Are you a chicken farmer? Then you must know the hassle of keeping your chicken safe and, at the same time, set them free for some time. We have selected some of the best automatic chicken doors in the market to eliminate all problems.
There are hundreds of automatic chicken doors in the market, but not all of them are useful to you. You need to find a perfect mechanism and method for your chicken coop so that you don’t need to worry about it later.
Benefits of Automatic Chicken Coop Doors
Most automatic chicken doors come with timers and light sensors. That makes your job easier because the light sensor will automatically open the door at dawn and close it at dusk. With the timer, you can set a specific time for your chicken door to open and close.
You also need to know about chicken door sliding methods. Most of them work with slower automatic opening and closing movement, but some of the others use gravity to slide back. Both of them are widely used, but in this article, we have only included automatic sliding.
With gravity closing, your chickens might get stuck between doors or get hurt.
Some units have sensors that can detect if there is a chicken under the door or not, if a chicken is blocking the door, it will stop for a moment, and when it passes, the door will close.
The automatic chicken coop door is all about your convenience. No one likes to wake up at dawn and go outside in the cold to open the chicken door. At night, it’s the same situation. Also, you cannot go out for dinner or on the weekend because you need to be there every time for opening and closing.
Automatic chicken coop doors will give you free time to operate on their own, and you don’t need to rush home to check if your chickens are still outside.
It’s also about safety, most animals would wait till the night and then attack chickens on their farm. Automatic chicken doors make sure that no animal can enter the hen house. Most chicken doors are made of heavy-duty aluminum so that it won’t move by those animals.
How Does an Automatic Chicken Coop Door Work?
When raising chickens, you need to consider their safety and comfort. An automatic chicken coop door is the best way to ensure both. It opens and closes on its own, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Unlike a wooden chicken coop door, an automatic door has many features that make it more convenient and safer. It is made of solid material and features battery power safety sensors that open and close the door on its own.
The light sensor automatically opens the door at dawn and closes it at dusk. The timer allows you to set a specific opening and closing time. The safely locked position ensures that no animal can enter the chicken coop or can a chicken run out.
Chicken owners usually set the opening time around 6 am, and the closing time is 8 pm. This way, their chicken can enjoy the daylight and roam around freely.
If you are worried about the battery, then don’t be because most of them come with a power adapter that you can plug into the outlet. This way, you can save your batteries for a rainy day.
Most come with a control panel where you can set the time, day, light setting, and opening and closing position. You can also check the battery level so that you know when to change it.
Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors
1. RUN-CHICKEN Model T50 – Best Selling
RUN-CHICKEN Model T50 is one of the best automatic chicken coop doors on the market because of its simple design and features. It’s made in Germany and has everything you could think of. You need a chicken door that can make sure that it will close at dusk and open at dawn so that your chicken gets an ample amount of time outside.
The RUN-CHICKEN Model T50 comes with an adjustable light sensor, ensuring chicken doors open at the right time and close before dark. It has sensors that automatically detect if chickens are under the door or not and adjust the speed of closing. The door closes slowly to protect your chickens.
It has 8.5 inches by 13 inches polished aluminum coop door, and this system is enclosed so that nothing can get inside. All you need to do is attach the door and sensor and forget the rest.
It has AA batteries that can last for months, so it doesn’t require outside wiring. This type of automatic chicken coop door is also best for mobile chicken coops.
2. Auto Door Automatic Chicken Door – Heavy-Duty Mechanism
Chicken doors are essential, we have established that, but how much work do you need to put in to make them operational? One problem everyone faces is the change of sunrise and sunset times, and you need to set your automatic chicken coop door every day.
The auto door has solved this problem by automatic location sunrise and sunset mode. It means you don’t need to set it; it will automatically open and close the chicken door based on location.
This Automatic chicken coop door offers four modes, Sunrise/sunset, timer, manual & override, and latecomers. You can set your chicken door for any of these settings, and if your chicken is accidentally left outside, the “latecomers” option will make sure they get in. Because of all these features and more, we have added this to our best automatic chicken coop door list.
It has a predator-proof heavy-duty aluminum coop door with a composite frame that will not rust, rot or warp. It’s run on four AA batteries, electric or solar power, and some equipment needs to be purchased separately.
3. Add-A-Motor Automatic Chicken Door – Best Budget
Sometimes when readymade items won’t fit your need, and you have to make a DIY chicken door, Add-A-Motor will help you do that. This is one of the simplest and easy to set up units, so we have added it to our best automatic chicken coop door list.
This automatic chicken door motor has a timing mode, which means you don’t need to depend on sunlight and set the timer for opening and closing. This device can connect to any type of door, wooden, aluminum, or plastic, and it can carry weight up to 10 pounds, so there is no need to put any counterweight.
Add-A-Motor can lift the coop door to 25 inches, easily fitting any type of chicken. It has a safety connector that reduces the damage extent if the door jams or is blocked. The whole unit comes with a motor, mounting hardware, AC-DC Adapter, and lift-cable.
One of the best things about this device is that it’s much cheaper than the rest of the automatic chicken coop doors, and you can customize it with any door or timers.
4. ChickenGuard Automatic Chicken Coop Door – Most Reliable
Chickengaurd is one of the best Automatic Chicken Coop Door in the market because of its features and reliable mechanism. It has 3 models, standard, premium, and extreme. We have selected a powerful version because it has a timer and light sensor.
You can also manually select the setting as per your convenience. You can also go for other models if you have already built the automatic door setting in your coop.
It has a door lifting capacity of 8 lbs, and the durable cord has a breaking strain of 50lbs. It has an integrated LCD, so you can set the timer and setting. With big buttons, you can manually open and close the door horizontally.
The circuit board comes in a military-grade weatherproof enclosure for safety. This unit includes four AA batteries, which can last for more than 6 months. The timer and light sensor can be adjusted in four hours range.
5. Brinsea Automatic Chicken Coop Door – All-in-one design
Brinsea has created some of the best products for poultry, and this Automatic chicken coop door has the same quality standard. This unit uses a timer and light sensor technology to open and close doors.
This all-in-one design is made of a military-grade microprocessor, ensuring that the chicken door opens and closes at the right time. It can work efficiently in a 5 to 120°f temperature operating range.
You can use this automatic chicken coop door unit with manual door control and in fail-safe mode. The door lifting mechanism can support up to 2.5lbs, which is the standard weight range for any automatic chicken door.
Also, it has a low battery indicator and a closing indicator which can be seen from 100 yards. Brinsea automatic chicken coop door control has an LCD monitor and a big button to operate. These features and many others are why we have included this in our best automatic chicken coop door list.
This battery-powered unit has safety sensors to prevent the door from closing on chickens. It is one of the best features as it can protect your chickens from any injury—no high risk of entrapment.
6. JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door – Premium Quality
JVR is a household name for the automatic chicken coop door. This unit has a Large Hinged Door which is 11.8-inch by 12.60-inch in size and is fit for most chickens and ducks.
A timer and an LCD screen can control the chicken coop door. The automatic chicken coop door can be set to open in the morning and close in the evening, and you can also program ahead for seven days.
The circuit box is transparent, and it also has a weather and waterproof design casing. We have added this to our best Automatic chicken coop door list because of two things.
First, it has a heavy-duty aluminum alloy door that can withstand any type of weather.
Second, it has a linear actuator arm. for pulling up and down
The company claim that even black bears won’t be able to open the door with this setting. It’s a simple product, attach the door opener, plug the cable, and start operating.
7. Titan Incubators Automatic Chicken Coop Door – Best Reviewed
Titan incubator has created many products that are helping thousands of poultry farmers worldwide. This automatic chicken coop door has a house design that looks perfect.
It has an LCD screen, and you can set it with a timer or light sensor. It will make sure that the door will close on time and open on time for your chicken to go out. The design is stylish and made from weatherproof material.
Titan incubator automatic chicken coop door has a big LCD screen and a big button to set timing or change it. You can see the LCD screen from 100 yards. It can lift up to 2lbs of chicken coop door, a standard size for any chicken coop door.
This automatic chicken coop door operates on 4 AA batteries which are situated on the side of this circuit case and are easily accessible.
Automatic Chicken Coop Door Buying Guide
This article lists some of the best automatic chicken doors on the market. But if you are still confused about which one to buy, then this buying guide will help you find the right product.
There are a few important things that you need to look for before buying any automatic chicken coop door opener from plug-and-play technology to all the manual settings.
Power Source
You can also attach it to your primary power source, solar power, or batteries. One of the main problems with the electric grid is that power could go off anytime, and the door won’t open or close if that happens.
Solar power is a great option but won’t work on cloudy days. One of the best options is a battery-powered automatic chicken coop door.
You can also set it up on a mobile chicken coop with a battery. Still, it will be helpful because then your automatic door controller can work independently without any worries.
Circuit Box
IFindinga heavy-duty circuit box is important because the whole machinist depends on that. Most of the units came with a weatherproof case. Some of them are made from military-grade material and can work in extreme weather.
Working Mechanism
There are two types of door operating mechanisms: Timer and light sensor.
Most automatic chicken coop door comes with a light sensor, which works in the dusk to dawn range.
But with a light sensor, they can be triggered by headlights or other light sources. It’s better to have a timer to schedule the door opening and closing time.
Door Size And Weight
Usually, a chicken coop opener has a standard size of 12” x 15”, which is in the range of most chicken and goes. You can choose any other size as well for your preference.
Door weight is essential so that other animals won’t lift the door and enter the chicken house. You need to check the specification in your automatic chicken coop door to know how much weight it can lift.
A better option is the aluminum door, they are heavy duty and weigh less.
We hope this buying guide will help you find what kind of method and unit you are looking for. You can check our Frequently asked question part. If you have more questions
Safety Features
Chicken safety is the priority for any chicken coop door. Ensure that your unit has a safety lock system that will prevent any animal or intruder from entering the henhouse. Also, some doors come with an auto-lock feature, so when you are not using the timer, it will automatically be locked.
In extreme weather conditions, the chicken’s coop locking mechanism could be damaged, so it’s better to have a backup plan. Also, if the protection sensor of the power supply is damaged, the door will open and close randomly, so it’s important to have a safety sensor as well.
If you’re following the instruction manual, then the installation process is not that hard. You can easily install it in an hour or less. But if you’re not comfortable with wires and electric circuits, it’s better to get help from a professional.
Ease Of Use
No one likes complicated wiring and installation process, so it’s important to find a unit that is easy to install and use. Some models have an automatic coop door or sliding door, which is easier to use. Also, ensure that the door opener has all the necessary installation tools and equipment.
You can have complete control of your chicken coop door with a smartphone app or remote control. So it’s better to find a unit that comes with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
No complicated wiring is needed, and you can open or close the door from anywhere. You would get a notification on your phone if someone tried to enter the chicken coop when it’s closed.
Automatic Chicken Coop Door FAQ
What is the best automatic chicken coop opener?
RUN-CHICKEN Model T50 is one of the market’s best automatic chicken coop doors. It’s a best-seller on Amazon because of its many features, making it the perfect choice.
How is an automatic chicken automatic door work?
Automatic chicken coop doors work on simple mechanisms. There is a circuit board that is connected to a cord, the cord is connected to the door.
When you set a time or if it has a light sensor, then at the right time, the chicken coop door is lifted for the chicken to go out.
At night, it closes down at the scheduled time or at dusk, after all, the chicken is safe inside the house.
What is the cheapest automatic chicken coop door opener?
Auto Door Automatic Chicken Coop Door is one of the market’s most affordable chicken coop doors. The door lifting mechanism operates on a timer and has a latecomer setting for chicken which is left outside after the door is closed.
What is the best heavy-duty automatic chicken coop door opener?
JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door is one of the most rigid and heavy-duty automatic chicken openers. The company claims that even black bears cannot open this door with a linear actuator arm.
How do I keep my chicken coop warm in winter?
There are a few ways to keep your chicken coop warm in the winter. You can use a heat lamp, and change the bedding or insulation. We have written an article on how you can keep your chicken coop warm.
Are solar panel chicken coop door openers any good?
Solar panel chicken coop doors are a great way to save energy. Solar-powered automatic chicken coop doors are eco-friendly and will save you money on your electricity bill.
What settings should I use?
The setting will depend on your chicken coop size and the number of chickens. If you have a small chicken coop, then you can set the timer for 1-2 hours. You can set the timer for a large chicken coop for 4-6 hours. Keeping your chickens safe should be your first priority, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
What is the manual mode?
Manual mode is when you manually override the automatic settings and open or close the door. This is useful if you need to let the chicken out early or if you want to keep them in for longer.
Can I use an extension cord?
Yes, you can use one without any problems to prolong battery life.
How do I keep my chicken coop door from freezing?
There are a few ways to prevent your chicken coop door opener from freezing. You can use a heat lamp, and change the bedding or insulation. If it encounters resistance, the opener will automatically stop and reverse.
Do I need to worry about predators?
Yes, you should always be aware of predators. Predators can open automatic chicken coop doors, so it’s important to have a safety sensor as well. Not everyone has the same problem with predators, so it’s important to do your research and find out what kind of predators are in your area.
Conclusion
In this article, we have listed some of the best automatic chicken coop doors in the market. We have also included a buying guide as well so that you would know which type of features and specs you need for your automatic chicken coop door.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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