Automatic or manual that is the question

[doublecrossranch]

Looks like I have a lot of homework to do. Thank you all so much. I’ll let you know what I decide.

 

[NHMountainMan]

I also have the Ador1 pop door opening from the coop into the enclosed run. I've had it for about 3 months with no issues. The door is set to open at sunrise and close at sunset. There are ways to program it to open differently but I haven't tried.
The first night after I installed it, about half my flock didn't make it inside on time. I found them asleep on the ramp to the door. I manually opened the door and pushed them inside.
Since then, they're in before sunset every time. Works great for nights I can't get out there until later. Highly recommend!

 

[rosemarythyme]

IMO auto doors are great but not infallible. Since you plan on backing it up with visual headcounts using one should work well. At least they do give you some leeway when vacationing (what's that?), or with variable work/school schedules, or if you like sleeping in late like me. I won't ever 100% rely on my auto door but the chickens are sure happy to be out at a consistent time each morning and we don't ever worry about rushing home at sunset to lock up.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I always do an end-of-day head count (because mine free range), so an automatic door doesn't do much for me in the evening. Where I see one's benefit is when I want to sleep in some mornings.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Same with me. I still do a head count every night, but really like not having to let them out at sun up when that's 4:30 in the morning.

 

[doublecrossranch]

Sleeping in?! What’s that, I don’t think I’ve heard of this nonsense Vacaaion... how do you pronounce and spell that again?

 

[annampet]

I want an auto door opener for the main reason of waking up early and being out past dark some nights. There is also the very rare vacation thing where I can have people check for eggs and check food/water which can be done anytime instead of asking them to be there at sun up and sun down. I’ll still be doing a bed check each night.

 

[doublecrossranch]

Sunrise is now at to 6:58am here. I almost had a party when it got to 6am. Lol. It’s the little things in life that make me happy now.

 

[doublecrossranch]

I think I like the poultry butler. 1. Because it can be set by light and by time.
2. Because it looks like it would be the easiest to fit my coop.
3. Because I’ve always wanted a butler

 

[aart]

I think I like the poultry butler. 1. Because it can be set by light and by time.
2. Because it looks like it would be the easiest to fit my coop.
3. Because I’ve always wanted a butler