Chicken guard door issue

[Sjones89]

I'm hoping someone can help me with this issue. We have been using the chicken guard door for a few years, and I love it.

Lately though I have been having issues with the string getting messed up due to one of my hens sitting in the doorway at night.

I do have it on a 15 minute delay at night which seems to work great because my chickens can sometimes be slow. But the last few nights I have gone up to check on them, there she is sitting in the door way with the door only half closed.
This causes the string to become loose and so the next morning when it opens it doesn't wind up right and is causing issues.

I really can't foresee how to fix this issue. I can't exactly tell her she needs to get her butt all the way in the coop!
But would appreciate any advice in case someone else has dealt with it.

Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

Maybe a small light, like solar lights, in the coop to draw them in the coop farther?

 

[Sjones89]

Maybe a small light, like solar lights, in the coop to draw them in the coop farther?

I think I'll try this.
Will having a light in the coop at night keep them up though?

 

[nuthatched]

I think I'll try this.
Will having a light in the coop at night keep them up though?

You're welcome, One or two solar light shouldn't have enough light to bother them, the lights only have only a few hours of power.
Or you could get a low watt bulb and have a Christmas tree timer for it do it kicks on near dusk answer turn off in an hour or so.
Does she have enough room to roost?

 

[Sjones89]

You're welcome, One or two solar light shouldn't have enough light to bother them, the lights only have only a few hours of power.
Or you could get a low watt bulb and have a Christmas tree timer for it do it kicks on near dusk answer turn off in an hour or so.
Does she have enough room to roost?

I'm going to try the solar and see if that helps. I want to avoid running electricity.

She doesn't roost. About half of mine do. They all have room too, I guess it's just personal choice lol.

She likes to be the last one in at night, and usually they all go up and the door closes. But occasionally she does this sitting in the doorway thing. I don't think she realizes she's not all the way in.
Hopefully the light will help.

I Appreciate the tip!