'Ladies First Chicken Door' ???

[aart]

I might do a giveaway contest if that is allowed. I did the contact form but haven't heard anything back yet.

Do you have an automated door?

Nope, can't afford it (semi employed design drafter), and really have no need for one as I stick pretty close to home 95% of the time.

 

[Why Did The Chicken Cross]

I got a video of it opening and closing fully.

I'm increasing the opening capacity from 12 inches to 12 1/2 inches as it is in the video.

I would like to get another video in better light and without all the cicadas in the background!

 

[User353335]

Everyone seems to focus on designs where the door goes up and down, however, my duck house does not accommodate this design. Would this work left to right? I've seen very few designs that work left to right (actually, bar the ador1 and the pullet-shut I've seen none). Also, does this have the option for plug in wiring instead of solar?

 

[User353335]

How does this design stand up to the harsh New England weather? Have you tested operation in continuous days of freezing temperatures? When do you anticipate customer availability?

Thanks!

 

[Why Did The Chicken Cross]

Hey Peepquack,
I guess the vertical door is just the traditional chicken coop door used - a simple tried and true method.

I could incorporate those options you mention (horizontal and household electricity), but for now to keep things simple this one only goes up and down vertically and only uses solar power.

I'll send you a note if I start offering those options. I'm just starting this so I'm trying to limit the different options for now.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[LaPineEggs]

Matt, thanks a bunch for recording a new video showing the 'Ladies First Chicken Door' in full operation! Seeing the full operation enforces my feeling that this is the best auto chicken door design going!

The screw drive by design could not be lifted (or lowered) by even a human, let alone any predator! The speed of travel is nice and slow allowing even the dumbest chicken the chance to get out of the door's way as it's lowering.

But, even if a late-to-bed chicken gets stuck under the door the safety feature gives the bird a chance for survival.

I will look forward to incorporating the 'Ladies First Chicken Door' into the design when I start my new coop build this coming Winter!

 

[Why Did The Chicken Cross]

Thanks Randy. You are keeping me inspired!

I have some more videos I'm working on that I think you will like.

I forgot to mention that the door in the video is 1/4 inch thick. If using a thicker door it might just be a few seconds longer opening and closing, but not that much.

 

[Why Did The Chicken Cross]

How does this design stand up to the harsh New England weather?  Have you tested operation in continuous days of freezing temperatures?  When do you anticipate customer availability?

Thanks!

Hey peepquack,
I didn't even notice you had a second post - I'm sorry. It is ironic because it is a pet peeve of mine when people don't respond to questions!

Since it is mounted on the inside of the coop, no snow or rain can get in of course. As far as freezing temperatures go - I live in NC and this past winter we had temperatures just above zero for a few nights and it was fine. I don't think we had freezing temperatures all day for a week or more though, but I don't see why it wouldn't work in those conditions. Obviously if any freezing rain gets in your door then nothing can open it. This goes for all doors, house, cars,etc.

We have limited inventory on hand right now.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[aart]

Quote: Was wondering about this....if door froze shut, or got jammed somehow, or power fails.....
.......there's no way to open pop door without removing drive and shaft?

 

[Why Did The Chicken Cross]

Was wondering about this....if door froze shut, or got jammed somehow, or power fails.....
.......there's no way to open pop door without removing drive and shaft?

Hey aart,
To remove the controller all you do is remove 4 screws, but I don't think that would solve the problem.

How would you fix any kind of door that is frozen shut. Let's say you now have a door that you are manually opening and closing and it freezes shut, how do you fix that?

Do you mean if 110v household power goes out? Since this is solar powered that wouldn't matter.

Matt