Chickens head got stuck under automatic door.

[preciouschick]

Just today I finished my 8x10 chicken coop. I thought that using an auto door would be nice. Well, be careful when using it. I just let the 6 baby chicks (10 weeks old) run around the coop. They went upstairs and I had it close at 6:15. I went out at 6:20 and found one of my easter eggers' heads stuck in the door. it was just barely enough for her to breathe. She is doing ok now but I want to know if there's a reason she isn't making chicks sounds? IDK if she maybe broke her vocal box?

(door in image)

Does this door have any safety measures to open when it hits something when closing? 2
I have omlet doors, one on each coop. I usually set mine to close 10 minutes after last light which is about 30 minutes after sunset. I have stragglers that like to wait until the last minute to go inside. My hens are never in at sunset. Also if you can leave it open until you are sure they are going in at night, that might help.
As far as her neck, maybe she did hurt it a little.

 

[MimiShowgirl]

Most of the auto pop doors have a sensor so that does not happen. It could be that yours does not have a sensor or it does, but because of it being a chick that the sensor could not pick it up.

I love mine and have not had any problems. I think when I installed mine my birds were about 6 weeks old and it picked them up fine and would not close if one was in the way.

My only concern is mine don't all go in at the same time. What if the door shuts and one is left out?

 

[bill3607]

My only concern is mine don't all go in at the same time. What if the door shuts and one is left out?

That is always a possibility.

When I first got the door and they were still young pullets that very thing did happen. I would have some left out in the run and some in the coop. It was not a big deal for me because they were in a very secure run. I think that was caused to some extent that they had to get used to the idea of knowing they have to be inside at a certain time. It is getting dark so get your butt inside or get left outside. They will adapt.

However, I also noticed that if there was not a lighted coop then they were afraid to go inside. Some of that could be because they were young. But, mostly it is because they cannot see well in the dark and chickens are very cautious. It is natural since everything wants to eat chicken.

I also had a light in the run that would come on as the sun went down. I think that made it hard for them to realize it was getting dark. So, I had a lighted run, and a dark coop which made for a good chance that at least some would not make it inside.

So, my solution was to light the coop and disable the run light from coming on and that worked like a charm. Now that they are much older and have been doing this for a while I do not have any issues light on in the run or not. They all make it inside on time every time.

I also have my door programmed to close a good 30-45 minutes after dark so that they have plenty of time. But, again, mine are in a very secure run so I feel comfortable doing that. My door is more of a redundant line of protection instead of the main protection.

 

[Bufforpintonfamily]

Just today I finished my 8x10 chicken coop. I thought that using an auto door would be nice. Well, be careful when using it. I just let the 6 baby chicks (10 weeks old) run around the coop. They went upstairs and I had it close at 6:15. I went out at 6:20 and found one of my easter eggers' heads stuck in the door. it was just barely enough for her to breathe. She is doing ok now but I want to know if there's a reason she isn't making chicks sounds? IDK if she maybe broke her vocal box?

(door in image)

UPDATE: Shes been doing very well. we returned the door and got a old sliding door now much happier with that then an automatic one!