Automatic Doors. How SAFE?

[Cee]

I've been reading about automatic doors over in the other forum
"Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance".
but nothing about predators. One of my big concerns. Anybody know how pry open proof these doors are for raccoons? I also see lots of posts from people who seem to be like me, kinda new and that makes me cautious....
I will be working evenings and won't be around to shut the coop door.

 

[NatJ]

One of my big concerns. Anybody know how pry open proof these doors are for raccoons?

If the door slides in a track on each side, and if it then fits into a groove at the bottom, then a raccoon might not be able to reach any edges to pry. Well, I suppose the top edge would be accessible, but that won't help a raccoon lift the door up.

Or the door could slide up & down on the inside of the coop, and have the opening on the outside a bit smaller than the door. Again, that would keep the door edges out of reach.

I have no personal experience with this, just thinking of pictures I've seen and discussions I've read (but I can't remember where I've seen them. Sorry!)

 

[Cee]

If the door slides in a track on each side, and if it then fits into a groove at the bottom, then a raccoon might not be able to reach any edges to pry. Well, I suppose the top edge would be accessible, but that won't help a raccoon lift the door up.

Or the door could slide up & down on the inside of the coop, and have the opening on the outside a bit smaller than the door. Again, that would keep the door edges out of reach.

I have no personal experience with this, just thinking of pictures I've seen and discussions I've read (but I can't remember where I've seen them. Sorry!)

Thank you for your kind input!

 

[LeonSchmidt]

I'm using a linear actuator so when the door is shut it can't be pried open.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RYLZQQY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Cee]

Oh cool! Will you post a pic of your set up? Not sure how this works. Did you make your own door or incorporate it to a purchased door?
I confess I am not a very "handy" person and am a bit confused.

 

[RojoMarz]

I'm not a handy person that could build my own...I have an Ador. It does have tea channel that the door edges are in. I don't think a racoon could get it open.

I love the door. My girls are inside the coop well before the door shuts for the evening. No one has been left out overnight.

 

[LeonSchmidt]

Oh cool! Will you post a pic of your set up? Not sure how this works. Did you make your own door or incorporate it to a purchased door?
I confess I am not a very "handy" person and am a bit confused.

 

[LeonSchmidt]

So far the door hasn’t had any problems. I may rebuild it with some side rollers to prevent the door from sticking but so far so good.

 

[Cee]

Thanks!

 

[Cee]

I'm not a handy person that could build my own...I have an Ador. It does have tea channel that the door edges are in. I don't think a racoon could get it open.

I love the door. My girls are inside the coop well before the door shuts for the evening. No one has been left out overnight.