Looking for an automatic door opener for my coop.

[PinkyLee]

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I use to ring a bell to get my chickens to come and they would run from across the acre to get treats.... so, now I am thinking... an automatic buzzer and an automatic treat tube... and then the automatic door. It's so funny to have all this new technology! I need all this automation because I am not at my cabin everyday. I wish I could be there to watch over things but my husband and I are in the city until retirement age.

 

[feathersaloft]

If your real DIY type of guy then you can build one with components off of e-bay and the internet. I built mine using the Arduino

processor, 12VDC gearmotor off internet and a relay board to control motor forward and reverse. some misc fuse holders, 4

limit switches and wiring.

Total cost was around $125 including plywood for control box and door. I used an inexpensive photocell and relay board

bought off the internet to open door at dawn and close at dusk, it is adjustable and was under $10...two limit switches to

control stopping door when opening and closing. Added two more limit switches to turn on small lights

I can see from my computer room to confirm door actually opened and closed. It all runs off an old car battery I had laying

around and I keep a small charger on it.

So far it has worked flawlessly but did spend many hrs getting everything to work like I wanted it to but then I am retired and it

was a challenge for me. I am not interested in building and selling them but would be glad to supply some photos if

your interested.

I would love some pictures. Hubby is interested in making one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cindy in PA]

I purchased the Automatic Chicken Door advanced model from Fleming Outdoors 2 months ago & it's fantastic. It is made by petautodoors.com in Lancaster, PA. It is similar to the chickenguard except it runs on electric or battery & it uses a timer & has the ability to put in your GPS coordinates & set the time before or after sunrise/sunset & never have to change the settings again. It adjusts for the changing times. I had a plexiglass guillotine door already, so I only purchased the motor. You can make your own out of a cookie sheet or cutting board or whatever. I did have a problem 1 month in & the company was very helpful & I had it fixed with a phone call within hours. I love that it can be put inside & I have no worries about a light sensor malfunctioning. I have it set to open 1/2 hour after sunrise & 20 minutes after sunset and it has worked like a charm.