[duckling]

Dear All
I'm seriously considering an Automatic Hen House Door opener - does anyone have any advice on what to look for?

Ideally I would like one that is solar powered as I do not have power in my hen house - does such a thing exist?

I look forward to your pearls of wisdom.

Regards
Duckling.

[Foxy]

Yes I have 4 auto door openers. They use batteries which last around 2 years.

[duckling]

Hi Foxy
Thanks for that.  Where is good to get them from? How much should I look to be paying? Is there a reputable make or modle?

I don't really know anything about them - so I'm starting from scratch.

Ducking.

[p00rstudent]

i got mine from wells poutlry. works fine.

[Foxy]

yep, they are good suppliers!

http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/Automatic_Door_Openers.html

[raeburg]

Not the cheapest of things though!  I'd love one.  Just got to persuade the chicken fairy to bring one....

[Wyandottie]

Hi, We got our chickens last Saturday and have been using an automatic door opener.  We bought it from P & T Poultry who supplied our coop.  It's fantastic!  Chickens are up with first light - about 6.30 a.m. this morning.  It was recommended to me by a friend who has peace of mind if they go away for a weekend, knowing that her chookies are let out and safely tucked up at night. 

[lamina]

Hi,
This is an excellent idea but as with most things that I get involved with I shall be making my own.  I couldn't justify £100 or more for a simple box of electronics and a motor - and in any case I enjoy a challenge.  If and when I get one working I shall post the details.
I will probably make it USB compatible so I can control Annabelle & Co's movements from the comfort of my home office   The coop's internal webcam should give me all the info on their movements 

Richard

[poultrygeist]

There has been a detailed thread on a home-made opener last year. I'll see if I can find it for you.

Rob

[poultrygeist]

Have a skim through this

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=15360.0

Might advance your R&D by a few days.

Rob

[lamina]

Thanks Rob,

Excellent thread - saved me a few dozen iterations 

[duckling]

Thanks all for you helpful advice and the other thread - very useful stuff.

Will be showing my OH and see what he says - fingers crossed we can get one soon.  I'd like to just go ahead and order it - but knowing me I would order the one that wasn't quite what we wanted.