Automatic Doors

[chickenthyme]

This summer I was finally able to attach our coop to the run! So much nicer and we ended up getting an automatic door too which was nice "while it worked". The door fixture was put in the wall behind where the nesting boxes are hung and it's basically the only wall that will work for it BUT twice the automatic door has quit working which means have to take the nesting boxes off the wall to get into fix the problem. Both times happened fairly close together so the last time it happened, I have just left it and have been opening and closing it manually but after spending the money, it's been a HUGE disappointment!!
Anyone like to share their experience with an automatic door that's worked well for them?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What brand is it?

 

[chickenthyme]

Company name is "Automatic Chicken Coop Door". Pretty sure we bought premium door too. https://www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com/

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would contact the company with the exact problem you're having and see if they can send you a replacement or advise on how you can fix it.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I have an automatic door, Ador1, that has been reliable since we installed it this summer. If you search the forum, including the reviews, there is quite a bit of info on them. The only thing I don't like is that the setting can be changed from automatic to manual just by pressing a button, and there's no easy way to see what mode it is in afterward. This is probably not a problem if you can just program the door and don't touch it again, but I have a toddler and a preschooler who like to visit the chickens and push buttons, (and a husband who takes them out to visit the chickens and doesn't always pay attention).

Having an auto door is great, and I recommend it. I work weekend nights and leave before dusk sometimes, so it makes life better for the chickens to have more time outside. When I'm home in the evenings, I periodically go out at night to check the door, just to make sure it's closing like it's supposed to.

Good luck with your door. I hope you get it functioning.

 

[MiaS]

So far I'm loving my Pullet-shut door!
https://chickendoors.com/?doing_wp_cron=1572895862.8223760128021240234375

 

[ChickenCanoe]

For my entire operation, I would need 18 automatic doors. Pricey to say the least. But in retrospect, it would have saved me money in the long run. I still haven't bought an automatic door because I find issues with all of them. Among them, I'm not fond of the dusk to dawn type. What if a huge thunderstorm blows in late afternoon? It will be dark enough to close the doors but the chickens won't be in yet. I want it to close at dusk, period. That requires a program that takes into consideration latitude, longitude and date.
My plan is to make my own with all the bells and whistles I want to see. I will be using Arduino control. I just have to find time to get it done.

 

[Cindy in PA]

@ChickenCanoe that is why the auto chicken door from Fleming is so cool. The advanced model lets you plug in your coordinates & you never have to touch it again. You can close & open at sunrise/sunset or any amount of minutes before or after each. You can also use a timer if you want. It has a 2nd chance opening & runs on electric, solar or batteries. I've had mine 4 1/2 years & have only had a few minor problems early on.