automatic door opener

[richarde]

Anyone know where to get timed or sunlight sensitive automatic door opener for coop?

 

[beakkeeper]

Invent one!

 

[Anny]

This place has them in the US http://web.mac.com/lmorris4/iWeb/Site%207/Automatic%20Chicken%20Door.html

Here is another place that offers them:
http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/backyard/

http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html


There are a few other threads that talk about this as well if you search around a little.

They aren't cheap, I'm still looking for a one under $100!

 

[KellyReed]

I just installed the Chicken Guard Premium. It has a sensor mode, timer (12 or 24hr settings), manual or a luxe mode which I believe is any combination. It also locks at the bottom to keep predators from lifting it. The lock releases when the pull that the string is tied to, is lifted. Pretty ingenious and I haven’t seen that anywhere else. Took about 30 minutes to install (10 extra cause we needed to cut support boards because we had a door frame already) and super easy to program. It walks you through timing set up and calibration. Can be installed inside or outside although it recommends outside. Door open and closes slowly and has a warning light. Battery operated or power. I attached a couple of pictures (we did trim off the extra string you see hanging lol)

 

[ColoradoPip]

Looks great! Is the string connected inside of the motor? Reason I ask, if it breaks, will you be able to replace the entire string or will you have to splice it?

When I researched these, this chicken guard was one of the best based on everything I read. It is likely to be the one I go with. I like that you can set it up with pulleys and use multiple doors but the string seems like the weak point so I'm wondering how easy it will be to fix, or even replace.

 

[KellyReed]

Looks great! Is the string connected inside of the motor? Reason I ask, if it breaks, will you be able to replace the entire string or will you have to splice it?

When I researched these, this chicken guard was one of the best based on everything I read. It is likely to be the one I go with. I like that you can set it up with pulleys and use multiple doors but the string seems like the weak point so I'm wondering how easy it will be to fix, or even replace.

There is easy access to the string. You can easily replace it.

 

[PetesChicks]

I have the Ador1 and love it. It takes a 6volt lantern battery, I buy the cheap ones and replace it once a year. It has a light sensor to know when to open and close, and you can set it for sensitivity so it will do it earlier or later.

It also has a “last call” feature that I really like. About 5 minutes after it closes, it reopens for a little while in case anyone forgot to go in. When I first got it, every once in a while I’d find one of the girls locked out, since I set up last call it hasn’t happened again.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I have an Ador1 also, and like it, although it was not under $100 (more like $200 if I recall correctly). It's been working great since I set it up in August, and it gives both me and the flock more freedom. I periodically check the door just to make sure it is functioning like it is supposed to. I have a few nit-picky gripes, but overall I have no regrets about choosing it.