Yeah, it would be interesting to get an update on FloweringElbow's implementation to see how often the lower limit switch is getting fowled :p . I think it's a

Yeah, it would be interesting to get an update on FloweringElbow's implementation to see how often the lower limit switch is getting fowled :p . I think it's also possible to design it such that both upper and lower limit switches are placed higher up on the edge of the door, rather than strictly at the top and bottom, which should help with the fouling. Practically though, any automated system will be vulnerable to fouling/blockage and require regular maintenance to keep the mechanism clear and clean enough to avoid premature corrosion (chicken poop being pretty acidic). In my opinion, it's a pipe dream to have a fully automated coop in a backyard setting and not eventually/occasionally have failures that require manual intervention or lead to neglect and losses due to predation. Better to think of such systems as tools to relax the timing requirements for manual care. Instead of doing all the work at the right times, one can confirm that the animals are out/fed/watered/in/etc as part of doing the normal morning/evening rounds/chores.