Just beginning . . . Should I buy an automated door for the coop?

[zibercat]

Unless your pop door is alive and green, I think you ment it's Photovoltaic not Photosynthesis!

I believe it is photosensor, photodetector, photoelectric sensor dusk to dawn sensor or even light sensor.

 

[Kiki]

Hello everyone, BYC seems to want every new person to be more than a lurker and to post something by way of introduction. Alright, here goes: I've longed to raise my own chickens for years and now the time is right! I bought 10 ten chicks -- 2 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Jersey Giant, 1 Black Sex Link, 1 Welsummer, 1 Colombian Wyandotte, 1 Salmon Faverolle, 1 Gold Laced Wyandotte, and 2 Ameraucanas. They're three weeks old and growing so quickly! My dad and I are building their coop right now and I will share that in a later post but I did model mine off of the Coop de La Villes shown on this site's first page of medium sized coops. I'm going 4'x8' with an additional 8 ft run beyond the 8x4 of run underneath the coop. This is serious, y'all!

As for costs -- well -- I'm already $600 - $700 into it -- the guys at Lowe's told me that would buy a heckuva lot of eggs, but hey, that's not the point! Right?

So . . . someone, please do tell -- is it worth it to spring for the automatic chicken door? I can't think of any reason not to other than the expense but it seems the convenience of timely opening for the chickens alone will pay for itself. Any particular ones I should definitely avoid or definitely should get? I'm getting ready to order . . . would so appreciate any guidance about it.

Welcome! We are glad you joined our flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

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[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome. Hubby installed an electric pop door for me last summer. It buys some peace of mind when we are away from home and not getting back until long after dark. However, mine has malfunctioned a number of times. The string gets wound around a thingie and gets outside of the reel it is supposed to wind around. Also, a power failure could be an issue. Not to mention the occasional chicken that comes home to roost a bit after curfew. Mine runs on a timer, so I must pay attention to day length. AND, there's always the possibility that a predator could begin his evening prowl before sundown, and actually get shut IN THE COOP with the flock.

All that being said, I like my auto door, and am very blessed to have it.

As others have said, your coop and run are too small for 10 birds. General MINIMUM recommendations for back yard flocks: 4 s.f. in coop, 10 s.f. in run per bird. Ventilation: 1 s.f./bird.

I'm glad your dad is taking the time to help you build your coop/run. Pay close attention. The skills he teaches you will last a life time!

 

[Crzytrkr]

Hey Vince I still inspect my lot and interact with my chickens daily! The automatic door isn’t like an infomercial set it and forget it. It just allows my schedule

Hey Vince I still inspect my lot and interact with my chickens daily! The automatic door isn’t like an infomercial set it and forget it. It just allows my schedule to be more flexible.

o be more flexible.

 

[Crzytrkr]

I'm not saying it will fail alot of control over the coop depending on location my yard faces south but it also butts up to wetlands wich is full of nite time feeders i enjoy my birds as im sure we all do if automating doors work for you by all means use them I'm not comfortable being my coop location enjoy your wonderful birds!!!!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Maybe there is some confusion about automatic doors?
I still check on my animals morning, afternoon, and night. I make sure they are all up and eating. Make sure they have plenty of food and water. Plus, make sure they all made it inside the coop for lock down.
Yes, mechanics can fail, that is why there is still human interaction to make sure everyone is still safe. An auto door does not make it so you can just leave your birds to fend for themselves. It is just a tool to make things more convenient just in case you didn't make it home at night on time, in case you are too sick to go out and let them out early in the morning, or it is too dark when you leave for work. Everyone has different ways of rearing their animals, it doesn't mean anyone cares for them any less than the next person.

If you are looking at an automatic door, do your research to make sure it fits your situation and the environment you live in.

 

[CannedMonster]

I have read a thread here in the forums about two different people who had chickens killed by an automated coop door.
I don’t know all the details but it’s worth looking into just for safety reasons.
As my mechanic husband always tells me, anything mechanical can and will eventually fail.
I think I’d prefer one where I can set the time it opens and closes myself.
I have birds that linger in the run a long time before going in.

 

[BeckyB.]

We LOVE our auto door! It reopens for a second chance to allow stragglers. Solar powered and runs off photosynthesis to open/close door. You can set a timer if preferred. Best money we have spent on the kids.
Also, if you're at a movie or out of town for the night, no need to stress!

Would you be able to share/recommend the brand you have?

 

[Melky]

Seems like you got a lot of good advice just going to welcome ya!

I don’t use an automatic pop door. Too much can go wrong. All electronics fail and BYC has had owners have lock outs that resulted in injury or death. Not to mention getting stuck in the door. My girls coop/run is made safe. If I can’t put them up at night, they will themselves. Make the coop/run predator proof.