ali-s Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 The greenhouse is getting much to warm during the day when I am at work. It is still too cold in the morning to open the door or the window, I have had to de-ice the car 3 times this week. On Tuesday I came home from work and the greenhouse thermometer was reading 37c and my seedlings were dry and wilting. I have told Andy I must give up work so I can tend to my plants , he suggested an automatic window opener Can anyone recomend them and do they work? Also any suggestions how to keep the chickens out of the greenhouse when the door is open? They are using it as a tuck shop The greenhouses are in their free ranging area Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola O Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Automatic window openers are a godsend. I have two in mine and they really help. You can twist the 'body' of them and it affects at what temperature they start to open up (if you know what I mean) there is no temp. gauge on them, it's just a case of trial and error. I've also got a piece of sturdy plastic netting, with canes threaded through each edge which pokes in the soil just inside the door - works a treat at keeping those little scratchy feet out. Nicola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 I bought an automatic window opener in my first year here (07), and still haven't managed to fit it. I can't remember now what the problem was but it didn't quite fit my window and I needed a bit that wasn't supplied ... really must get it out and sort it this year! I keep a bit of expanding willow trellis propped against the door. I let mine dustbath in there in winter, so they are in like Flynn if they see the door open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 We have them in the new greenhouse and can thoroughly recommend them. It has a concrete base though so no chicken problems. The one with the dirt floor is now part of the chicken run so they can happily dustbathe in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrie Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 We have an automatic window opener, have had it for about 9 years. The instructions did say to remove it over winter but I have never bothered, I haven't done anything to it since I installed it. We bought a cheap one from either a big garden centre or DIY store. My greenhouse still gets quite hot and I really could do with fitting another one, can't leave the door open because neighbours cats tend to go in and use it as their personal toilet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 Thanks everyone. I will be buying one this week, Argos are stocking them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I just got one from Argos too - it seems to be working fine!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 The Automatic vent operner was fitted this morning. No more frazzled seedlings I finally bought one from Homebase £16.99 and I got 10% off that price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
