automatic door openers

[snowflake]

has any one installed an automatic door unit? do you like it, what brand? did it include the door ? I would like to get one before summer but would like to hear from others as to how well they work...don't want to be head my chickens as the walk in and the door comes down.

 

[teach1rusl]

We have one, but we made it ourselves using a drapery motor and a digital timer. It's much cheaper that way if you or someone in your family is a little mechanically inclined. Total cost was about $115.

 

[Firemenlovechicks]

I got this one: www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com I installed it today and it seems to be a really great little door, and very well built. Others with more experience will chime in and give you their experiences as well........ good luck to you!

Jeff

 

[snowflake]

teach, do you have and pictures of yours? is it electric or battery? Jeff is yours electric or battery op?

 

[1-duckling]

Awesome door Jeff! We don't have available power to our coops so we got the VSBi that works on batteries and a timer that also works on batteries. It has a light sensor that opens the door when it is light and shuts it at dusk. You have the option to use the timer or adjust the light sensor to your desired opening and closing. We have one on the chicken coop and one that opens both doors for the separated duck pens. http://www.chicken-stuff.co.uk/acatalog/Automatic_Door_Openers.html It's hard to see in the picture but it is on the very top of the right duck house and opens both doors through a pulley system. We've been using them for three years and are very happy.

 

[Firemenlovechicks]

Quote:
Ours is electric. You could run it off of a car battery with a small inverter if necessary, even put a small solar panel on the roof to keep the battery charged. It really uses very little electricity, you could also easily swap the timer for a light sensor if you wanted to.

Jeff

 

[The Sheriff]

I have this one http://web.mac.com/lmorris4/iWeb/Site%207/Automatic%20Chicken%20Door.html

You can see it in action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncCu1-m52Bo

Disclaimer: I now realize I had too many chickens in that playhouse coop. The situation has been rectified!

Now I have too many chickens in a garden shed!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
This is the same one they have at Foy's. http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html they are like the US distributer

 

[1-duckling]

Yep. They do have it. At the time I purchased mine it was still cheaper to order from overseas, including the shipping. One has to watch the exchange rate and look also at the shipping cost.

 

[snowflake]

Thanks everyone, I am not real handy with putting things together, the one Jeff has that comes assembled and ready to install may be the best for me. I have an extension cord to the coop. wish they had a battery op,