Youtube user clintfisher has created what I would call the most sophistitcated automatic chicken coop door opener I've seen so far.

It uses Arduino technology that allows for wireless control and will be powered by a solar cell that charges a small 12 volt battery.

The locking mechanism is impressive and he makes use of an old battery powered drill for the motor action.

I doubt if there's any racoons out there smart enough to get through this level of security.


Edited to add:

After years of research, Mark eventually settled on this automatic chicken door.

You can see a summary of the best chicken door alternatives and why he chose this version here.

If you're planning on automating your coop, don't forget to pick up one of our chicken waterers.  They never spill or fill with poop, and if done right, can only need filling every few days or weeks!

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About us: Anna Hess and Mark Hamilton spent over a decade living self-sufficiently in the mountains of Virginia before moving north to start over from scratch in the foothills of Ohio. They've experimented with permaculture, no-till gardening, trailersteading, home-based microbusinesses and much more, writing about their adventures in both blogs and books.



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