I bought one of these as my first flock was growing up. It was a breeze to install. It worked flawlessly for two years. Then it stopped.
I called the company and was told that there are only 2 things that can be fixed and that they STRONGLY recommend I get both "If one fixes it, you're good and you have a spare for when the other breaks... But you're probably going to need both." I did. After 3 afternoons of sitting on a milk crate and fiddling with it - it became clear that the problem was the connector on the end of the replacement wire between the motor and the 'actuator'. I called them back. "Nope" they can not take the defective part back, but I'm welcome to buy another. And - "Nope" they will not guarantee that the 2nd replacement part will either work properly OR fix the problem.
When I asked if I was maybe doing something wrong I was told 'Well, my little daughter can follow the instructions so I guess you should be able to."
Two more afternoons on the milk crate and a PILE of hot glue later and I got the door working.
.... for about 40 days.
Since I have replaced both of the 'only parts that can be replaced' - at a cost of just over $100...
And since I do not want to continue to re-purchase the same parts over and over hoping one of them will work...
I am left with one of two solutions - replace the entire door (every 2 years???) or simply open up the big 'people' door every morning and evening - which leaves my flock exposed for about an hour before dawn and after sunset.
I know that NOTHING lasts forever.
I didn't expect to purchase on door and be set for my entire chicken raising career.
But I expected that it would outlive the first chickens to use it.
I called the company and was told that there are only 2 things that can be fixed and that they STRONGLY recommend I get both "If one fixes it, you're good and you have a spare for when the other breaks... But you're probably going to need both." I did. After 3 afternoons of sitting on a milk crate and fiddling with it - it became clear that the problem was the connector on the end of the replacement wire between the motor and the 'actuator'. I called them back. "Nope" they can not take the defective part back, but I'm welcome to buy another. And - "Nope" they will not guarantee that the 2nd replacement part will either work properly OR fix the problem.
When I asked if I was maybe doing something wrong I was told 'Well, my little daughter can follow the instructions so I guess you should be able to."
Two more afternoons on the milk crate and a PILE of hot glue later and I got the door working.
.... for about 40 days.
Since I have replaced both of the 'only parts that can be replaced' - at a cost of just over $100...
And since I do not want to continue to re-purchase the same parts over and over hoping one of them will work...
I am left with one of two solutions - replace the entire door (every 2 years???) or simply open up the big 'people' door every morning and evening - which leaves my flock exposed for about an hour before dawn and after sunset.
I know that NOTHING lasts forever.
I didn't expect to purchase on door and be set for my entire chicken raising career.
But I expected that it would outlive the first chickens to use it.
