The Low-Down on Auto Coop Doors

[tcstoehr]

Quote:
There are automatic door openers on the market but they are spendy. I have one and like it though. There are some very cheap do-it-yourself alternatives as well. If you search for "automatic door opener" on the BackyardChicken forums, you will find a wealth of information.

If you have the cash and need a quick solution, I would recommend the Ador1. You can use its "last call" and "Delay Open" features for a little extra safety while your away. The power source is built-in and long lasting so power isn't an issue.
People seem to like their Pullet-Shut models as well. This one is better suited to running on a timer, and they have responded to competitive pressures by introducing an optional photo sensor. But the door opens outwards like a regular hinged door instead of a "guillotine" model. And it can be pushed open from one side, so you have to be careful to mount it so that the door opens outward, which leaves it sticking out where you can accidentally step into it and damage it. It should have a backstop installed for this reason.

I would avoid any model that works on a draw-string. The door can be lifted easily as there is nothing holding it down. Even if it can't be reached under, it can still be easily lifted by traction against the outer surface.

 

[tcstoehr]

I bought my Adoor1 this spring, so have not wintered with it, We get cold like you do so we will have to see.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

The winter issue is with snow or ice piling up underneath the door. An ice storm would also be problematic. I reduce the chance of these issues by mounting the door on the inside of the coop in a recessed fashion. The wind would have to blow just right for a problem to happen, and that could never happen.

Cold alone should not be a problem, but I haven't had any sever cold yet so that's just an educated guess.

 

[skunknchatter]

So after looking at ADOR1 and Pullet Shut there are things I like about both. I like the way the ADOR1 lifts rather than swings open but I like that I can program the Pullet Shut. Most of the time the duck gets in and settled with the chickens but every once in a while he's out running around at midnight. Seriously not the smartest critter. I do like the idea of rigging the photocell and a light on a timer. Shouldn't be too hard to do. At this point I'm not worried about spending a little money I just want a solution. We are leaving for a 10 day vacation in a few weeks so I need to do something before then. It would be ideal to get the coop covered and secure AND get an auto door but due to the time constraint I think I an auto door is the answer. Now if I could just make a decision.

RJ was the 2x4 and wire top you saw built onto the top of the kennel panels as in the 2x4s were attached to the panels or was it more free standing with posts running to the ground then the top built on posts? Just trying to picture it.

Has anyone used the welded wire "calf panels" for a coop top? We have a bunch of those but I'm wondering what size opening a raccoon can get through...

 

[RJSorensen]

This was a pen for Seramas it was chain link sides with 2 x 4s longer than the pen, across the top of the metal frames. Then they hooked them together into a lattice with cross ones but all on the same level plain. It amounted to a bunch of squares with two more kennel panels tied down to make the roof. It may have been on 24" centers. Nothing was getting into these expensive chickens. You could us U bolts or even leaf spring U shaped bolts to keep it where you want it. Then there is always plumbers tape…

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[sunflour]

I either need to come up with a raccoon proof top for the whole kennel or put in an automatic hen door. The door would need to be a timer type because my duck is always the last one in at night and sometimes it takes him till midnight to go in. Our raccoon problem seems to be at its worst between 2-6:00AM.

I think you should fortify the top of your kennel. When we had outside cats with feed on my deck, the raccoons came to try to eat morning, noon, 1-3 pm as well as at nite. Once they find an easy food source, they don't follow the rules. 12'X12' is quite the challenge. Consider cross supports and adding hardware cloth or weather proof plywood? If they need more top sun, then maybe a combination of the two?

 

[skunknchatter]

I ordered my Pullet Shut door today. They said it would be here by Monday so I can get it installed before I go on vacation. I'm going to fortify the top of the coop as well but I don't have time before we leave on this trip. Hubby said we'd put it on the top of our list for when we get back.

I went with the Pullet Shut because you can program it. I like that better than the photocell because I have a straggler (my duck) who doesn't go in the coop until about an hour after it gets dark.

I'll post pics and an update when we get it installed. Thanks for your help guys.