Coop Update/Chicken Guard Question

[qopt]

Hi everybody!
I posted a few days ago asking if my coop was too small for 5 LF birds- answer was yes.

So we're going to be building a daytime run around the coop (when the chickens can't free range).

I am hoping to add the chicken guard automatic door to the coop so the chickens won't have to wait on me to get out in the morning.
Has anyone ever had chicken guard? I've heard some positives and negatives about it.
If you do have it/had it, please tell me your experience with it, as I want to make sure I am making a good purchase.

 

[svh]

I bought the extreme model over 2 months ago, and I love it ! It's my first chicken door, so I cannot compare to any others.

To date, I've had zero problems with the operation, but from my installation experience, it has to installed just so, and was a bit tricky to figure it all out properly. Not hard by any means, just remember, measure twice, and cut once.

 

[Fluffyflufffluff]

Hi everybody!
I posted a few days ago asking if my coop was too small for 5 LF birds- answer was yes.

So we're going to be building a daytime run around the coop (when the chickens can't free range).

I am hoping to add the chicken guard automatic door to the coop so the chickens won't have to wait on me to get out in the morning.
Has anyone ever had chicken guard? I've heard some positives and negatives about it.
If you do have it/had it, please tell me your experience with it, as I want to make sure I am making a good purchase.

An automatic door? Is that really necessary? well. I guess it really depends on the need huh?

 

[qopt]

An automatic door? Is that really necessary? well. I guess it really depends on the need huh?

I’m a college student and I leave early in the mornings while also maintaining a job. An automatic door would be wonderful and save so much time. That’s why I am asking for opinions about it because I want to see if it’s worth the money.
What are your thoughts?

 

[qopt]

I bought the extreme model over 2 months ago, and I love it ! It's my first chicken door, so I cannot compare to any others.

To date, I've had zero problems with the operation, but from my installation experience, it has to installed just so, and was a bit tricky to figure it all out properly. Not hard by any means, just remember, measure twice, and cut once.

Do all your birds get used to the time it’s meant to close and get in on time? How long did it take for them to figure out?

Also it’s great to hear that it’s not having any issues. I’ve heard from other people that the pulley gets jammed sometimes.

What’s the difference with the extreme model and regular model?

 

[K0k0shka]

An automatic door? Is that really necessary? well. I guess it really depends on the need huh?

What's wrong with having an automated door? Not all of us stay home all day tending to chickens.

 

[svh]

Do all your birds get used to the time it’s meant to close and get in on time? How long did it take for them to figure out?

Also it’s great to hear that it’s not having any issues. I’ve heard from other people that the pulley gets jammed sometimes.

What’s the difference with the extreme model and regular model?

Yes they all get in on time ….. There was absolutely no change in their behavior, and they took right to it ! It took me waaayy longer to figure it out than the chooks !!!

I have mine set on LUX setting, which is a photo sensor, in combination with a delay timer, so at a timed period after the sunrise/set, it opens/closes.

I found the straight timer is a PITA, with the changing length of daylight this time of year.

Also, in my situation, the control box is inside an enclosure, so it gets light/dark at a different time than actual sunrise/set. This is where the LUX settings shine, as it's totally customizable.

I can see how the pully system could get jammed if not installed correctly ..... The cable (string) has to be perfectly aligned with the door/jamb assembly to function best. This is where I mentioned it was a bit fiddley to get perfect, but I'm anal anyway, so ..... Really, it was no big deal.

If I recall correctly, they offer 3 models, and of course the Extreme was the most pricy, as its more ruggidized, and suitable for outside exposure, and temperature extremes.

 

[svh]

Also, you must be sure you have enough clearance ABOVE the CG door for the door to raise properly, and enough space for the control box above that.

I don't remember the exact distance, but I can measure it for ya if ya like.

 

[qopt]

Also, you must be sure you have enough clearance ABOVE the CG door for the door to raise properly, and enough space for the control box above that.

I don't remember the exact distance, but I can measure it for ya if ya like.

That’s okay! It sounds like the door is a good investment. Chickens are able to get out while you stay in.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do all your birds get used to the time it’s meant to close and get in on time? How long did it take for them to figure out?

What’s the difference with the extreme model and regular model?

I have the standard... I went "cheapo." I use a timer as I also installed my motor inside the coop, and don't trust winter gloom to not accidentally close the door early.

The birds learn that the sound of the motor running means door is going to open, so they all come flying down off the roost when they hear it in the morning. At night, I deliberately set the close time after it's dark, so they're all sure to be inside.

Only hiccup was one morning it didn't open - no reason why. So it's always a good idea to check that the door opened and closed properly, when you're able to.

Difference in models has to do with motor strength and various options, I think their site has a chart that shows all the exact differences in models.