Why Should You Get An Automatic Chicken Coop Door
The number one reason most people get an automated door is convenience.
Going outside in the snow and rain every morning and evening can become something of a nuisance for many folks . Also folks that have to get up at a certain time for work can be busy in the morning and forget to open the coop up.
A good automatic door takes off the early morning pressure.
Next up is vacations.
Some people do not consider an automated door until they are going away on vacation.
It can be difficult getting a chicken sitter, someone who is willing to get up early, go to bed late and feed your birds.
Although you still have to find someone to feed and water them, having an automatic door opener can make it easier your neighbor only has to stop by once a day now, instead of two or three times.
Have you ever been guilty of forgetting to lock the coop?
Most people have!
Many times nothing happens, but if a predator happens to be passing by an open coop is an invitation for dinner. Opening and closing the coop can sometimes get overlooked, especially if you are in a hurry or running late.
An automatic door wont forget to close and will keep your flock safe.
Finally, if you have mobility problems or are disabled, having an automated door can be a blessing.
How Much Should I Spend On A Solar Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Ideally, a solar automatic chicken coop door is going to live with you for years. Paying more for your product will reward you every time you fast open the lid with increased your speed, better quality accuracy and a sweet view. Again, the average cost of a new solar automatic chicken coop door is between $$ and $$$. Sure, you get out on some luxury features.
Great Door And Service
The door was easy to install and immediately began working great. The control panel is user friendly and simple to program if you choose to alter the preprogrammed settings. My only issue was with the battery not holding a charge, but this problem has been fixed. The battery started draining too quickly once the days shortened here in Wisconsin and a series of cloudy weeks occurred, I found myself having to run an extension cord out to the door to recharge the battery several times a week. After consulting with Jim, he had a replacement control panel sent. Since the new control panel was installed, the battery has been holding a charge beautifully. If I build another coop, I would definitely order this same door. I love knowing my hens are safe at night and not experiencing flashes of panick anymore if I’m not home before dark to lock them up myself. I also love looking out my window and seeing our hens out of their coop and enjoying the morning sun while I’m enjoying my coffee. Very easy to use and I greatly appreciated the good customer service.
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What If The Chickens Dont Get Inside Before The Automatic Door Closes
If you are new to raising chickens, you may worry about installing an automatic door for the coop, only for it to accidentally leave some of your hens out.
This is not a concern, thanks to the hens instincts. They instinctively roost right before dusk falls.
This means that they will be inside the coop before the automatic door shuts, even if it uses light sensors.
If you are really concerned, opt for a timer instead of light sensors. Monitor your chickens for a few days or weeks to confirm what time they are all inside the hutch.
Then, set the door to close after that.
Remember, you can still check on your chickens and even open and close the door if it is automatic.
If you are doubtful, check the chicken run and coop the first few nights.
If any chickens are still out, put them inside and scoot the timer back a little for the next night.
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Flexible Control Panel Positioning
One of the great features of the automatic chicken coop door opener is that the LCD control panel is separate from the door itself and is connected via a durable cable. Mounting brackets are available to buy that allow you to fit the control panel to an Eglu Cube house. Also, you can position the control panel anywhere on your chicken run. Not only is the control panel easy to use, it is neatly enclosed in a triple weather-proof casing for durability and will look great as part of your setup. The control panel also features the light sensor for the automatic door.
The control panel features the light sensor for the automatic door
What Is An Automatic Chicken Coop Door
An automatic chicken door will have a light sensor or a timer where you can program it to automatically open your coop door in the morning, and close it in at night. A good automatic coop door will be sturdy and will lock, keeping your flock protected while they are in and sleeping. When morning comes, the light setting will detect sunlight and the coop opener will automatically open, letting your chickens out for the day.
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Attaches Directly To The Eglu Cube
The Autodoor is designed to fit directly to the Eglu Cube chicken coops. If you have an Eglu Cube Mk2 it will already have attachments built into the front face and installation will only take a few minutes. On the other hand, for Eglu Cube Mk1 customers a fittings pack is available to fit the automatic chicken door securely to your coop. In both cases you will not need to remove any parts or modify your Eglu Cube as the automatic door fits seamlessly into the design of your coop and your original Eglu door can continue to be operated with the Autodoor in place. A separate mounting bracket is required if you would like to attach the control panel to the main house in the Eglu Cube.
The Autodoor attaches directly to the inside of the Eglu Cube Mk2 It is also possible to fit the Autodoor to the Eglu Cube Mk1
Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Solar Powered With Sensor Include Battery Remote Control Duck Coop
- – Use free solar energy as a source of electricity stored in a rechargeable battery to power your coop door, eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries or deal with complicated wiring.
- NOTICE The 2.0 manual and installation Video have been updated, please contact customer service to request.
- – Proper installation of infrared sensors can prevent chickens from being squeezed when the coop door is closed. Aluminum alloy doors protect chickens from beasts.
- – We are always stand behind our product, any problems can be solved by our customer service staff.
- – This automatic door kit can also be used for other animal protection, such as ducks, geese, etc.
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Should I Be Sure To Seek After
Yes, it is always a good idea to seek after-sales service to ensure that your order is completed and delivered on time. This can help you avoid any potential issues that may occur. Alongside, it will help you to stay assured youll get necessary efforts in the case of any nuisance regarding the product.
Chickenguard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
This is a chicken coop auto door kit that is self-locking to help keep predators out. It is powered by 4 aa batteries or it can be electrically powered by a USB, which is not included in the kit. Once the door is fully lowered and the chickens are safe in the coop, the wings of the door are automatically released to lock it in place.
This company is also environmentally conscious as they ensure that their runners are 100% recycled.
This door size IS 10″ X 12″ and the runner length is 23.5″. It comes with a high-end timer and light sensor so you are able to set the time for when you want to let your chickens out in the morning, you can adjust the opening/closing mode depending on time of year. Or, you can go with the automatic settings with the light sensor.
There is also an LCD screen so you can see what you set up and alter your timings easily, which is something we don’t normally see with door systems.
It has a weatherproof casing for reliable operation in all kinds of weather and it is made from aluminum and durable, recycled plastic.
Can watch their demonstration video here
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Best Door Arm For Coop Doors On Hinges: Coop Controls
This brand is very different from the rest.
This unique product has a twist with the concept of an automatic door that is on hinges.
The Coop Controls arm provides two options for power, both battery and solar.
This kit is great for first-time chicken owners that have the budget to spend on a quality product.
What Door Style Are You
First, figure out what type of door you want to install. Should it be mounted on the outside or inside, swing style, guillotine style, barn door style? Or do you want something totally new and creative?
Most people go for the barn door style mounted on the outside of the coop. This is a door that moves like a common porch door, left to right or right to left.
For this build, we chose to go with the guillotine style door that moves up and down. We also decided it would be best to mount the door on the inside because we had so much room and there was a second outside door incase the automatic one broke.
Planning for the door type matters because it will determine where and how the actuator will be mounted.
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Can I Leave My Chickens In The Run Overnight
Leaving your chickens in the run overnight is not a very safe option, unless your chicken fencing goes deep into the ground so animals can’t dig to get at them and the fencing goes overtop of them as well. You will also need to have a place for your chickens to roost. After saying this, we highly do not recommend leaving your chickens in the run overnight and instead, lock them safely in a chicken coop.
Time And Manual Settings
Another way to operate the Omlet automatic chicken door is by using the time setting. This allows you to set an exact time for the door to open in the morning and close in the evening. The advantage of this setting is that you have complete control over your chickens environment and you can set the Autodoor to meet your specific daily requirements. The control panel also has a manual function which allows you to open and close the door independently of the time or light settings. This application allows for total peace of mind and there is a built-in failsafe system for opening the door completely by hand.
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Farmlite Automatic Chicken Coop Door
- WHILE OTHER AUTOMATIC COOP DOORS DO NOT HAVE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE POWER SUPPLY, FARMLITE’S DOES! FarmLite offers you the ability to choose how your automatic chicken coop door is POWERED whether it be BY SOLAR OR BY THE POWER CORD!
- BEING AN AMERICAN OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS, WE OFFER THE STRONGEST REPLACEMENT POLICY ON THE MARKET! Buy with confidence and enjoy our REPLACEMENT POLICY. OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE PRODUCTS YOU DESERVE! For more information on the warranty scan the QR code on the box!
- OTHER AUTOMATIC DOORS POWERED BY BATTERIES DIE QUICKLY. POWER THE FARMLITE AUTO CHICKEN COOP DOOR BY SOLAR OR POWER CORD to ENSURE DOOR ALWAYS OPENS/CLOSES!
- Our Externally Mounted Infrared Sensor prevents the door from closing if a chicken is sitting next to the door!
- FarmLite offers the Infrared Protection Sensing Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener With TIMER AND LIGHT SETTING OPTIONS. Our door once again provides you with more choice! Either set the timer or turn on the light sensor! We also include 2 REMOTE CONTROLS FOR EASY MANUAL OPEN AND CLOSE AND A RANGE OF 120 FEET!
Controllability: Remote Control Vs Light Operated Vs Programmable Timer
How automatic do you want your door?
When it comes to deciding which automatic chicken coop door is best for you, one of the first things to consider is how much control you want over opening and closing time. The three types of controllers are programmable by time, light operated, and remote control.
a. Remote Control
The most basic option is a remote control. This allows you to manually open and close your door without needing to enter your coop. If your door is someplace inaccessible or you simply want the convenience of it opening at the touch of a button, this is the best option for you.
b. Light Operated
While those of us who keep chickens know that it is a myth rooster crow only at sunrise , according to Dr. Jacob from the University of Kentucky, chicken roost based on daylight cycles .
The flying down time in the morning is typically 30 minutes before dawn.
If your flock doesnt have any special needs, a light-operated door opener is for you. These controllers have light sensors that open the door when at sunrise and close it at sunset. So you dont need to worry about figuring out a complicated control panel. Just set it up and turn it on.
c. Timer
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Does An Automatic Chicken Coop Door Work
Yes! As long as you choose the right one, automatic chicken coop doors work very well.
How do they work? They have small motors that pull the door open and shut. They do so automatically based on either light sensors or a timer, which well go into more detail about later on.
There are a few things to remember, however. For the automatic chicken coop door to work, the motor and opener handle the doors weight.
It also needs to have a design that prevents predators from opening the door, such as a well-placed lip.
Those reasons are why it is important to get a quality automatic door. If you buy the cheapest one you find, it may not work great. Maybe the sensors will be of lower quality, or maybe they will fail.
If you get one of the automatic chicken coop doors on this list and have issues, take a few minutes to confirm it is installed correctly. This should resolve most problems.
If there is a defective part, talk to the manufacturer. They will typically send you a replacement promptly.
Works With All Wooden Coops
Owners of wooden chicken coops can also benefit from the Omlet automatic chicken coop door opener as it is compatible with virtually any design of wooden coop. The design allows the automatic chicken door to be fitted either way up so that the door opens to the left or to the right, depending on which option best matches the configuration of your wooden coop. Not only is the Autodoor a great practical addition to a wooden chicken coop, it is also a significant upgrade on traditional wooden doors in terms of insulation, security and durability. Clear instructions are provided on how to fit the automatic door directly to your wooden chicken coop quickly and securely.
The Autodoor is compatible with all kinds of wooden chicken coop including the Boughton shown above.
Instantly upgrade the security and insulation of your wooden chicken coop by fitting the Autodoor.
Clear instructions are provided on how to fit the Autodoor directly to your wooden chicken coop.
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Features Options Power Sources Our Recommendation
- Different Power Sources
Its advisable to purchase the combination unit to prevent poor installation and an over-worked motor due to a cumbersome door.
If you are the inventive sort and have made your own automatic door, please tell us about it we love hearing from you. Or, if you have any experience with automatic chicken coop doors, let us know in the comments section below
