Racoon opens automatic door

[Nyhillbillies]

We were debating on an auto door, but your experience clinched it. No auto door!

 

[Mouthpear]

We were debating on an auto door, but your experience clinched it. No auto door!

Why tho? Out of the thousands of auto doors out there, that racoons have not gotten into, you are making a decision on one(few) example(s)?

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Why tho? Out of the thousands of auto doors out there, that racoons have not gotten into, you are making a decision on one(few) example(s)?

Its a trust factor. Too many variables.
1- predator break in
2- late chicken can't get in
3- predator locked in
4- other curious animal locked in…..

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

have you figured out how the raccoon is getting into your secure run? I am sorry for your loss. use this time to figure out how to keep critters out of your run, so they have an even harder time getting into your coop.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Its a trust factor. Too many variables.
1- predator break in
2- late chicken can't get in
3- predator locked in
4- other curious animal locked in…..

I feel all of that. My door has been great, but if you won't be able to sleep at night, it isn't worth it.

 

[AGeese]

My condolences.

I changed my mind on string lead doors, and currently looking over something like this: https://a.co/d/chpIDVZ the trick with this is getting the trip sensor to work while keeping it protected from bedding and geese like mine.

 

[Mouthpear]

My condolences.

I changed my mind on string lead doors, and currently looking over something like this: https://a.co/d/chpIDVZ the trick with this is getting the trip sensor to work while keeping it protected from bedding and geese like mine.

That one has a simple single timer setup. I would just buy the parts separate and DIY it. You can always add a safety feature that almost anyone can put together.

Video is of the setup. Don't be deterred by all the stuff on the board with the Linear Actuator. That's just my test board where I test most of the door systems I design.

Links to post I made on different ways to control and use a Linear Actuator for a chicken door.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/budget-automatic-coop-door-or-diy.1524254/post-25943055

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/automatic-door.1487643/post-25444027
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/automatic-coop-doors.1519668/post-25679775

 

[Mouthpear]

Its a trust factor. Too many variables.
1- predator break in
2- late chicken can't get in
3- predator locked in
4- other curious animal locked in…..

1,2,3,4 All can be dealt with.

On the flip side

1. You ALWAYS have to be there to open
2. You ALWAYS have to be there to close
3. predator breakin
4. predator locked in That can still happen
5. other curious animal locked in….. Same as 4 just a repeat

Basically the same variables apply to both. So why not go with the better option.

Only one is chicken left out. I'd rather lose just one that the entire flock, if the door was not closed because you didn't get home till late. or you just plain forgot.

 

[MarlaMac]

Its a trust factor. Too many variables.
1- predator break in
2- late chicken can't get in
3- predator locked in
4- other curious animal locked in…..

Ladies First makes a nice auto door. It is nut/screw driven so it cannot be pushed up.

 

[Mouthpear]

It is nut/screw driven

I is nice that it has a screw drive but using a Regular nut and just all thread is a show of poor quality. A proper Lead Screw and Nut would be a show of a better quality product.