Got the run and door done

[head4dmtns]

We finally got a nice day off work so we were determined to get the chicken run and door done. My dad built the timer for us, it works, but I'm not sure I trust it just yet. The chickens were 10 weeks old yesterday, they sure are getting big. Here are some pictures of the run, door, and the chickens in the coop. I know that coop looks crowded, but we're going to be "thinning" the flock before too long. The pictures are clickable for easier viewing. I look forward to your comments. Merry Christmas!!

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Wow, that is a VERY interesting use of a wall timer! It looks like the peg that is usually there to set the time the power goes on, is actually the bit that causes the mechanical action and pushes the lever to release the door?

 

[head4dmtns]

Exactly right. You set the time you want it to "go on" and it pushes the levers, string falls off, door closes. It's so simple, but I never would have thought of it without my dad's mechanical engineer brain.

 

[#1California Chick]

Neat idea!! I enjoyed the pictures of your coop. It looks like you are a great knitter too!

Cindy

 

[Omran]

You got a very good thing going, I really love your coop.
andyour pullets look very nice.

Omran.

 

[head4dmtns]

#1California Chick :

Neat idea!! I enjoyed the pictures of your coop. It looks like you are a great knitter too!

Cindy

Thank you! I knit and crochet, they're two of my most favorite things to do.....​

 

[aiwetir]

i don't have a timer sitting around, how much umph does one of those things have to push something ?

 

[Mahonri]

Do you have larger pics?

I'd love to do that.

 

[aiwetir]

Quote:
click on the thumbs

 

[head4dmtns]

Quote:
My dad tested it with about 3-4 pounds before giving it to us, and it worked fine. Our door is made with a 15in x 20in piece of cement backerboard (we wanted something sturdy), it's heavier than plywood. We were worried that the timer wouldn't have enough "uumph', but it worked just fine. Our biggest fear now is one of the chickens standing in the doorway when the door shuts......We're still working out what to do about that.

I should mention.....my dad put a little bit of wax on the two pieces of wood, that way they slide a little better....not as much work for the timer.