Automatic Chicken door

[ModMech]

While it is not strictly tractor related, it begs the question: are chicken tractors, tractors?

I recently completed an upgrade to our chicken habitat, their coop door is now FULLY AUTOMATIC! As there may be some members who could benefit, I have included photos below showing the general idea. I made a Youtube video that has more detail for those curious individuals.

Next project will be either a remotely adjustable top link or PTO power log splitter.



DIY $2 Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Easy Build - YouTube

 

[4get gto]

Gave that alittle thought didn't you? And not your first rodeo either. Very cool.

 

[ModMech]

Thanks for the kind words

My goal was to use as much recycled stuff as I could..... and be clever doing it. Best part is that it worked on the first try!

 

[k0ua]

Some microswitches with some home made weatherproof housings would help you out there. Microswitches are very cheap, or can be scrounged from many things. Your least reliable part of your whole design is the home made limit switches.. Microswitches are quite reliable. Overall a thumbs up for ingenuity and creativity and usefulness. :thumbsup:

 

[ModMech]

I scoured all over the house and shop, no micro switches to be had that still worked. You are right tho, time and elements will not be kind to the DIY limit switches.

Sealed magnetic switches would be best, given the environment, but they would have nearly doubled my $20 budget in the NC configuration

 

[jwmorris]

Years ago a friend gave me a bunch of swimming pool valve controllers. I have used them for different control projects like remote shutoff for air compressors and even an auto chicken coop door.

They move pretty slow, like 30 seconds for 180 deg of movement but are quite powerful, are water tight, have internal limit switches and are adjustable.

I had thought about doing the string method too but I wanted a door that a critter couldn't just lift up.

 

[ModMech]

That is COOL! It would also meet my budgetary constraints "gave me" and all

I did consider linear actuators, because of their built-in limit switches and positive positioning, but WAY too costly.

 

[maxamber]

there are some less inexpensive automatic chicken doors, they work great you can check out this article.