Automatic garage door Chicken Door

[Basel]

Very cool! Do you have a little "eye" for the door too, so that it won't close if a bird is under it?
Great idea.

 

[JML72]

I have a question - aren't these things typically a little on the noisy side? Wouldn't that noise, emphasized in a small space like a coop, freak out the chickens?

 

[Back2Roots]

I have a question - aren't these things typically a little on the noisy side? Wouldn't that noise, emphasized in a small space like a coop, freak out the chickens?

Very good point! What if all the chickens are frightened and scramble to get back outside when the automatic garage door starts to close in the evening? The possibility of injury in their panic to get out seems high to me.

I would hate for them die of fright when it starts up in the morning too.

Another thought: in our area we have cold winters, and we have had 2 automatic garage door openers that malfunctioned when the temps drop below freezing. I would be afraid that would happen if we were to install one in our coop (which is still in the "fining the time to build" stage). By malfunction, I mean that the door closes almost all the way, then reverses and winds up staying open. Apparently it's is not uncommon in these parts to have fussy door openers after a few winters.Maybe it has something to do with the low temps reducing the motor life?

 

[okallthis4eggs]

I'm not concerned about getting one trapped under the door. It has the safety beam that protects against entrapment. The real chicken people on here might advise if it will startle the chickens. I've seen other automatic doors for chicken coops and they have motors that abruptly start up too. I'm new to chickens so I can't answer that. I would think they would get use to it. It will take the door between 3 to 4 seconds to close completely traveling only 18". They better be quick if they try to make it out of there. Cold weather should not affect a properly working garage door opener.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

A door monitor will tell you if the door is still open if it reverses during the close cycle. If you only used this opener from the wall button mounted inside the coop it is still a real convience not having to mess with ropes and pulleys ect. Not to mention the benefit of the light bulb providing light.

 

[JML72]

I'm thinking of my garage door opener on my garage, which sounds like a mac truck revving up. I'd be willing to bet ones that aren't like a thousand years old might not be as noisy as mine.

 

[Back2Roots]

... The real chicken people on here might advise ...

I don't think that nasty barb was necessary: Just because I don't have personal experience (yet) doesn't mean I'm not a real chicken person. Many of my relatives have (or had) farms and some of them raised chickens along with their other livestock. I have been around chickens quite a bit and have had a lifelong affection for them.

I posted to your thread because I wondered if the noise level could be a concern, since I know that chickens can be easily scared, that's all. It was not intended as a criticism. I, too, hope that other chicken people out there with more knowledge or experience than me will share their thoughts.

Good luck with your door opener. I hope it works out for you and your chickens.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

Sorry Back2roots I was speaking only of myself and my lack of knowledge about chickens. Certainly wasn't intended to insult you or anybody else. Lots of good people here who have been very helpful including yourself and thanks for your input. That a very valuable consideration and i'm interested to see more feedback regarding the noise and how it affects the chickens. I'll be careful how I word things going forward. That was totally unintentional. Thanks again

 

[Back2Roots]

Oops - seems I misread/misinterpreted, and overreacted ... and I apologize. I feel rather foolish!

I hope someone here on BYC will share some of their practical experience with us newbies soon!

 

[moetrout]

I have a side hinged door so this only works if I change that, but I can't unless I completely move the door. The pop door is currently right under a window without enough clearance for the type of up/down door you have. I may do this though and have another question. I have the exact same opener you used and it too has a stripped gear. Where did you get the replacement gear for that opener? Also is the track you are using standard size for garage doors or smaller? It certain looks smaller in the pics. Great job on this door!