Navigation
Install the app
How to install the app on iOS
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
More options
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Add-A-Motor D20 Chicken Coop Motor
- Added by cristina7
- Create date
- Updated
Add this motor to your chicken coop and it automatically opens and closes the door on a time...
- JC551
- 4.00 star(s)
Pros: Can lift a heavy door, easy adjustments, works with simple timers.
Cons: No built in programming, have to buy a separate timer.
I think this motor is really neat. It’s an easy to understand design, the manufacturer offers repair parts, DIY instructions, and mail-in repairs. Easy to take apart for repair, too.
I connected mine to a Wyze WiFi outlet, so I can set timer schedules on your smartphone, and operate the door remotely. It can be used with an old school standalone 12VDC or 120VAC mechanical or newer digital timer, too.
My door setup is a bit more complicated than it needs to be. It has a counterweight, left over from when we used to operate it manually using a string that we ran through the wall of the coop. The motor doesn’t really need that. It also has a locking bar to prevent opening from the outside.
I connected mine to a Wyze WiFi outlet, so I can set timer schedules on your smartphone, and operate the door remotely. It can be used with an old school standalone 12VDC or 120VAC mechanical or newer digital timer, too.
My door setup is a bit more complicated than it needs to be. It has a counterweight, left over from when we used to operate it manually using a string that we ran through the wall of the coop. The motor doesn’t really need that. It also has a locking bar to prevent opening from the outside.
- Purchase Price
- $100
- Purchase Date
- July 2022
- sueiris
- 4.00 star(s)
Pros: they are less expensive than other openers. they work pretty well and have held up for several years.
Cons: you have to build your own door so must be handy. sometimes the string comes undone but is fixable. it can be challenging to set up how high and how low.....sometime the string wraps around the spool incorrectly....
we have two of these and I'd buy them again. we have them on timers which we adjust depending on the time of year. they are less expensive than other openers. they work pretty well and have held up for several years. you have to build your own door so must be handy. sometimes the string comes undone but is fixable. it can be challenging to set up how high and how low.....sometime the string wraps around the spool incorrectly....
- Purchase Price
- around $100
- Purchase Date
- can't remember - several years ago.....
- coophead
- 5.00 star(s)
Pros: Lightweight and simple to install. Good bang for the buck. It's been in daily service for more than 4 years now with no problem..
Cons: None so far.
This unit has had some bad reviews from people that may have not understood how to install it. The weight of the door may affect how long this unit will last. I would purchase this opener again.
- Purchase Price
- 80.00
- Purchase Date
- 2012-01-14
- keeskrazy
- 5.00 star(s)
Pros: I LOVE THIS DOOR! What a great product! I've had mine for 3+years now and have NO complaints. Make sure the door you are using isn't more than 4 lbs.
Cons: None!
This door has really been convenient for me! I love just setting the time and forgetting about it. I go out every night to put their food back in so I can also check that the door has closed properly and opened in the morning when I take their food back outside. I have NO complaints. Great product!
- Bowslayer2
- 4.00 star(s)
Pros: Inexpensive and works well
Cons: Need to set it up correctly and build a frame to keep chickens out of string and to keep door opening smoothly.
After many reviews, I purchased this opener for my chicken coop. It was relatively easy to set up, but did require me to build a track for the plexiglass I used to slide in. In addition, I stuck a chunk of plywood over the string to keep the chickens and turkeys from ripping the string out.
Initially, I did have some problems with the string "slipping" out from under the rubber oring and shutting the door. I eventually looped the string around the bolt...and had no more slips, however this means it could strip my motor if the plexiglass caught on something. However, with the frame I built, the glass plexiglass slides effortlessly and I don't believe it will "catch" on anything.
For now, I am happy with this unit as it is very inexpensive compared to the other units and I have had no "major" problems. In reading many of the reviews on all the doors, it is apparent that all have good an bad reviews. Get what you are comfortable with and they all should work.
Initially, I did have some problems with the string "slipping" out from under the rubber oring and shutting the door. I eventually looped the string around the bolt...and had no more slips, however this means it could strip my motor if the plexiglass caught on something. However, with the frame I built, the glass plexiglass slides effortlessly and I don't believe it will "catch" on anything.
For now, I am happy with this unit as it is very inexpensive compared to the other units and I have had no "major" problems. In reading many of the reviews on all the doors, it is apparent that all have good an bad reviews. Get what you are comfortable with and they all should work.
- MomToAll
- 1.00 star(s)
Pros: I didn't have any problems setting it up. Worked great
Cons: Quit working after less than a year.
I bought this door opener and was able to install in on my existing coop door with no problem. It was magical! I no longer had to worry about rushing home in the evenings to close their door.
About 9 months later, something in the motor stripped out and it wouldn't stop winding the cord to pull up the door. This resulted in the cord being pulled off of the door and dropping the door shut which resulted in my chickens being locked out of their barn.
I tried everything to get it working again, but it was shot. I wouldn't recommend this opener because you'll just have to buy another one when it dies on you.
About 9 months later, something in the motor stripped out and it wouldn't stop winding the cord to pull up the door. This resulted in the cord being pulled off of the door and dropping the door shut which resulted in my chickens being locked out of their barn.
I tried everything to get it working again, but it was shot. I wouldn't recommend this opener because you'll just have to buy another one when it dies on you.