Need a better automatic chicken door opener...ideas?

[jed1154]

I got my current automatic opener after a bit of research. It is one from add-a-motor, and frankly, it's quickly falling into the 'junk' category. It worked ok the first year, but now, after one repair, and now in need of another repair, Im looking for something better. Im growing tired of it jamming, stripping gears, or disintegrating every 8 months...and repairs aren't free.

Has anyone found something more reliable and robust? Id like to get some more input before I put forth an earnest effort to design my own or re-design their's. The idea on the add-a-motor is good, the materials are trash. This motor with brass gearing and all metal construction would be a very solid product.

So, anyone have any better solutions? If it costs more than 200 bucks, thats OK if its reliable.

 

[kellanv]

We just received our pullet shut door fom www.chickendoors.com. While it has not been installed yet the construction is very robust and the mechanism seems to work quite well. Quirky way of programming it but I can see its advantage over standard timers.

 

[aggie9296]

i have a pullet shut door from chickendoors.com and it is AWESOME. Battery, solar charger, and light sensor. SUPER easy to install. Aluminum and sturdy. Swings out rather than drops down. The light sensor is VERY sensitive and opens with least amount of light but closes only when fairly dark. So the chickens are in bed about 30-45 minutes prior to it closing. I might shade it a bit to make it close earlier.

 

[Happy Chooks]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/683397/automatic-coop-door-opener/0_50#post_9451851

 

[Quahog]

i have a pullet shut door from chickendoors.com and it is AWESOME. Battery, solar charger, and light sensor. SUPER easy to install. Aluminum and sturdy. Swings out rather than drops down. The light sensor is VERY sensitive and opens with least amount of light but closes only when fairly dark. So the chickens are in bed about 30-45 minutes prior to it closing. I might shade it a bit to make it close earlier.

Ditto! My pullet shut has been perfect.

 

[notiones]

When you say the add-a-motor is falling into the junk category, I hope you are not talking about the AD20 like this one: http://www.discounthomeautomation.com/Add-A-Motor-Chicken-Coop-Motor-AD20

I just finished buying one online. If it really is failing early, please let me know so I can cancel my order and get something else.

 

[WellsPoultry]

http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/Automatic_Door_Openers.html


Shipped world, easy to fit, battery powered so no mains power needed.

 

[jed1154]

I am talking about that add-a-motor, but, you should give it a shot for yourself. I don't know exactly why mine failed. My door is within limits, but the weight is on the heavier side (though within spec)...if it was just a piece of plexiglass, it would be fine I think.