Hello, In the past I have seen people talk about having automatic doors that open in the morning to let their chickens out. If you have one of these, how do you like it? Is there anything you don't like about it? Where do you get these doors and how do they work? Thank you! CJ
I have one and am spoiled, no more running out there to let the girls out or lock them up.The one I have is an add a motor and is just a motor that lifts the door in the am and closes it in the pm.It does require a timer that you set and will only work with doors that go up and down not sideways or swing open. http://www.discounthomeautomation.com/Add-A-Motor-Chicken-Coop-Motor-AD20 This is where I got mine and it was about 80 bucks.
We have two coops and two different automatic pop door openers. One we got at Foy's Pigeon Supply and the other was an Add-A-Motor Chicken Coop Door We love them both and I think they both work equally well. They provide convenience and security for us and that's worth the cost to me. You can see them installed in our coops on my blog here: http://eggcartonlabels.blogspot.com/2011/05/virtual-tour-de-coop.html
I wouldn't have a coop without an automatic door. I prefer the one from Foy's, because it uses 4 AAA batteries (no need for power to the coop) and a light sensor to trigger the door. Factory set, the sensor opened and closed at the perfect time for my flock. Batteries lasted longer than a year. Expensive, yes! Worth every penny, as far as I'm concerned. Before you ask, the two different models I've used are the guillotine style, opening up and closing down, not out or sideways. The doors close very slowly, so no lopping off of chickens' heads or anything gruesome if a chicken is partway through when the door begins to lower. If a chicken is standing right there IN the doorway, the lowering door will stop when encountering a barrier, then raise again from that point.
If you do go with the add-a-motor method make sure you get the right model number. U need the D20 NOT the model 80. I did not know of the difference and within 4 months of getting the 80 its gears where striped.
I have a question on the door. I see all the stuff that goes with it and understand what's happening, but where is and how do you connect the motor to the door. Something has to be connected to the door for it to raise and lower. How does it attach to the motor? I fail to see the instructions for that part. I'm working on one now but still have to get the motor part and its related parts. Thanks
There is a line attached the top of the door and the motor winds the line up in the same way a fishing pole reel winds up the fishing line.
