Automatic or manual that is the question

[doublecrossranch]

I’m considering installing an automatic chicken door. Not because I’m lazy but for those nights I want to stay out past sunset (crazy I know). I would still go and do a head count every night because I’m that mom. Ask my 15 daughter about me still checking to see if she’s breathing. Mostly because she doesn’t leave her room.

I’ll take thoughts, advice, suggestions on products, whatever.
Thank you

 

[annampet]

I'm evaluating the same right now! We'll be converting a shed in to a coop this fall. I've checked out a few on Amazon. I haven't made a decision but included the links below. I'll be interested to see what feedback you get!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRT5WD2/?tag=backy-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKD7KNG/?tag=backy-20

I haven't exactly figured out how this one would work yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IZJWNQ/?tag=backy-20

 

[doublecrossranch]

I'm evaluating the same right now! We'll be converting a shed in to a coop this fall. I've checked out a few on Amazon. I haven't made a decision but included the links below. I'll be interested to see what feedback you get!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRT5WD2/?tag=backy-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKD7KNG/?tag=backy-20

I haven't exactly figured out how this one would work yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IZJWNQ/?tag=backy-20

That last one is very confusing. Lol

 

[d4ve]

That last one is very confusing. Lol

It looks like you attach a string to the motor and it lowers the door as it unspools the string, then winds it back up again in the morning.

 

[doublecrossranch]

It looks like you attach a string to the motor and it lowers the door as it unspools the string, then winds it back up again in the morning.

I can’t see that one going wrong, LOL.

 

[chickenthyme]

Well we have one right now and they're great if they work. I am manually opening it right now because in order to get in to see what's wrong, we have to take the nesting boxes down to get to it. That little string just doesn't seem strong enough in my opinion. This will be the third time getting into it and we just bought it this summer. Don't know whether it's the model we have or what. (and yes, it was the only wall we could install it in )

 

[coach723]

I have this one, have had for about 3 years now, very happy with it. I use a timer rather than a light sensor, we have big thunderstorms where it can get very dark, and the door would close and lock them out. It is worm drive rather than a string that coils and uncoils. Mine is on my enclosed and covered run. It's ready to install when it arrives, you just have to have an opening the correct size. Mine is the large door.
https://www.poultrybutler.com/
There is a picture of it installed in my run here in post #46
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/lighting-without-electricity.1255331/page-5#post-20150479

 

[DobieLover]

I’m considering installing an automatic chicken door. Not because I’m lazy but for those nights I want to stay out past sunset (crazy I know). I would still go and do a head count every night because I’m that mom. Ask my 15 daughter about me still checking to see if she’s breathing. Mostly because she doesn’t leave her room.

I’ll take thoughts, advice, suggestions on products, whatever.
Thank you

I just purchased the components to make my own timer controlled door. I will make the actual door and framing then wire up the components for automatic opening and closing.
My door will be about 24" wide by 14" tall. I'm using an actuator arm with a 225# lift capacity. I plan on framing out the door this weekend and building the shelter for the electrical components then finishing up when everything arrives.
All told, I'll have about $135 invested in it when all is said and done.

 

[Tillie43]

My handy Hubble made our automatic pop door using the components from a discarded electric recliner we bought from a friend. Works great. Knowing how much I love treating thru the snow to the coop on cold blustery days, he also hooked it up to a wired r emote button mounted just outside our back door.

 

[TwoShepherds]

We just installed the Ador1 automatic door. I got an auto door because I work nights and some evenings I leave before dusk, and some mornings I sleep in late so I can stay up all night. This way, my husband, who prefers not to be involved in chicken chores, doesn't have to close or open the coop for me. The first battery I used was a dud and the door wasn't working properly, but I had a second battery on hand and installed it. Since then the door has been working like a charm. It's a great investment. I love not having to worry about opening/closing the door. I've only had the door for about a week, so I can't talk about its longevity, but so far I'm a fan. It looks like it will be pretty durable and seems reliable.