Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[emmalou]

I have been searching for an electronic door opener for my chicken house, however one or two say not to be used with a ramp, however I though a lot of chicken houses had ramps? Also is a timer or light sensitive one better please? If anyone can recommend any that would be great too. Thank you

[SeramaSilly]

I used to have one Emmalou with my old wooden chicken house and that had a ramp - can't see what that has to do with it to be honest. I had a light sensitive one and never had any problems with it - I did leave their food out though in a hang up feeder. Obviously they get the maximum sunlight and it also means not having to get up early to let them out or put them to bed. I did always go and have a look though later in the evening to make sure they'd all gone to bed and one night I found my plymouth rock bantam hadn't gone to bed - she was having trouble laying an egg and after 10 minutes with the hairdryer and a rest in a cardboard box she laid it. My run was secure so she was quite safe so you would have to be aware of that if your run isn't. The timer one is if you want to let them out and put them to bed at a certain time so it really is up to you but remember when the clocks go forward and back.

 

I got mine from Wells Poultry but I think their company has liquidated now. Perhaps it would be an idea to ring a poultry supplier who stocks them and have a little chat?

 

x

[emmalou]

Thanks Sophie. I was just a little unsure about one of them getting stuck outside and us not realising, so not sure whether a timer one would be better. I can see these things working well in the morning but night time may be a problem??

[SeramaSilly]

No, I never found that a problem Emmalou, they always put themselves to bed well before the door closed - I don't think you'd really have to worry about that.

 

x

[Hippie Chick]

I have one that will work with either light settings and/or a timer.

 

I use the timer to let them out in the morning and the light sensor to close the door at night. The one I have allows you to change the lux (light) sensitivity and I like it to be quite dark before I let it close in the warmer weather to let as much cool air in as I can. I'm always up late anyway so I can keep an eye on them in case of predators.

 

I have the Chicken Guard Premium. http://www.chickenguard.com/

[emmalou]

Thanks for the replies. I have just PMd you Hippie chick as the link is for all the doors and not one inparticular. Will probably opt for a dual one but wasn't sure if you bought the timer bit seperately or if it was one unit?

[SeramaSilly]

I bought the timer too Emmalou because I wasn't sure what to do but

I never used it. The light-sensor doesn't kick in until it's really starting to get dark and my girls were always in well before that.

 

x

[emmalou]

Brill thanks. Do many of you use the new doors that are sold along side the kits pr have you modernised existing doors?

[emmalou]

Thanks all for the advice. We purchased a chickenguard dual timer and light sensor model. It worked an absolute treat last night and this morning, although did have a peak to check all was good. Whilst it is still day one the delivery was less than 24 hrs to France from the UK so on that side can recommend the company. The chickens made their own way to bed as well last night which was a bonus. Thanks again!

[emmalou]

Has anyone purchased timers these with the door kit which they also sell along side the timer kit? We have made a sliding wood door but it does stick occasionally. The door kit seems very expensive for what it is but if it is good then may have to look at this?

[Mars]

I bought this door opener

http://www.chickenguard.com/shop/asti-extreme/

 

and this door kit

http://www.chickenguard.com/shop/door-and-runner-kit/

 

They work fine

[emmalou]

Yes it is the one I bought in the end. Hubby thought the door though was overmpriced and unnecessary so have done a mod on ours and seems OK now. Thanks.

[emmalou]

Does anyone know if these chickenguard doors do two doors with one piece of string. Very long story but had problems with their customer service. Not sure how long the string is on the pulley?