Problem w/Pullet-Shut Automatic Chicken Door *Update* Problem no more!

[Moxiechick]

A couple of weeks ago, we bought a Pullet-Shut Automatic Chicken Door. We followed all the instructions, yet have run into the following problems.

We programmed the door to open and shut at our designated times. The door will work fine for two days and then will not open the third day. We have gone through this cycle twice. We know we reset it alright, as it went through its reset cycle, plus if it weren't set properly, why would it do what it is supposed to for 2 days before quitting? The unit is plugged in to an outlet and has a battery backup. We've had no power failures. We wrote an e-mail to the manufacturer on Saturday, and I left them a voice message 4 hours ago, but we still haven't heard anything.

Has anyone else here had these issues with this door? If so, how were you able to fix it? We know this product has had some really good reviews, so maybe ours is just a fluke, but we're getting really anxious as we're leaving for a trip in just a few days. Please share any insights, good or bad about this product. Thanks!

 

[Moxiechick]

*UPDATE*

We heard back from Tony, from Pullet-Shut, later in the day of my original post, and he was wonderful to work with. After going over the issues we were having, he said that they would mail us a new chicken door right away!

Evidently, the e-mail we sent was to an account that doesn't get checked very often. Tony apologized, and was really helpful when I spoke to him on the phone. The new door is working perfectly, not a glitch so far.

I am very pleased with the customer service and feel confident knowing that they are there to back up their product. Can't say enough nice things about them. Every product ever made has the occasional dud. The difference between a good company and a bad company is in how they deal with their customers to make things right.

I really like the door design and the quality. So easy to install too!

 

[Noymira]

I'm glad they took care of it for you! I've worked customer service in several jobs over the years and it is something that many companies realize (or sometimes don't realize) can affect their business in a BIG way!

I always like to know about companies with good customer service, since that would sway my decision even if it meant spending a few dollars more on a comparable product.

 

[ChickenLove123]

Did you order your door through chickendoors.com?

 

[Moxiechick]

No, Randall Burkey. The new door has been working great without a glitch!

 

[cpwhip]

is the door still working? I am planning on buying one
Thanks!

 

[chickimoma]

I have had repeated problems trying to get my door to operate. At first it was that the outdoor extension cord was not delivering enough electricity from the barn. I ended up buying 3 different gage cords until I got a really huge one that worked. Then I had a new coop built and we put in a direct electrical line from the barn to power the coop light and the Pullet shut door. The door would not work. So, I drilled a hole in the coop wall, ran the door wires out and plugged in the big extension cord again. It works but it seems ridiculous to have done all that electrical work only to have to run an extension cord again. Why does that thing require so much electricity? I guess I need a voltage meter to see how much comes to the barn, and then goes out to the coop (I only have 110) but an electrician did the work.
Chickimoma

 

[shocksystems]

How long a distance do the wires run? Is it over 250ft?

Measuring the voltage difference from the barn to the coop would be a great idea (and then measure any difference on the extension cord as well). I hope you post your results, I am interested in what you find out.

Cheers!

Jim

 

[gale65]

Someone else here had problems with the Pullet Shut brand door. I'm glad you were able to get yours working.

 

[Moxiechick]

Ours has been working great since they sent us the new one, even on the coldest days.

Ours is the model that runs on a battery, which we have connected to power to keep the battery charged. If we have a power outage, the door will continue to work... at least until the battery is spent. If you're having difficulties, call the pullet shut company. They were really nice to work with and were eager to see that we got things working right.