[Honey65]

Hi

I need to get an automatic door but not sure which type.  Any recommendations?  How light sensitive are they really?  Most of mine are still up when the light has almost gone so I'm thinking a timer would be better.

[Asherweef]

Will be watching this closely as I'm looking to invest too!

[bravemurphy]

I set up one with the sensor and they can be adjusted for different light levels.

It was the best thing I ever bought for my chooks and lasted just over 2 years on the batteries it came with excellent bit of kit.

[Asherweef]

I set up one with the sensor and they can be adjusted for different light levels.

It was the best thing I ever bought for my chooks and lasted just over 2 years on the batteries it came with excellent bit of kit.

Not sure on the forum rules but are you able to link to yours?

[bravemurphy]

not sure about the rules either maybe a mod will tell us.

[Kevin67]

Perhaps as a guide - street lights come on at 55 lux

[Organic chick]

We had one fitted with the new henhouse and it has been worth it's weight in gold.  Made in Germany but cannot remember the name.  Will try to remember to have a look next time.  We set it to close automatically with fading light but use the timer in a morning as I like to see them come out first thing.  I change the batteries every 18 months to avoid problems.  As our hens are run as a cooperative venture it makes it easier when the usual suspects overlay in a morning!!

[8doubles]

I always used the timer as i did not like the idea of the hens being shut out early on a cloudy , rainy day.

I always checked that all was ok as i put the food dish away every night but the auto closer never let me down.

Worth the cost!

[nerdle]

I got my light sensitive one at Flyte so fancy - its wonderful!  I always change the battery a few days before going away to be sure it's reliable.  Takes the pain out of hen sitting - she comes to check hens are OK and give them a treat.

The downside - the hens are up at 5.30 am in the morning in the summer and if they are noisy the neighbours won't like it.  Had to keep them in and let them out myself during long summer days.

[cbv8]

Honey65,
I bought a used VSB type off a well known bidding site i think it cost me £35 about 18mths ago and it has worked perfectly ever since i installed my VSB under roof of coop next to pop hole and found it was closing too early so tried a remote sensor in fact two but both failed  So i installed my VSB on the roof of my coop where its not shaded and has more light see pic whatever you decide good luck i would not be without mine now