Why are automatic coop doors so expensive? Why????

[jeff spahn]

Quote:
I'm an automation engineer, prior to that I was an industrial electrician, pipefitter and welder. I can make one but virtually all the parts, which are readily available, have to be retrofit whether you use a drill motor, drapery motor or whatever. Things made in volume can be engineered for the purpose mass produced and bolt or snap together by $2 per hour assemblers.

I am in serious need of auto doors but haven't made one yet because I need 7 of them - 5 of which could be operated by a single motor. My time would be better spent designing something I can use for all the buildings yet controlled from a single location rather than custom make each door.

Why not use one motor and a series of pulleys with an electric motor on a timer. Each door gets a cable and you have a 5 "slot" pulley on the motor.

 

[ericz]

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thanks for the tip. i just ordered the opener, and the solar-power kit, including battery, solar panel and timer. this will be cool.

 

[mountaintopchicken]

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Yes, that's me too. I have 4 winter coops with 6 doors. So each door costing $180+ isn't going to work.

Why not use one motor and a series of pulleys with an electric motor on a timer. Each door gets a cable and you have a 5 "slot" pulley on the motor.

I saw a website where someone did this. I'll have to find it later.

Funny, I read a post the other day from someone who rigged up a rope with eye hooks that went all the way over the top of his yard, up the side of his house, through his bedroom window, and hooked up beside his bed. NOW THAT IS TRULY CHEAPER than a motor! Ha Ha! lol

I have seriously considered something like this. Really.​

 

[Thousand Oaks Family]

Get the add a motor. It works great and is very reliable. Sure beats getting up with the sun every day. I noticed too that the hens started laying more consistently with it too.

 

[rickc24]

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try chicken door opener i bought mine for 175.00

 

[Attila the Hen]

I bought "Pullet-Shut Automatic Chicken Door" from someone who works out of their garage in the USA. I couldn't have built it and so I pay for his expertise. Also, if I have a question or problem I call his number and he answers. (Interesting guy). Perhaps you could negotiate a deal for more than one mechanism.

 

[ninabeast]

We asked this same question, and the only answer I have for you is that it's worth it, and it's what the market will bear.

Let me repeat...IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY.

 

[peterlund]

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X2 Build a few million, they will get pretty cheap!

 

[Happy Chooks]

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Yup, I have 2 from Foy's (1 for each coop) and they are worth every penny. We never have to worry about the girls not being closed up if we get home late or are out of town.

 

[Angiebubs]

Are these "Model D20 Add-a-motor" predator proof? Do they come with a door or do you make the door and these are the motors only? (Hard to tell from the description)