Are you fed up with constantly having to wake up early to open the coop door for your chickens? Invest in an automatic chicken coop door opener.
This high-tech gadget will provide your feathered friends with the freedom to come and go as they please and you will enjoy complete peace of mind from dawn to dusk.
The 7 Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers
- ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener (Our Top Pick)
- ChickenGuard Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers
- Add-A-Motor – Chicken Coop Automatic Door Accessory Motor
- The Happy Chicken Coop Automatic Chicken Coop Door
- JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit
- AdorStore ADOR1 Automatic Chicken Coop Door
- Incubator Warehouse AutoCoop Advanced Chicken Coop Door Kit
Our Top Pick for the Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
Our top pick for the best automatic chicken coop door opener is the ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional chicken farmer, we highly recommend this superior door opener as it will make all the difference to how you care for your chickens.
ChickenGuard is well-known for its well-designed products that are reliable and long-lasting, which makes this automatic door opener, that comes with its door, an essential gadget for your chicken coop.
Check the price on AmazonEnhanced Chicken Coop Security
An automatic chicken coop door opener not only allows your chickens to enter and exit the coop easily but also enhances the security of their home. Just like a chicken waterer and an automatic feeder is necessary for keeping your birds healthy, an automatic chicken coop door opener keeps your chickens or ducks safe from prowling predators.
Whether you have an existing hen-house or you plan to build a duck house, an automatic chicken coop door opener is easy to install and can be programmed to your preferred schedule. You will not have to worry about racing out at sunrise to let the birds out or locking them in again before sunset.
Choosing an Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
Electric Versus Battery Powered
Automatic chicken coop door openers are powered by electricity or battery power. While electrical door openers provide a consistent flow of power, many chicken owners do not have electricity installed inside or around the chicken coop. This is when a battery-operated door opener comes in handy.
Battery power gives you a safe source of power and emergency backup power during an electrical outage and reduces your fire hazards.
You will need to make sure that the battery is fully charged otherwise the door can get stuck and injure your chickens.
Most door controller boxes display a low battery indicator on the LCD screen or sound an audible alarm that lets you know when to replace the battery. The best types of batteries last up to 6 months or a year.
Solar power is another great option for homesteaders who are living off-grid but you usually have to provide your battery.
Light Sensor and Timer Controlled Doors
The door opener is operated by a built-in electric light sensor or a timer.
The light sensor works like a solar-powered light. It is triggered by changes in atmospheric conditions and opens the door at dawn and closes it again at dusk.
If you prefer a light sensor-operated door opener, you will need to have the sensor positioned where it will receive the early morning sunlight so that it opens at the right time.
A security lamp, back porch light, or street lights can also cause the sensor to think it is daytime and open the door prematurely.
You can also choose a door opener that utilizes both a timer and a light sensor such as The Happy Chicken Coop Automatic Chicken Coop Door. The timer acts as a failsafe mechanism in case the sensor does not open.
Operating Door Mechanism
The door opener will be operated by a Motorized Lift and Gravity Close mechanism or a Fully Motorized Lift and Close mechanism. While both of these mechanisms work well, the Gravity Close mechanism could harm your hens if they get in the way of the closing door.
As well as having a programmable timer, an electric eye or a positive stop on the door will help to prevent any injury to your hens.
Size and Weight of the Door
Door sizes usually range from 10 x 12-inches, 13 x 10-inches, or 12 x 16-inches, and these types of doors will suit most chicken breeds. If you have bigger birds, such as the Jersey Giants, you will need a larger door.
You also have to consider the weight of the door. An aluminum or fiberglass door is a good option because the lighter design will not put too much strain on the motor and the mechanism will be able to open and close the door easily.
All-in-one Kit or Controller Box Only
Manufacturers may offer an all-in-one kit that includes the controller box, the door, and all the installation hardware while others include just the controller box that you can install on an existing door.
Easy Installation and Operation
One of the great features of an automatic chicken coop door opener is that you do not have to be tech-savvy to install or use it. These devices only require basic DIY installation skills.
Most controllers have a backlit LCD screen and bright yellow or blue buttons. Some door opener models even have large buttons that can be easily operated when you are wearing thick gloves such as the ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener.
Safety Features
Safety features are essential and they may include a fail-safe system, a manual override button, LED light and sound warning indicators, and a low-battery alarm. The timer and light sensor should also be manually adjustable.
Weather-Resistant Design
While most doors and controller boxes are designed for outdoor conditions, icy weather can cause the gadget to seize up and stop the door from working properly. If you live in an area where there is a lot of ice and snow, consider a door that can be installed inside the chicken coop.
Having a controller that is sealed inside a waterproof plastic box will protect the components and control panel from rough weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
7 Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers – Reviews
1. ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
The ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener contains everything you need to provide your chickens with safe access to their house from dawn to dusk.
This automatic door is very easy to set up and contains all the necessary hardware and there is no complicated wiring or cabling required. Just attach the controller box to your coop and install the 10 x 12-foot pop hole door, connect the cord to the door and you are ready to go. The door runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries which are included, or via a USB cable and charger which are not included in the kit.
Your chickens will have total security as the door’s operating mechanism has unique self-locking wings that stop predators from lifting the coop door and getting to your precious flock.
Made tough, the weather-resistant aluminum construction will not warp, crack or swell with moisture. The highly durable cord has a breaking strain limit of 50lbs and a lifting capacity of 2.2lbs and as there are no minimum or maximum height restrictions, the door can be used for small or large chickens.
The door controller box has a backlit LCD screen and the large blue buttons are very easy to press even if you are wearing bulky gloves.
You can program the opening and closing of the door by using the timer and/or the adjustable LUX light sensor or manually press the buttons.
State-of-the-art safety features include a failsafe mode, a door closed indicator that is visible up to 100 yards away, and a low battery warning that tells you when it is time to refresh the batteries.
ChickenGuard offers a 100% money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty on the automatic chicken coop door opener.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Easy installation
- All-in-one kit comes with the controller box, door, and hardware
- No complicated wiring or cabling required
- Weather-resistant aluminum construction will not warp, crack or swell with moisture
- Highly durable cord has a breaking strain limit of 50lbs
- Unique self-locking wings
- Backlit LCD screen and extra-large blue buttons can be pressed even wearing thick gloves
- Comes with a timer and adjustable LUX light sensor
- Door lifting capacity of 2.2lbs
- No minimum or maximum door heights
- Failsafe mode
- Door closed indicator is visible up to 100 yards away
- Can be used with the 4 AA alkaline batteries or via a USB cable
- Long battery life
- Low battery warning
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Controller box has plastic components that may not be suited for extreme weather conditions
2. ChickenGuard Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers
If you are just looking for an automatic door controller for your existing coop door, the ChickenGuard Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers is a great fit.
Setting up the controller box on your coop door is very easy as there is no complex wiring or cabling required and it comes with detailed instructions in various languages.
This powerful door opener is equipped with a reliable programmable timer and a smart adjustable LUX light sensor that opens the door at dawn and closes it securely at dusk. You can program the opening and closing of the door by using the timer and/or the light sensor.
The controller box has a simple backlit LCD screen and the large blue buttons are easy to press even if you are wearing thick gloves. A battery warning indicator tells you when it is time to change the batteries and the door closed indicator is visible from 100 yards away.
The door comes with 4 AA batteries that last for 6 months or you can use a USB cable which is not included.
Even though this automatic chicken coop door opener does not come with a door, it is mains power enabled and comes with all the fittings for an exiting door. However, it has to be attached to an existing door that is not heavier than 8lbs and installed at least 1-inch from the top of the coop door.
ChickenGuard offers a 100% money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty on the automatic chicken coop door opener.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Advanced technology
- Extra powerful motor
- Works in extreme weather
- Equipped with a programmable timer and a powerful adjustable LUX light sensor
- Simple installation and has no complex wiring or cables
- Comes with detailed instructions in various languages
- Easy to use backlit LCD screen
- Large blue buttons can be pressed wearing thick gloves
- Mains power enabled
- Works in extreme weather
- No minimum or maximum door heights
- Highly durable cord has a breaking strain of 25kg or 50lbs
- Four AA alkaline batteries last up to 6 months
- Can be powered electrically via a USB cable
- Low battery warning indicator
- Failsafe mode
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- USB cable is not included
- May not be ideal for use in extreme icy conditions
- Instructions are not well written
- No electric eye
3. Add-A-Motor – Chicken Coop Automatic Door Accessory Motor
Once you install the Add-A-Motor – Chicken Coop Automatic Door Accessory Motor, you will have complete freedom to control your chicken coop at a schedule that is convenient for you.
The heavy-duty motor can be easily installed on any type of chicken coop door, wood, metal, or plastic, in just 15 minutes. There is no complicated programming. Just rotate the dial to your preferred high and low positive stops and just like a reversible motorized fishing reel, the door will open and close smoothly.
There is no counterweight needed and the powerful motor can lift and lower a door that weighs 10 pounds and has an opening of 25-inches or more.
Your hens will be protected as they come and go as the safe universal connector prevents any damage if the door is frozen or jammed and ensures that the door closes slowly.
The Add-A-Motor comes with all the mounting hardware, an AC-DC adapter, a lift cable, and illustrated instructions.
Add-A-Motor offers a 1-year warranty on the automatic chicken coop door opener motor.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Good value for money
- Affordable price
- Heavy-duty motor can be connected to any type of chicken coop door: wood, metal, or plastic
- Easy to set up in 15 minutes
- Simple dial operation
- Requires no counterweight
- Can lift and lower a door that weighs 10 pounds and has an opening of 25-inches or more
- Adjustable positive stops for opening and closing the door
- Works like a reversible motorized fishing reel
- Safe connector prevents damage if the door is frozen or jammed and closes it slowly
- Comes with mounting hardware, universal door connector, AC power adapter, and illustrated instructions
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Power cord is not suited for exposure to freezing temperatures
- Door can get stuck if the motor is not installed properly
4. The Happy Chicken Coop Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Protecting your chickens from predators is effortless with The Happy Chicken Coop Automatic Chicken Coop Door.
The Happy Chicken Coop automatic chicken coop door is a great solution for people who are building their chicken coop or need to upgrade an existing door. This all-in-one kit comes with a 10 x 12-inches door, a controller box, and all the necessary hardware. It is very easy to install in just 10 minutes and there is no complicated wiring required.
Made from durable aluminum, the chicken coop door has excellent corrosion resistance, and it can withstand snow and cold temperatures as cold as 5°F.
Designed for your convenience, you can use the timer or the built-in light-activated sensor to open and close the door, or use both. The controller box has a backlit LCD screen that displays the time and a battery life indicator and the 3 buttons make it very easy to program the door. A sensor detects when there is an obstruction under the door and the gear-activated self-locking mechanism prevents predators from breaking into the chicken coop.
This automatic chicken coop door can be powered by 4 AA batteries or a 6-volt battery with the included adapter, which will provide up to 6 months of power.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- All-in-one kit contains a door, a controller box and all the necessary hardware
- Easy installation in 10 minutes and there is no complicated wiring required
- Weatherproof aluminum design
- Can be set to open with the built-in light sensor, the fully programmable timer, or both
- Backlit LCD screen and 3 easy-to-use buttons
- Battery life indicator
- Sensor detects when there is a door obstruction
- Gear-activated self-locking mechanism
Cons
- Pricey
- Some complaints that there were no operating instructions in the box
- A 6-volt battery provides better operation
- Not ideal for use in areas that get extremely hot sunlight as the sensor can malfunction
5. JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit
The JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit is a very good choice for a small brood of chickens.
This kit contains a controller unit and an 11 13/16-inches wide and 12 9/16-inches high door which provides quick access for most types of chickens. It is quite easy to install and there is no complicated wiring or cabling required.
Designed for long-term durability, the heavy-duty aluminum alloy hinged door and rails are so strong that even bears cannot lift the door up. The controller is sealed inside a waterproof box and can be operated in 14-122°F temperatures.
You will have complete control over how the door functions as its controller is equipped with a high-end timer, 16 ON/OFF programs, a 7-day program, an LCD screen, and a manual override button.
Just set the timer in the morning and evening and your feathered folk will be able to roam free during the day and snuggle down safely at night. For manual operation, simply press the buttons on the controller box.
The door comes with a 100-240V power adapter but the controller can be connected to a 12V solar panel battery (not included).
You can also choose a door opener that is operated by a wifi-controlled timer or a light sensor.
JVR offers a 100% money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty on the automatic chicken coop door opener.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Heavy-duty hinged door and rails are made from a super-strong aluminum alloy
- Bear-proof door
- Controller box is sealed inside a waterproof box
- Can be operated in 14-122°F temperatures
- Large hinged door fits most chickens and ducks
- No complicated wiring or cabling
- Simple controller box has an LCD screen and buttons
- Adjustable timer, 16 ON/OFF programs settings, a 7-day program, and manual override
- Can be connected to a 12V solar battery
- Available with a light sensor
- 100% money-back guarantee
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Door is not ideal for larger chickens
- Buttons are a bit small
- Instructions are not very clear
- Some complain that the door closes too slowly
- May need to recheck the closing settings
6. AdorStore ADOR1 Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Designed and manufactured in the US, the AdorStore ADOR1 Automatic Chicken Coop Door is a great choice for any chicken owner.
The door has a robust 3.25-inches galvanized steel construction that withstands extreme weather conditions and its 13 x 10.5-inches opening is ideal for larger birds.
Instead of a gravity mechanism, this door opener utilizes a direct-drive sprocket that safely and securely closes the door. A bottom guard rail also interferes with prying paws that try to get underneath the door.
This door is extremely easy to install on the outside or inside of your chicken coop and it can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
Built with a smart infra-red LUX sensor, the door automatically opens at dawn and closes at dusk. The door’s front panel has a simple button setup, an LED and buzzer status indicator, and a manual override button.
You do not have to worry about hooking the door up to an electrical outlet as this gadget is powered by a strong 6V lantern battery that can last up to a year.
AdorStore sells replacement parts if you need them and the door opener is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Designed and manufactured in the US
- Robust galvanized steel door is weatherproof and protects against predators
- Direct-drive sprocket design safely and securely locks the door
- Bottom guard rail stops prying paws from getting underneath the door
- Extremely easy to install on the outside or inside of a chicken coop
- Can be mounted vertically or horizontally
- High tech infra-red LUX sensor automatically opens at dawn and closes at dusk
- Front panel has a simple button set up
- Light and buzzer status indicator
- Manual override button
- No electricity required
- 6V battery can last up to a year
- Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery needs to be fully charged for the door to work properly
- Light sensor only
- Can be noisy when opening and closing the door
- Holes may need to be pre-drilled
7. Incubator Warehouse AutoCoop Advanced Chicken Coop Door Kit
The Incubator Warehouse AutoCoop Advanced Chicken Coop Door Kit is ideal for hobby chicken owners who look after a small flock.
Designed with a powerful motor and a high-strength sliding door, your feathered friends will be able to come and go as they please. Although this chicken coop door kit does come with a timer controller box, you can purchase the controller separately at a very affordable price. You can program the door to open and close automatically at your preferred schedule or operate it manually.
The kit includes a 13 x 10-inches weatherproof fiberglass sliding door with an ultra-smooth finish, two 24-inches long anodized aluminum channel rails, a line actuator, and a 12V DC power cord adapter. You can install the door vertically or horizontally.
Installation is very easy as the kit comes with all the necessary mounting hardware.
Incubator Warehouse offers a 1-year warranty on the automatic chicken coop door opener.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Powerful motor
- Strong weatherproof fiberglass door
- Sliding door can be installed vertically or horizontally
- Automatically and manually programmable
- Two anodized aluminum channel rails
- Line actuator
- Fast and simple installation
- Comes with all the mounting hardware
- Power cord adapter
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Fiberglass door is a bit flimsy against large predators
- Controller box has to be purchased separately
- Installation directions are not very straight forward
- Lifting capacity not specified
Our Top Pick for the Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
Our top pick for the best automatic chicken coop door opener is the ChickenGuard Waterproof Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional chicken farmer, we highly recommend this superior door opener as it will make all the difference to how you care for your chickens.
ChickenGuard is well-known for its well-designed products that are reliable and long-lasting, which makes this automatic door opener, that comes with its door, an essential gadget for your chicken coop.
Check the price on Amazon
