Best Automatic Chicken Door Openers???

[adlynch]

You could mount the door inside the coop so it would open that way. The door has operated flawlessly since installed. The solar panel is very adequate to keep the battery charged. I'm actually considering installing a door on our 2nd coop and tapping the power from the same battery. They don't draw very much. I also really like the photo sensor operation, it's not adjustable but they've got it set just right IMO. At first I thought it closed a little late but I've learned some chickens like to go to roost late so its perfect, and I don't have to worry about resetting a timer as the seasons change. Pros, everything. Cons, haven't found any.

Awesome, thanks for the info!

 

[Steve777]

It has been a while since anyone posted on this thread, but I thought I would ask a general follow up question or two.

1. I am curious, did anyone who uses one of the D20 type vertical lift doors have any issues with a predator just lifting the door up and getting in? I like the simplicity of this system but it seems that a clever racoon or weasel could easily lift the door to get inside?

2. Any problems people have run into with any of the models a year or so later?

TIA

 

[Hokum Coco]

clever racoon or weasel could easily lift the door to get inside?

 

[speedy2020]

It has been a while since anyone posted on this thread, but I thought I would ask a general follow up question or two.

1. I am curious, did anyone who uses one of the D20 type vertical lift doors have any issues with a predator just lifting the door up and getting in? I like the simplicity of this system but it seems that a clever racoon or weasel could easily lift the door to get inside?

2. Any problems people have run into with any of the models a year or so later?

TIA

I have the ChickenGuard Premium model with .8 lbs aluminum door and it been working fine in the last 2 years. There is no issue of raccoon lift the door. I replaced the 4 AA batteries last year. I would not recommend D20 drapery type. Why spend same amount of the $ for more trouble. If I have to buy one today, this is the one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Automatic-...271360?hash=item4d752b9180:g:uyQAAMXQBlJSBf-4
Pro:
1) Heavy duty 2) Metal gear 3) Price 4) Can lift up to 11lbs, which can use for the multiple coop doors if you have separate pens.
Con:
Don't look as pretty as other

 

[Chickenbrainiac]

I use the "pullet shut" automatic door. I can elaborate on its pros and cons.

1. Use the light sensor, not a timer. As the seasons change (sundown comes sooner) you can get in trouble trying to adjust it in time, not to mention the hassle of doing so.

2. Get their upgraded solar panel with charge controller. Its a peace of mind thing. If the battery drains down you just lost your chickens. The charge controller has a digital readout showing battery voltage. You can glance at it when you walk by, give them feed and water, etc.

3. Theres a magnet included. Place the magnet on the circle and it will open and/or close it. Boom. You just verified it works. I attached it to a string and tied it to the coop.

4. Only maintenance needed is a drop of oil on a hinge. Twice a year? Easy enough.

5. Since its a hinged door vs a guillotine door that slides down, it can't get cocked and stuck.

6. Cant think of any cons right now.