Pullet Shut Automatic Door Opener?

[shadylady23]

Hi there, So I'm seriously considering purchasing this automatic door, And I wanted to know from others on here who already have this if they could answer a few questions for me about how this works.

How does the door stay shut ? Does it have a locking mechanism that keep predators (for example a racoon) from reaching and pulling the door open with their claws?

Does any 12V battery work? Or do I have to buy "their" battery and solar charger. We live off grid and I already have some leftover batteries and panels from my cabin that we don't really use anymore.


I think these were the last questions I had before I took the plunge. We're going on vaca in a bit over a month, so I'm trying to think ahead for my girls sake and make it so I don't need someone here everyday! lol

Thanks for any help or opinions

Mary

 

[shadylady23]

Did I post this in the wrong catagory? I don't see any of this information about these questions on their site. Does anyone know?

 

[Toddrick]

Apparently they are great doors, although I don't own one. Niftychicken uses those, and is very happy (saw that on a thread here while I was researching). I'd say you can't go wrong with those.

There is an installation video on their website that explains most everything.

 

[shadylady23]

Thanks. I just couldn't see how it Stays shut. Im wondering if it has some sort of locking system. Hopefully someone will chime in.... It's the little door to their run, so it's fairly safe, however I'm such a worry wart about them. (I'm a first timer and still haven't lost one, so trying to be super careful)

Mary-

 

[Toddrick]

You may want to just read this whole thread, that's what I did. But this particular post answers your question:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/428190/best-automatic-chicken-door-openers/10#post_5273773

I chose the ADOR1, which is not as popular, but a liked the design a little better.

 

[tcstoehr]

No locking system. The manufacturer therefore suggests that it be installed to open outwards, since it is more difficult for a determined predator to pull the door open than to push it. In this configuration, pushing the door just pushes it against the frame, no problem. But it can be pulled open and since it swings open, you can't conceal the edges of the door, although they are slightly recessed and difficult for a raccoon (for example) to get its claws behind. And since it swings open it can be tripped over or walked into and damaged so it is also suggested you place a backstop behind it if you regularly walk around it.
Any 12V battery should do the trick. Battery is separate from main unit so you must find some convenient place to shelf it, presumably inside the coop.
You might also consider the Ador1 auto door as it has several design advantages in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Toddrick]

No locking system. The manufacturer therefore suggests that it be installed to open outwards, since it is more difficult for a determined predator to pull the door open than to push it. In this configuration, pushing the door just pushes it against the frame, no problem. But it can be pulled open and since it swings open, you can't conceal the edges of the door, although they are slightly recessed and difficult for a raccoon (for example) to get its claws behind. And since it swings open it can be tripped over or walked into and damaged so it is also suggested you place a backstop behind it if you regularly walk around it.
Any 12V battery should do the trick. Battery is separate from main unit so you must find some convenient place to shelf it, presumably inside the coop.
You might also consider the Ador1 auto door as it has several design advantages in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

Niftychicken says it is direct geared, so the gear or sprocket thing would not turn easily without power. But yea, the design opening outward has obvious limitations, such as requiring clearance in front of the door, and the door getting ice on it while opened. The other thing I didn't like is the programming requiring a magnet instead of just a button, but that's not a huge deal. It seems to be a popular and reliable product though, maybe the most sold automatic door out there, and with the best warranty/support. It should be a safe bet if you live in a warm climate.

If I understand correctly, the ADOR1 is a newer product from a smaller business, and maybe not as well supported, but it does have a few big advantages for about the same price. It opens upwards so it all stays basically internal, and is also direct geared. It has push button programming with both light sensor and timer options. It has a shield over it to block snow/ice. It gets Canada cold here in Indiana in the winter, so I liked the shield a lot.

The only other product I was seriously considering was the ChickenGuard, because it had great programming features. But I decided against any product that uses a string/gravity (instead of direct geared). All the other products I found seemed to be hodge podge drapery motors or antenna motors, which didn't seem to have good programming at all.

 

[shadylady23]

Okay thanks for this info. I'll look at both! . I need to order this week!

 

[Toddrick]

If you're in a hurry don't order the ADOR1. Apparently they just moved, and are weeks behind on shipping.

 

[rgunn1]

If you're in a hurry don't order the ADOR1. Apparently they just moved, and are weeks behind on shipping.

Great. I just pulled the trigger and order my ADOR1 (EDIT: *after* reading that entire thread you posted above!) hoping it would be here for the weekend. Woodlands TX (their location) to South Louisiana is usually a day... so much for that.