Recommendations on Auto Chicken Door

[FarmerMel]

We made our chicken door a little different. We didn't use the metal sheet, because it cost more, so we used plywood that we had laying around. Keep in mind tho, that you should have a roof cover for the chicken door on the outside of the coop (when it rains, the plywood swells and the door won't open). Hope this helps!!!

 

[ChestnutRidge]

What is the difference between Foy's "inside install with sensor" and the outside light sensor add-on? Does the inside mount with sensor open and close based on the amount of light inside the coop? Which doorkeeper would you add the outside light sensor to?

 

[gale65]

Quote:
I would be interested in what one you have currently so that I can avoid purchasing from a company that gave a negative experience. If you are not wanting to post that publicly I understand, but since I am looking could you please PM me with the information? Thanks!

I really don't want to post their name publicly though there is another thread on here that someone started asking questions about the company and one poster has had a similiar experience to mine.

But as an update, DH spent a lot of time diagnosing the problem and narrowed it down to the circuit board. He contacted the company again (well several times) and although they don't use that particular version of board any longer have agreed to send us a replacement board that they had laying around at no charge. Of course, there is no guarantee it will work, but at least they are making an effort.

I'll PM you.

Is this the thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=412251&p=2

If so someone else also said that brand of door failed on them.

 

[gale65]

btw if that isn't it, please send me a pm with the name also. I am in the market for an auto door and I want to get the best one I can.

 

[donnavee]

Quote:
Yes, that is the thread. I would like to say that the company did agree to send us a new circuit board and thankfully DH is good with that sort of thing and it did open and close today as programmed. However, it will take a bit longer for me to feel comfortable again. We don't rely on the auto door that much at night since we are normally home at chicken bedtime, but it is a nice convenience to let them out in the morning and if we are out a little late.

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
How tall is this from the groung to the higest point of the whole set up?

 

[donnavee]

Quote:
I can't figure that out either?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I haven't looked at Foy's site lately and I didn't buy either of mine from them, although I do have that brand. I have the version designed to be installed inside, that has the light sensor on a cable. I have the door and opener installed inside the coop. The cable is connected to the opener, then the cable goes through a tiny hole in the wall, so the sensor is outside. The sensor is reading the light levels outside.

I think they're more comfortable with the door being installed outside in the UK, because they don't have raccoons there. I didn't want a 40 lb. raccoon pulling the cord attached to the door up. Some people have said it's not a problem, but I'm paranoid.

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
How amazing would that be!!!!!!

 

[FarmerMel]

Quote:
How tall is this from the groung to the higest point of the whole set up?

From the ground to the top is 58" H x 24" Wide

From the ground to the bottom of the door is 13.5" H (for deep litter method, so none of the shavings get kicked out)

The Door Opening is 13" H x 12" W (we have Orpingtons, Austuralorps, Buff Brahmas, & Guinea fowls. They all do fine going through the door).

The Slide Door is 15.5" H x 14.25" W. We have the slide door stopping at 41" H.