8 Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door + Reviews

 

Here you will find out what the best automatic chicken coop door is, in the event that you don’t have the time available to read our entire article. After looking at the features that some of the highest-rated products in this line offer, we have concluded that the product you ought to consider is the Automatic Chicken Coop Door. This model is made of high-quality materials, and the wood is treated with linseed oil to protect it from rain, snow, moisture, and other elements. It has a vertical sliding door mechanism and it is operated by a timer that you can customize freely. The door can be painted in any color you want without losing any of the benefits listed above. If our first choice is not available for sale, another good automatic chicken coop door that you can consider is the Cheeper Keeper Automatic.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

8 Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

The wealth of options available on the market can make settling for just one product seem impossible. With all that said, there is no need to worry because we have taken the time to select some of the critically acclaimed models in this line and we have showcased them below. Take a quick look and see for yourself.

 

 

1. Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener with Timer Included

 

The standout feature of this model has to be its wood construction which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to get a chicken coop door that has a good design without sacrificing the features and performance one expects from such a product.

It measures 40 ½ inches in height, 13 7/8 inches in width and 3 7/8 inches in depth. It has no problem fitting most coops.

As is the case with most similar products, the chicken coop door design operates vertically and it is operated by a timer that the users can fully customize. It is hand-crafted in the USA and it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

While the product is indeed meant for indoor installation only, the wood is treated with linseed oil which will protect it from moisture and other elements. The installation process is as simple as it gets, an aspect that most customers were very quick to praise.

 

Pros

The door is lowered by a lift cable which means that if an object such as a chicken gets in the way, it will stop until it goes away from underneath it, a feature that makes this option very safe for chickens of all sizes.

The product is very customizable, it can be hooked up directly to a battery if your chicken coop is located far away from a power outlet.

The door comes with a simple light timer for automatic operation and it can be unplugged and replaced with any other controller that you prefer.

You can still stain or paint the door in any color you like without the wood losing the benefits of the linseed oil coating.

 

Cons

Unfortunately, even with the protective coating, the wood is not capable of handling outdoor conditions very well and it can also crack easily if pressure is applied to it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Cheeper Keeper Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener – Complete Automatic

 

You can say goodbye to cords and power outlets since this automatic chicken coop door opener runs on four AA batteries and it opens at dawn and closes at dusk. The kit is built to last and it features a quiet steel geared motor.

The door is made from 8.5 inches by 13 inches polished aluminum, with dirt-resistant aluminum rails.

The aluminum is much more durable than wood and allows the unit to handle outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and high humidity. Furthermore, the exterior housing box is rugged with rubber seals, UV protection and is impact resistant.

The adjustable light sensor is located in the center of the circuit board and it turns clockwise to let late-night birds get in. If you want to customize the timer, you can vary the light setting to make the door close sooner or later, depending on how your chickens like it.

 

Pros

The automatic coop door can sense if a chicken is below it and it will pause to let it pass safely and resume the process once the bird has passed.

The polished aluminum door features dirt-resistant aluminum rails and it can handle even the most difficult environments.

The triple varnished circuit board and overload is dirt, dust, UV, and moisture-resistant and it can even handle a lightning strike.

This is a complete kit that does not require any programming since the door will open and close automatically thanks to the adjustable light sensor.

You get an instructional video to show you how to install the unit quickly, safely, and properly.

 

Cons

Some reviews have mentioned that the unit tends to shut too soon, leaving some chicken locked out.

The door tends to stick a little sometimes and requires to be pulled down manually to get it to close fully again.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Brinsea Products Chick Safe Premium Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener and Door Kit

 

The all-in-one design of the Brinsea alternative features an integrated timer and light sensor so that you can stop worrying about complicated wiring or limit switches. If the battery runs out, the door can still be operated manually and it has a unique failsafe mode to prevent it from harming your chickens.

Thanks to the aluminum construction, the door can handle a wide variety of weather conditions and it has an operating range of 5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The low battery and door closed indicator is visible from up to 100 yards away so that you can tell if everything works properly without requiring to move close to it for examination.

The exterior grade aluminum door is 9 inches by 12 inches. This kit is light yet strong which makes it perfect if you are looking to get a replacement for chicken coops that have horizontal sliding doors, or for coops with heavy doors.

 

Pros

The unit can be used in spaces that are situated far away from a power outlet since the door mechanism is powered by four AA batteries that come supplied with your purchase.

The integrated timer and light sensor will allow the door to close and open at dusk and dawn, and it can also be operated manually if the batteries die down.

The unique failsafe mode gives users the peace of mind and flexibility they need over how and when the coop door opens and closes.

The use of aluminum as the primary material for the door makes it lightweight enough for the mechanism to lift it easily, yet durable enough to keep predators away.

It is very easy to install and it fits nearly all coops.

 

Cons

Because the aluminum door is very thin, it might not be the best choice for use in areas that have very cold winters.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Incubator Warehouse AutoCoop Ultimate Chicken Coop Door Kit with Timer Controller

 

This simple, yet highly efficient product is designed to help keep your flock safe from predators and to this end, it has an ultra heavy-duty design that makes the door remain shut until it needs to be opened again.

It has customizable timer options so that you can personalize the closing and opening times to meet the needs of your flock.

The door is made from weatherproof fiberglass which means that you can safely use it in coops that are placed outdoors since humidity, rain or snow won’t damage the door in any way. It works on a 12V DC power supply and it includes a power cord adapter that lets you connect different power supplies to the actuator.

Another advantage that this unit offers is the quick installation process that is very intuitive, thanks in part to the clear instructions. Furthermore, since the price is not that high, it is a good choice for those who don’t have a big budget to spend.

 

Pros

Customers have reported that the unit can be powered by a 12V battery and solar charger when there is no AC power available.

While the chicken coop door is depicted as vertical, if needed, it can be installed horizontally and it will work just as well.

The installation and setup process is fairly easy, and the door can fit most chicken coops.

The build quality is very impressive and it allows the product to handle a wide variety of environments and continue working flawlessly for years to come.

The seller offers some excellent customer service and is quick to answer any inquiry that the buyer might have.

 

Cons

The door lacks a sensor to stop it from lowering if a chicken is in the door, and while the door closes slowly enough to allow birds to get out of the way, some might still get injured.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. JVR Automatic Chicken Door Coop Opener Kit, Waterproof Outdoor Timer Controller

 

The JVR automatic door closer for chicken coop is perfectly suited for outdoor installations thanks to its waterproof construction that is ready to handle dreary weather. The door is 11 13/16 inches wide by 12 9/16 inches high.

The size makes the unit very versatile since it can fit most chicken and duck coops. The installation process is as easy as it can get since there are no complicated wiring or cabling for you to worry about.

All that you need to do in order to get it up and running is to attach the door opener to your chicken coop, plug it in, and then watch it do all the work for you.

The timer is fully programmable, and it can be adjusted effortlessly since the settings are integrated fully into the LCD screen which helps make the entire process straightforward even for users that are not tech savvy.

 

Pros

It comes equipped with a high-end timer which makes this chicken coop accessory a must-buy if you want to keep your poultry flock protected from predators.

There is no risk with buying this option since even if by any chance you are unhappy with it, as the seller has a 100% money back guarantee.

Setting this up is very easy and it should not take more than an hour – the included instructions are clear and concise.

You can open and close the door manually by pressing a single button.

The box that houses the electrical components is weatherproof and the door and guide rails are made from durable aluminum for excellent performance in any environment.

 

Cons

The door is a bit too thin and that can be a problem during the winter since it can let cold air get inside the coop.

Some units have shipped with the wrong instructions.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. ChickenGuard Premium Automatic Chicken Coop Pop Door Opener & Door Kit Combo

 

The ChickenGuard Kit blends a premium opener and oak runner with an aluminum door to give you one of the highest-quality automatic chicken coop doors combo. It is very easy to install and it can be calibrated for both outdoor and indoor purposes.

The perfectly crafted construction ensures increased longevity and performance.

Using the closing system is very simple since the product is fitted with an easy-to-use LCD screen that lets you set the time when the coop door will open and close. You can also adjust the opening/closing mode depending on criteria such as the time of the year.

The integrated light sensor can also be used to let the unit decide when it is the best time to close and open the door. The opening and closing mechanism is powered by four AA alkaline batteries that come included in the package and if you want to, it can be powered electrically via a USB charger or USB cable.

 

Pros

The unit is equipped with a light sensor and a high-end timer that lets you customize the closing and opening times of the door to your heart’s content.

The installation guide includes a link to a step-by-step instruction video to help you install and calibrate the ChickenGuard product properly.

The all-weather aluminum door is durable enough to handle any outdoor condition and sturdy enough to keep the poultry protected from predators when they are most vulnerable.

There is no need to be a technology expert to know how to use this option since the large buttons are self-explanatory and quite convenient to use.

The 12 x 16-inch dimensions of the door will enable all chicken breeds to enter the coop comfortably.

 

Cons

The unit does not warn the user when the batteries need changing and if you forget to replace them, that can make you lose birds to predators.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Happy Henhouse Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Controller and Door Kit

 

This chicken coop door opener closer features a light sensor that will make the door open and close with the sun. The setpoint is fully adjustable, and the product includes an in-depth set-up instruction booklet that is filled with pro tips to help you make the most out of your new purchase.

You will be able to keep your chicken coop safe at night to prevent predators from getting in, and if a chicken gets in the way while the door closes, the motor will stop automatically before it can harm the animal.

No matter the weather conditions outside, the weatherproof control and sturdy gear motor will continue to work reliably.

The opening is 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall, making it large enough for most chickens to get in the coop. Furthermore, there is no need for an electrical outlet as this model operates on four AA alkaline batteries.

 

Pros

The controller has a smart design and the latest high-tech components that help give the high functionality and reliable operation that customers demand.

The adjustable automatic light sensor picks out on the amount of daylight and uses it to activate the controller so that you never have to worry about daylight hour changes.

The product is backed by a full warranty replacement if something goes wrong with the door and controller, a feature that made many customers feel more confident about this purchase.

The unit is powered by four AA alkaline batteries that should last between 6-9 months, making this unit extremely power-efficient.

The door is made of solid metal that is sturdy and that does not bend or break if a predator attempts to get to your chickens during the night.

 

Cons

There have been instances of the motor or string getting jammed, but customer service was quick to solve these problems.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Barnett Agriculture Automatic Chicken Coop Solar Powered Door Opener

 

Simplicity and reliability are the two cornerstones of this model seeing as it features an extremely convenient and intuitive control system. The door kit material is an aluminum composite board that can handle a wide variety of weather conditions, and that is strong enough to protect the chickens inside the coop from predators.

The rails are made of the same durable material stacked three times on each side for increased durability. The standout feature of this model is the fact that it is powered by solar energy and it comes with all the accessories needed to get the solar panel up and functional.

The battery is included, and it fits neatly into the battery box, allowing it to recharge daily with the electricity coming from the solar panel. The sturdy battery can continue to work in freezing temperatures so that you are not limited by the location of your chicken coop.

 

Pros

While the kit does not come fully assembled, customers have reported that getting it up and ready to use is not at all difficult thanks to the simple instructions.

The battery included in the kit is the same type as the one that is found on motorcycles and it has a chip that allows you to see the current remaining charge with a single push of a button.

The unit is perfect for people that have placed their chicken coop in places that are far from a power outlet, and since it runs on solar energy, the battery will never run out of juice.

The use of a click timer will let you choose the time that the door will close and open and it is much more reliable to use than a light sensor.

 

Cons

When compared to the other models on our list, the addition of a solar panel and battery makes it a far more expensive choice.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

If you are looking to get a product that meets the requirements of quality and reliability, we have prepared a list of the features one ought to consider when purchasing this type of product. The factors we’ve presented below were present in the many of the reviews of automatic chicken coop doors we’ve read.

The power source

There are three main sources of power that the control boxes on the coop door units usually use and these are electric, battery, solar, or a combination of all three. Out of the three options, we found that most users find battery and solar power sources to be the best choice, especially if your chicken coop is placed far away from a power supply.

A unit powered by a battery is also more reliable since one must not check constantly to see if the automatic door is still powered on properly, whereas with cables things can be trickier. Not only because they are very messy, but also because the chickens, predators, or pests might end up chewing on them which can be disastrous.

If you do get an option that is powered directly from a power outlet near your coop, you should ensure that the cable is protected properly. Most battery options on the market run on AA batteries and they can keep the unit working for 6 to 9 months.

Solar power is another great option for coops which are off-grip and away from the house or any electricity source. Do make sure that your location gets enough sun since solar panels can perform poorly in areas that don’t have several days of sunshine.

 

Light sensor vs. time-based

There are two systems for door operation, a light sensor that may or may not come with time-based failsafe options or a time-based system. The light sensor opens the door when the sun has risen and closes it back at dusk or dark, depending on the settings that the manufacturer or user have decided on.

Since light sensors are light sensitive, the owner needs to make sure that there are no other light sources near the coop since that can trigger the door to open at night. This can include very bright moonlight or passing car headlights. To catch the morning sun, the sensor should be placed carefully on a wall that faces west.

Time-based operation may be found on models that use a light sensor as well and they act as a failsafe option in case the sensor does not get triggered, such as in case of a very cloudy day.

Most users prefer a timer-based option since it is not only cheaper, but it is more programmable and dependable. Another big advantage is the fact that the owner can vary the opening and closing time based on season, day, or need. Furthermore, if you want to get cheap automatic chicken coop doors, a timer-based option can be in fact more affordable.

Size, materials, and opening mechanism

As far as size is concerned, most experts agree that the standard size of 12 inches by 15 inches should be more than enough for most breeds. You can choose a door that is smaller than that if you have smaller birds. Aluminum is the preferred material since it is light enough to reduce the load on the motor and durable enough to handle use in most conditions.

The opening mechanism can be a motorized lift and close or a motorized lift and gravity close. You should choose an option that has a motorized lift and close since a gravity close can harm any chicken that might be near the door when it closes. The motorized close will prevent harm or injury to the chickens since it will give them time to get out of the way.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) What is the purpose of an automatic door?

2) Remember to keep the door area clean

3) Automatic chicken coop door and how it works

4) Keeping chickens safe from foxes