The Chicken Coop Controller

Arduino Chicken Coop Controller

Arduino Chicken Coop Controller

This would be the brains of the entire system, encased in a simple plastic organizer with the dividers removed. It’s set within a UL approved metal electrical housing, which is nestled within the El Pollo Palace Network Operations Center or “E.P.P.N.O.C.” =) When I started the coop, I knew I wanted it to be technically advanced beyond reason, but I didn’t really want it to *look* too high tech, (at least not from the exterior) but not too “country” either. So I just went for it and I’m pretty happy with the results.
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Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Auto chicken door - interior view of locks/mechanics

Auto chicken door

I wanted a small door to open automatically (via Arduino / time of day) to the outside world. Doing this would relieve us from worrying if the chickens were safe at night and to be able to… Click for details >

Chicken Nesting Box

Chicken Coop Nesting Box

Chicken Coop Nesting Box

Chicken Coop Nesting Box Door Hinge Detail | closeup of the hinge *before* being covered by a cedar 1×3 – note: the opening is about 1 1/4? behind the reveal…

Coop Interior

Chicken Coop Interior Vents (rear)

Chicken Coop Interior Vents (rear)

Even though the dimension were already established, given that I used a used dog house, I wanted to give the chickens a few places to hop around and roost. I’ve seen other coops that just have a single roost and maybe that’s fine, but… Click for details >

Automatic Chicken Watering System(s)

Chicken Coop Automatic Watering System - Poultry Cups

Chicken Coop Automatic Watering System – Poultry Cups

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do to keep the babies in fresh water. So after extensive research, I found that the “watering cups” would be the best bet… Click for details >

The Chicken Coop Heater(s)

The Chicken Coop Heater(s)

The Chicken Coop Heater(s)

The Automatic Chicken Coop Heater is actually pretty simple:
Essentially 2 lights (1 halogen and 1 florescent bulb) triggered on an off by temperatures.
There are 2 different systems:Click for details >

The Chicken Coop Cooling System

details coming soon…

Chicken Web Cam

Live Chicken Cam in Auburn CA

Live Chicken Cam in Auburn CA

I wanted to be able to check on the girls in the coop, especially when we’re away. Having a web-enabled camera allowed just for that (ok, and maybe I went a bit overboard with the servo-driven sweeping pattern of the camera… but hey, I couldn’t see them all with such a tight shot. Click for details >

Predator Motion Detector Alarm & Deterrent for Chickens

Predator PIR Motion Detector Alarm & Deterrent for Chickens

Predator PIR Motion Detector Alarm & Deterrent for Chickens

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The Coop Run

details coming soon…

The Exterior Run

details coming soon…

(Semi) Automatic Chicken Feeder

Automatic Chicken Feeder (top view detail)

Automatic Chicken Feeder (top view detail)

Based on what others I had seen, I created this from 3″ ABS pipe. I already had most of the materials, except the cap and threaded plug, which I bought for under $5 at the Habitat for Humanity Restore… Click for details >

Construction Phase