It's finally done and everyone is moved in!!!!

[Thousand Oaks Family]

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That is the motor for the automatic door. You can see the power line run from it and it goes to the timer which is behind the small piece of plywood. Couldn't leave without it. It was only around $90 and took 5 minutes to install.

 

[thebirdguy]

Looks good! Nice idea on the timer/auto door... what kind of motor did you use?

 

[chkn]

I really like how you did the nesting box. Now did you just roof over the hinges where the shingles just bend when you open? I was wondering how to get a good weather seal there without infringing the hinges. Also, is your automatic door opener hooked up to a battery or power from the house?

 

[abhaya]

awesome. The only thing I wouls add is bird netting or something to cover the run you dont want hawks!! It is really nice.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

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x2

 

[woodenart]

That look great, well done

Mark.

 

[somissemilyy]

Nice job, now I am wishing I could make mine bigger! Good job, girls should be happy!

 

[Thousand Oaks Family]

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I got it from this website and I See the price has dropped to $80. http://www.discounthomeautomation.com/Add-A-Motor-Chicken-Coop-Motor-AAD20

 

[Thousand Oaks Family]

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The coop has an extension cord from the house which runs the motor. It is possible to run it from a solar setup. But I also run my light for the coop from the house power. I am keeping constant light times throughout the year.

The nesting box shingles run right up to the hinges on both sides then I have one piece that slightly overlaps both. I wouldn't recommend this for most people. I can get away with it because I am in southern california and we don't get much rain. But this area is also protected by the roof overhang. If I had to go back i would just hinge it to the coop wall.

 

[Thousand Oaks Family]

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Haven't had any problems with hawks so far. Being in a more suburban environment, this is less of a concern for me. Besides, if I can train them to stay on the upper portion of the backyard, (it slopes up the back) I am going to get rid of the run fence altogether and just have then free range. I would love them to get rid of my weeds for me.