+8 votes
by (390 points)
I’m new to the smart home world and have just ordered th STv3. Is there any way to automate a chicken coup door? Ideally to open/close sunrise/sunset. Cheers
I’m new to the smart home world and have just ordered th STv3.

7 Answers

+3 votes
by (3.6k points)
You can get a Z-Wave relay and connect it the electromagnetic switch on the coop door. From there it’s easy to setup the automation.  
+2 votes
by (1.4k points)
How would you (Smartthings) know that all your chickens are in the coup?  
by (390 points)
@ondrej they go home to roost at sunset. I use a light sensor triggered switch now, but would prefer to integrate with ST if possible.  
+6 votes
by (2.5k points)
Check out webCoRE too
+4 votes
by (2.6k points)
Welcome along !  
+5 votes
by (3.3k points)
Hi. But, what do you use to actually close the door? I have seen some that just raise/lower a door on a string that winds up with a motor, but that doesn't seem like enough to me. I have a coop and have passed on automating it for a few reasons, including exposure of the electronics to weather and chicken dust. Switches and relays don't actually move a door, and for me I would like it more than just physically closed, but latched or at least pressed close to keep things like coyotes, foxes, etc from prying it back open. Like a motor that drives it closed and maintains force on the closed door, or I thought of using a valve actuator (like the ZOOZ ZAC03) to hinge the door closed and hold it there.  
by (390 points)
@erotica the motor I have now uses a string which isn’t as good as the actuator I would Prefer. My chickens are cooped Within an electrified mesh to keep them fox and wild dog safe, but it’s nice to have another level of defence. I’ll have a look at the valve actuators, thanks
+3 votes
by (1.4k points)
They sell chicken doors setup to do this. Ours even knows when its daylight savings time. And also has battery backup incase the power goes out. Not as cheap as a DIY. But easier for sure. Check out mypetchicken
by (390 points)
@rap718 I cant get them in Australia unfortunately. They look good and I like the actuator so it locks the door down when closed
+2 votes
by (14.6k points)
With SmartThings there’s a way to automate just about anything.  
The SmartThings Group is where you can always find questions, answers, advice, reviews & recommendations from other community members about home automation with the Samsung SmartThings hub.
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