Autodoor nemesis: Frozen duck poo

[dpnation]

Looking for some tips.

I have ChickenGuard auto doors. They are the ones that operate on a string/motor. I am having issues with the door on my duck coop - they position themselves near the door overnight and poop, which freezes in the winter. The door freezes shut and in the morning when it's set to open, the motor tries and fails to open the door. I've already been through one motor and am on a second one.

I have to manually open it most mornings, forcibly. It's hard on the door and it's breaking the locking mechanism as well.

Is there a way I can discourage the ducks from sleeping near the door, but not make it impossible for them to exit when the door opens in the morning? It's getting old having to chisel frozen poop everyday, and also I don't want to keep replacing this door as they are expensive.

Thanks!

 

[chickachicka12345]

you can put rough, uneven mats in front of the door where they are sleeping, because ducks dont like standing/sleeping on uneven surfaces. think bumpy
like this

GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof All-Season WeatherMax Doormat, Durable Natural Rubber, Stain and Fade Resistant, Low Profile, Indoor Outdoor Door Mats, Easy Clean Patio Entrance Mat, 17x29, Midnight Maze​

 

[LaFleche]

Use a small blow torch to thaw the poop.