What is the most reliable opener for auto-opening a pop door?

[gale65]

Next summer we'll be going on vacation and have no one that can come out in the morning and at night to open/close. We will have someone that can come during the day to gather eggs and check food/water but not after dark and not early in the am. We don't have any neighbors.

So anyway, our best option will be to use an auto door opener. I am paranoid that it could fail and my chickens could be trapped inside or outside the coop so I want to make sure we get the most reliable one. I have until next summer to save up for it so I am not worried too much about cost, just want it to be the best. We have a door that slides up and down in a metal track.

 

[ChickenJill]

I will be buying one today. I also need to know whick brand is the best...

 

[AlienChick]

For me, this one seems to be the best.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
That one swings out right? I need one that pulls the door up and lets it down.

 

[fireguy56]

Quote:
That one swings out right? I need one that pulls the door up and lets it down.

Gale, I have and Add-a-Motor our our door and works great. No problems what so ever and simple to install. Here is photo of our set up.

1/8" aluminum door in wooden track, add-a-motor above that tied into timer.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
That one swings out right? I need one that pulls the door up and lets it down.

Gale, I have and Add-a-Motor our our door and works great. No problems what so ever and simple to install. Here is photo of our set up.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69010_door_motor-1.jpg 1/8" aluminum door in wooden track, add-a-motor above that tied into timer.

Thanks. I don't know how I missed your post. I'll look into that one. Our door is a plastic cutting board that is fairly heavy (3 lbs maybe?). Would that motor lift that size door?

also can it be set to close slowly? We had a pullet roosting in the doorway last night. ugh. Now I have that to worry about.

 

[Trish44]

I have the automatic door from Fleming Outdoors, it has worked great so far for about 3 months. I like that it has no wood to rot & the door is aluminum so it won't rust. Just set the timer about 30 min. after the chickens normally go in to roost & it won't be a problem. I adjust as the time gets earlier for dark. The chickens go in before dark because they don't like being out, they can't see well.

 

[featherz]

I have an add-a-motor as well, hooked up to a timer. Love it!

You can see it in the background here:

 

[gale65]

These add-a-motor units-the dust doesn't bother them? Or are they just well sealed?

 

[Green_Eggs_and_Ham]

Quote:
Hi, we have ours framed in. But I know they are sealed tight. It's made for chicken coops.

DH put it in the frame of the coop then covered it with some plywood. Works great! Never had a problem with it.

E/