How to make an Automatic a Chicken Coop Door opener

What do you need to Automate a Chicken Coop Door

There are various ways to do this, including using timers, light sensors, or even using a smartphone app to control the door remotely. You can purchase pre-made automatic chicken coop door openers or build. It's important to keep in mind that when automating a chicken coop door, safety and animal welfare must be considered.

What type of doors are used on chicken coops

There are several types of doors that can be used on chicken coops, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some common types of doors used on chicken coops include:

1. Sliding doors: These are doors that slide open and closed on a track, similar to a barn door. They are easy to operate, but they may require more space to open and close. Threy can lift up from abover or the side. 
2. Hinged doors: These are doors that are attached to the coop with hinges and open like a regular door. They are easy to install and operate, but they may not be as secure as other types of doors.
3. Pop-hole doors: These are small doors, typically around 12x12 inches, that allow chickens to come and go from the coop. These are great for keeping predators out but not very suitable for people to access the coop.
4. Combination door: These are door that combine some of the features of the above doors, like a hinged door with a pop-hole door. These are versatile and can be adjusted according to the needs of the owner.

The type of door you have will and the specific needs of the owner and the chickens, and the type of door that is used will affect the overall design and functionality of the coop.

Can you use a linear actuator to automatically open and close the doors

Yes, it is possible to use a linear actuator to automatically open and close chicken coop doors and is probably the easiest way to convert existing doors into automatic doors, because Linear Actuators can be used to open sliding doors, hinged doors, and pocket doors.  A linear actuator is a motorized device that converts rotary motion into linear motion. It can be used to push or pull a door open or closed. Linear actuators can be controlled by a timer, a light sensor, or a remote control, which makes them a suitable choice for automating chicken coop doors. To learn about Linear Acrtuator read our blog posts on Actuators 101

We recomend using the FIRGELLI adjustable limit switch linear actuator  because it’s the only linear actuator on the market that allows you to adjust the position of the end of stoke which means it’s much easier for installation of the actuator.

Here is an overview of how to use a linear actuator to automatically open and close a chicken coop door:

1. Gather materials: You will need a linear actuator, 2 brackets for either side of the actuator, a power supply, a switch, and a control system (such as a timer or a light sensor). You will also need tools such as a drill and screwdriver.
2. Mount the linear actuator: Attach the linear actuator to the coop near the door, making sure it is securely mounted. Typically its easier to mount the actuator when the door is in its closed position, because this is a fixed stop position for the system.  The Actuator should be retracted fully and the door closed fully first. 
3. Connect the linear actuator to the door: Use a bracket or a rod to connect the linear actuator to the door. This will allow the actuator to push or pull the door open or closed.
4. Install the control system: Connect the linear actuator to a timer or a light sensor, or use a remote control to operate the actuator.
5. Install the switch: Add a switch to the actuator so you can manually open and close the door if needed.
6. Test and adjust: Test the automatic opener to make sure it works properly and make any necessary adjustments.

It's important to keep in mind that when automating a chicken coop door, safety and animal welfare must be considered. And also the linear actuator must be rated for outdoor use, and must be waterproof or weather-proof.  Typically opening and closing a door will not require much force at all. 

Parts List

1. Actuator

2. Brackets

3. Power Supply

4. Light sensor

5. DPDT relay

6. Optional Solar panel

How about the controller side of the automatic door opener. 

There are a few different ways to make an automatic chicken coop door opener, but one common method is to use a linear actuator and a timer or light sensor to control the movement of the door. Here is a general overview of how to make an automatic chicken coop door opener using this method:

1. If the Door is a sliding door (either from above or the side) Install, then you want to choose the stroke of the actuator to match the length of which the door slides.  So if the sliding door is 24" then pick a 24" stroke linear actuator.  If the door is a pull up door and uses gravity to close it then you have the added bonus of been able to pull the door open using a cable that's connected to the actuator somewhere else, This means you can also use a pulley type system to amplify the stroke if you so desire, or just pick an actuator with the same stroke as the door movement length
2. Install the timer or light sensor: Depending on your preference, you can install a timer or a light sensor to control when the door opens and closes. Connect the timer or sensor to the motor and power supply.
3. Install the switch: Add a switch so you can manually open and close the door if needed.
4. Test and adjust: Test the automatic opener to make sure it works properly and make any necessary adjustments.

It's important to keep in mind that when automating a chicken coop door, safety and animal welfare must be considered.

Next you need to figure out what type of controller you want?   If you want it to open at sunlight and close at sunset automatically then you can use an Arduino controller, which acts as a mini computer and that connects to a power source and a relay, and when the controller knows it’s daylight time. The controller  sends a message to the relay to open.  The relay which is connected to the actuator makes it open or close

The type of relay you want to use is a DPDT relay shown below.  Here is a blog post that shows how to wire up a relay to a linear actuator. Click here 

The entire system will need a 12v power supply  as shown below. this will run the Actuator, and the relay and the controller or light sensor if you have one.  If you plan to run this off a 12v battery, then consider adding a solar panel to charge the battery and keeping it fully charged. If using a solar panel and battery then you don't need to use a plug in power supply. 

One option you may want to avoid the controller is to have a light sensor  so that the system knows when it’s night and day outside.   This is a simple way to replace the controller and simply have a light sensor send an open and closed signal to the relay module.   

Here is the Arduino module that can be programmed to open and close at certain times of the day depending on the time zone and daylight savings time and also the seasons.  To learn how to connect a linear actuator or any other type of motor to an Arduino read our blog post here    

These Arduino's controllers are like mini computers.   you create the code off line on a PC, then download the program via a USB cable by connecting the Arduino directly to the PC to get the code onto the Arduino board.   They are increddibly inexpensive too for what they are capable of doing. 

If in the future you are in need to replace your linear actuator, our replacement actuator article will be of great help.