a pick from a little ways back so I can see what I’m working with.

 

[woodworm]

I think it would be easier to remove that door but I'm not sure there is enough space above to have a standard style door on it anyway.

You could side hinge it and use something like the Hentronix - I haven't used this brand, just the one I remember that does side hinged doors.

 

[tinselheart]

I need picks of all 4 sides and a pick from a little ways back so I can see what I’m working with.

I think it would be easier to remove that door but I'm not sure there is enough space above to have a standard style door on it anyway.

You could side hinge it and use something like the Hentronix - I haven't used this brand, just the one I remember that does side hinged doors.

Will look into that, thanks heaps. Hadn't thought of using a side hinged door.

 

[RojoMarz]

The Pullet Shut door also opens sideways. If you are a diy'er, this blog links to a you tube video for drawbridge type opener.

 

[spymeg]

If you do find an auto door that works w/your design, they are so convenient. I still peek out at night to be sure they all got in, because we have a girl who likes to watch the night roll in, but other than that it is awesome. When we leave town, someone just comes for the eggs and that's that.

 

[PapaRo]

I would cut a piece of osb plywood to fit one of the gable sides of your coop. Cut out a vent and door in both the coop and new prefab gable wall. Install your hardware (auto door) etc.on the new gable wall. Stand it up and screw it in place ... done...

Auto doors with a vertical actuator probably will not work do to the total height requirements of nearly 36 inches for some... but ... please pull your measurements and look at specs and youll find that perfect door.

 

[PapaRo]

I would cut a piece of osb plywood to fit one of the gable sides of your coop. Cut out a vent and door in both the coop and new prefab gable wall. Install your hardware (auto door) etc.on the new gable wall. Stand it up and screw it in place ... done... View attachment 2508900

Auto doors with a vertical actuator probably will not work do to the total height requirements of nearly 36 inches for some... but ... please pull your measurements and look at specs and youll find that perfect door.

I’m thinking this style of door used with the above plan ..

 

[PapaRo]

So same concept with mine ... I cut a piece of plywood to fit , installed the door, put in place and screwed it down. ( Don’t forget to purchase the right length of screws and possibly pre drill some holes! prefab coops often strip and crack when screwing into them)