Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors 2024: Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

February 2, 2024
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Edward Smith

Throughout my journey in poultry husbandry, I’ve intimately encountered both the hurdles and the delights that accompany the care of chickens. The introduction of automatic chicken coop doors into my routine marked a pivotal shift, significantly transforming the way I manage my flock. Now, as we enter the year 2024, advancements in poultry-related technology have further streamlined and enhanced the process of caring for our feathered companions.

In this article, I aim to impart the wisdom gained from my personal experiences, coupled with comprehensive reviews and insights, regarding the leading automatic chicken coop doors of 2024. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to select the most suitable automatic door for your chicken coop, ensuring the well-being of your birds with greater convenience and efficiency.

List of Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors 2024:

Run Chicken Coop Door Model T50
CHICKENGUARD Chicken Coop Door
Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop Door
HAPPY HENHOUSE Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Chicken Coop Door Evaluations: Practical Field Testing

Our reviews are based on hands-on testing of numerous leading brands in actual conditions – here’s what we discovered!

We purchased a wide array of prominent chicken coop door brands for an in-depth analysis and critique. Each product underwent installation and was put through its paces over several months, experiencing a variety of weather conditions. We adhered strictly to the guidelines provided in the user manuals, and meticulously assessed the clarity and comprehensiveness of these instructions.

1. Run Chicken Coop Door Model T50

Price Range: $109.99 USD on Amazon

Brief Specifications

Brand: RUN-CHICKEN
Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Item Weight: 1 pound
Material: Fully made of aluminum
Color: Red
Size: All breed sizes
Target Audience: Chicken
Batteries: 2 A batteries required

Our top pick for the ‘Best Overall’ chicken coop door is the Run Chicken T50, a standout product from Run Chicken, a company established in 2018. This brand, which has gained international acclaim, offers three models, including the T50 standard and two solar-powered versions.

What sets these doors apart is their construction from sturdy aluminum with a durable, colored powder coating, designed to withstand adverse weather conditions. Unique to Run Chicken is the fact that their doors come fully pre-assembled, simplifying installation to merely screwing the door into place and setting up the app, if desired.

Unlike other automatic doors that claim ease of installation but require hours to set up, the T50 can be installed in as little as 15 minutes. Even without using the app, the door operates on a default setting, automatically opening and closing around sunrise and sunset. Run Chicken is also the only brand among its competitors to offer a controlling app, enhancing convenience and user experience.

Outstanding Features

The Run Chicken door stands out with its superior quality and distinct functionalities. Here are its most noteworthy features:

Safety Stop Functionality ensures that chickens are not accidentally trapped as the door closes.
Batteries Included for immediate use right out of the box.
Run Chicken App Compatibility offers an intuitive interface for easy programming of the door.
Manual Programming Option allows users to program the door without the need for the app, catering to personal preferences.
Integrated Timer and Light Sensor for automated operation based on time and light conditions.
Adjustable Opening and Closing Delays provide flexibility in operation.
GPS Mode eliminates the need to manually set the time, as the door automatically adjusts based on your geographical location and time zone.
Artificial Light Rejection ensures the light sensor is not triggered by streetlights or other external light sources.
Fully Pre-Assembled for hassle-free installation.
Excellent Value has been enhanced since the introduction of new solar-powered models, leading to a price reduction of the standard T50 model, making it an even more attractive option.

Pros

Easy Installation: The T50 comes fully pre-assembled, significantly reducing setup time and making it user-friendly for those not mechanically inclined.
Safety Features: Equipped with a safety stop mechanism, it ensures that chickens won’t get trapped under the door as it closes.
Versatile Power and Control: It operates on AA batteries and offers the flexibility of being programmed either through the Run Chicken App or manually, catering to different user preferences.

Cons

Dependent on External Batteries: While convenient, reliance on AA batteries means you need to monitor their power levels and replace them periodically.
Limited Customization without App: Those who choose not to use the app may find the customization options for door operation more limited.
Possible Sensitivity to Weather: Although designed to withstand harsh weather, extreme conditions could potentially affect its operation or durability over time.

2. CHICKENGUARD Chicken Coop Door

Price Range: $74.95 USD on Amazon

Brief Specifications

Brand: CHICKENGUARD
Target Species: Chicken
Product Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 1 inches
Item Weight: 7.1 ounces
Material: Plastic
Specific Uses For Product: Active

The ChickenGuard chicken coop door stands out as our top choice for an ‘All-purpose’ door, thanks to its adaptability. Offering automatic door openers equipped with timers, light sensors, and capabilities to handle heavy doors in extreme weather, ChickenGuard caters to a broad spectrum of poultry needs.

Customers have the flexibility to purchase the door opener alone to integrate with their existing coop doors or opt for a complete set including both the door and opener.

Featuring a sleek guillotine-style aluminum gate, the ChickenGuard door operates smoothly within plastic runners, presenting an elegant and unobtrusive appearance. Until recently, ChickenGuard, alongside Omlet, led the market in chicken coop door solutions.

However, the landscape has shifted with the arrival of formidable competitors such as Run Chicken and Chickcozy, who have disrupted the market by offering ready-to-use systems at competitive prices, challenging ChickenGuard’s market share.

As of 2023, ChickenGuard had three main models available: the basic ‘Standard’ model, functioning on a timer without a light sensor; and the ‘Premium’ and ‘Extreme’ versions, both incorporating light sensors, with the ‘Extreme’ designed for heavier doors and colder environments.

In response to market dynamics and the shift of some customers towards emerging brands, ChickenGuard innovated by introducing two new products in 2023: the ChickenGuard PRO, an enhanced blend of the ‘Premium’ and ‘Extreme’ models, and the ChickenGuard All-in-One, marking a significant evolution in their product line to maintain competitiveness.

Furthermore, ChickenGuard has embraced the trend of convenient, ready-to-use chicken coop doors with its All-in-One model, aligning with the ‘plug & play’ approach that minimizes installation efforts. While the original ChickenGuard models will remain available in 2024, the introduction of the new All-in-One variant suggests a strategic shift.

With the emergence of the PRO version, it is anticipated that the Premium and Extreme models might be gradually discontinued. Consequently, ChickenGuard aims to streamline its offerings to three primary systems: the Standard, PRO, and All-in-One, focusing on simplicity and user convenience.

Top Features

ChickenGuard stands out as a reputable producer of chicken coop door openers and doors, offering compelling features that make their products a wise choice:

Safety Stop Mechanism: Ensures that chickens are not injured by the door closing on them, enhancing their safety within the coop.
Dual Power Options: Operates efficiently on both batteries and mains power, offering flexibility in power sources.
Sleek Design: Features a clean, aesthetic design that blends well with any chicken coop.
Multiple Operational Modes: Allows for manual operation, timed scheduling, or light sensor activation (available in Premium & Extreme models), providing versatility in use.
Modular System: Unique in the market, ChickenGuard offers the option to purchase the controller and door separately, catering to various needs and preferences.
Installation Flexibility: The system is designed to be adaptable, with the capability to be mounted in different configurations or attached to an existing door.
Self-Diagnostic Feature: Equipped with a mode that automatically identifies and alerts users to any operational issues, displaying notifications on the screen for easy troubleshooting.

Pros

Versatile Functionality: Equipped with timers and light sensors, CHICKENGUARD doors are designed to accommodate various poultry needs, ensuring the door opens and closes at optimal times.
Durable Design: The doors are built to withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of environments.
Easy Installation: Many CHICKENGUARD models offer ‘plug & play’ systems, requiring minimal effort to install, which is ideal for users seeking convenience without the need for extensive setup.

Cons

Plastic Components: Despite the overall durability, the use of plastic runners might raise concerns over long-term wear and tear compared to all-metal designs.
Cost: While offering high functionality, CHICKENGUARD doors can be on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious poultry keepers.
Complex Features: For some users, the array of features and settings, while beneficial, can be overwhelming to configure and manage, especially for those who prefer simplicity.

3. Chickcozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Price Range: $169.99 USD on Amazon

Brief Specifications

Brand: Chickcozy
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Target Species: Chicken
Product Style: Sliding Door Design
Product Dimensions: 13.03 x 3.31 x 15.28 inches
Weight: 4.12 Pounds
Specific Uses For Product: Outdoor

Chickcozy stands out in the automatic chicken coop door market for its high-quality construction and effortless installation, making it an ideal option for smaller coops thanks to its innovative sliding design. This door is unique for its elevator-style operation, where it opens and closes horizontally, mimicking the movement of a curtain or an elevator, sliding in from both sides. This feature is particularly beneficial for coops with limited space, as it requires no extra room above or around the door for operation.

The Chickcozy door is designed to endure extreme weather conditions, withstanding temperatures ranging from -15°F to 140°F (-26°C to 60°C), ensuring reliability and durability. The company has a global presence and is committed to developing products that simplify the care of chickens for owners.

Ease of installation is a key advantage of the Chickcozy door; it comes fully pre-assembled, needing only to be positioned and secured with screws. This simplicity in setup, requiring minimal time and effort, highlights its convenience compared to other products on the market. Typically, installation and control panel operation can be achieved in just 10-15 minutes, making Chickcozy a straightforward, user-friendly choice for chicken keepers.

Top Features

The Chickcozy automatic door stands out for its robust ABS construction and straightforward installation process. Additional notable features include:

Safety Stop Mechanism: Ensures chickens are not injured by the closing door.
Sideways Movement: Opens and closes horizontally for efficient space use.
Versatile Operation: Can be operated manually, via light sensor, or with a timer for convenience.
Comprehensive Power Options: Both batteries and a power cord come included with every purchase.
Fully Pre-Assembled: Ready to use right out of the box, facilitating an easy setup.
Excellent Value: Offers significant quality and functionality at a competitive price point.

Pros

Easy Installation: Comes fully pre-assembled, making it straightforward to set up without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Versatile Operation: Offers multiple operating modes, including manual, light sensor, and timer, providing flexibility for different preferences and needs.
Safety Features: Equipped with a safety stop function to protect chickens from getting hurt by the closing door.

Cons

Material Durability: Made of ABS plastic, which may not be as durable as metal in extreme weather conditions or against determined predators.
Battery Dependence: While it includes batteries and a power cord, reliance on batteries could require frequent replacements depending on usage.
Limited Customization: The pre-assembled nature, while convenient for installation, may offer less customization for specific coop designs or requirements.

4. Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Price Range: $179.00 USD on Amazon

Brief Specifications

Brand: Omlet
Target Species: Chicken
Product Dimensions:‎ 19.25 x 2.25 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 8.27 Pounds
Specific Uses For Product: Outdoor
Special Feature: Easy Assembly

Omlet offers a distinct option in the automatic chicken coop door market, presenting a single model that comes in two colors. This door stands out for its unique sliding mechanism, moving horizontally from left to right or the reverse, rather than the more common vertical movement.

Its design is notably distinctive, with a bold color and style that tends to polarize opinions; people typically either adore it or not, given its unmistakable appearance.

Constructed from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a strong and durable thermoplastic, the Omlet door is built to last, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C). Our tests confirmed its reliability, even in the cold of winter nights reaching 10°F (-12°C), without any operational issues.

Installation is relatively straightforward, thanks to the door being almost fully pre-assembled upon delivery. Although following the manual might seem daunting, Omlet provides helpful installation tutorials on YouTube that simplify the process, allowing us to complete the setup in under an hour.

A significant advantage of the Omlet automatic door is its compatibility with various coop types. It can be seamlessly integrated into both Omlet’s chicken coops and traditional wooden structures or mesh fencing without the need for additional attachment sets for wooden coops or the latest Omlet models. However, attaching it to older Omlet Mk1 coops or mesh requires purchasing a specific attachment kit.

Highlighted Features

The Omlet AutoDoor stands out in the market for its durability and popularity among chicken owners, offering several noteworthy features:

Safety Stop Function: Ensures the safety of your chickens by preventing the door from closing on them if they obstruct the entrance.
Horizontal Sliding Mechanism: Ideal for coops with limited space above the entrance, offering a compact solution.
Dual Power Compatibility: Operates effectively on both battery power and mains electricity for added convenience.
Multiple Operating Modes: Allows for manual operation, as well as automated control via timer or light sensor.
Straightforward Installation: Designed for easy setup to get your coop door operational quickly.
Manual Override Failsafe: Includes a built-in system for manual opening in case of technical issues.
Customizable Door Orientation: Provides the flexibility to choose which side the door slides open to suit your coop’s layout.
Resilient to Harsh Conditions: Proven to withstand extreme weather, tested in temperatures as low as -4°F, ensuring reliability in cold climates.

Pros

Innovative Design: The sliding door mechanism is ideal for coops with limited vertical space, providing a practical and space-saving solution.
Versatile Power Options: Capable of running on both batteries and mains power, offering flexibility in different setups.
Easy Installation: Comes nearly pre-assembled, making the installation process quick and straightforward, complemented by helpful online tutorials.

Cons

Unique Style: The door’s distinct appearance may not appeal to everyone, making its design a matter of personal preference.
Price Point: May be considered pricey compared to other options in the market, potentially a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Manual Overwrite Requirement: In the event of a power failure or malfunction, manual intervention is necessary, which may be inconvenient for some users.

5. HAPPY HENHOUSE Automatic Chicken Coop Door

Price Range: on Amazon

Brief Specifiations

Brand: Happy Henhouse
Target Species: Chicken
Material: Aluminum, Plastic
Product Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 1 inches
Weight: 3.9 Pounds
Item Model Number: CH1K-SAFE-1
Specific Uses For Product: Outdoor

The Happy Henhouse automatic chicken coop door shares a resemblance with ChickenGuard in its design, featuring a door opener, cord, and the door itself. As a small, locally operated business, Happy Henhouse specializes in coop doors and related poultry accessories.

This model is equipped with a self-locking mechanism and a weather-resistant control unit, built with high-quality materials for dependable performance. Installation is straightforward, requiring only a few simple steps for assembly.

However, this product did not make it onto our ‘Best Chicken Coop Door’ list due to the absence of a safety stop feature. Such sensors are crucial for preventing the door from closing when obstructed by a chicken, providing owners with the assurance that their birds are safe from potential harm.

Outstanding Features

Self-Locking Mechanism: Enhances security by automatically locking the door once closed, preventing predators from gaining access.
Weatherproof Controller: Designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring the door operates smoothly regardless of the weather.
High-Quality Components: Utilizes durable materials in its construction, offering reliability and longevity.
Simple Installation Process: The door is designed for easy setup, requiring minimal assembly, making it accessible for chicken keepers of all skill levels.
Local and Small Business: Supporting Happy Henhouse means supporting a local small business dedicated to providing quality coop doors and accessories.
Versatile Design: Similar in appearance to ChickenGuard, with a comprehensive setup including a door opener, cord, and the door, fitting a wide range of coop styles.
Low Maintenance: Due to its high-quality construction and materials, the door requires little upkeep to maintain its functionality.
Compatibility with Various Coops: Engineered to be adaptable, this door can be fitted to a broad spectrum of chicken coop designs, enhancing its appeal to a wide audience.

Pros

Durability: Constructed with high-quality aluminum and plastic, ensuring the door’s longevity and reliable operation in various weather conditions.
Ease of Installation: Comes with a straightforward assembly process, making it user-friendly for chicken keepers of all experience levels.
Security: Features a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the door once closed, offering added protection against predators.

Cons

Lack of Safety Stop: Missing a safety stop feature, which means it does not have the built-in sensors to prevent it from closing if an obstacle, such as a chicken, is in the way.
Local Brand Limitations: Being a product of a small, local business may pose challenges in terms of availability and customer support compared to larger brands.
Minimal Advanced Features: While it covers the basics well, it might lack some of the more advanced features found in competitors’ doors, such as light sensors or customizable timers.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For

When choosing an automatic chicken coop door, consider the following:

Power Source: Decide whether you prefer a battery, electric, or solar-powered door. Each has its advantages and considerations.
Durability and Security: Look for doors made from sturdy materials that can withstand predators and harsh weather conditions.
Ease of Installation and Use: A user-friendly design is crucial. You shouldn’t need to be a tech wizard to set up and operate the door.
Backup Systems: Consider models with a manual override or backup power options to ensure your chickens are never left vulnerable.

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Final Thoughts

The introduction of an automatic chicken coop door into your routine can significantly enhance your poultry care experience, providing security for your chickens and convenience for you. The models reviewed here are among the best on the market in 2024, each with unique features tailored to different needs and preferences.

Remember, the best choice depends on your specific situation, including your coop’s location, the number of chickens you have, and your budget. With the right automatic chicken coop door, you can rest easy knowing your chickens are safe and sound, allowing you more time to enjoy the pleasures of backyard poultry keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an automatic chicken coop door necessary? Automatic doors provide security against predators, ensure your chickens are safely tucked in at night, and offer convenience by automating the opening and closing process based on timers or light sensors.
Can automatic doors operate in extreme weather conditions? Yes, most high-quality automatic chicken coop doors are designed to withstand extreme weather, from freezing temperatures to intense heat, ensuring reliable operation year-round.
Are automatic coop doors easy to install? Many automatic doors come pre-assembled and require minimal installation effort. However, the ease of installation can vary based on the design and brand.
Do I need electricity to operate an automatic coop door? Not necessarily. While some doors are designed to connect to mains electricity, others run on batteries, and some can even be powered by solar panels.
Can the doors be manually overridden? Yes, most automatic chicken coop doors feature a manual override function, allowing you to operate the door manually if needed.
How do I choose the right size door for my coop? Measure the entrance of your chicken coop and compare it to the product dimensions provided by the door manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.
What are the benefits of a light sensor feature? A light sensor allows the door to open at dawn and close at dusk automatically, adjusting to the changing daylight hours throughout the seasons.
Can I install an automatic door on an existing coop? Absolutely. Automatic doors can be fitted onto existing coops. It’s important to ensure the door’s dimensions fit your coop’s entrance and that you can securely attach it.
What should I do if my automatic door malfunctions? Check the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide. Issues can often be resolved by checking battery levels, ensuring the door’s path is clear, or resetting the system.
How often should I perform maintenance on my automatic chicken coop door? Regularly check the door for debris and ensure it’s operating smoothly. Periodic maintenance schedules can vary, but checking every few months is a good practice.

We’re eager to connect with you! Please share your own experiences and opinions regarding the best automatic chicken coop doors for 2024 in the comments section below. Your personal insights and feedback are invaluable, helping fellow chicken enthusiasts make well-informed choices. Let’s help each other find the perfect solutions for our feathered friends!

Edward Smith

Forestry Author

Woodworking is about more than crafting; it's a harmonious connection with nature, mastering tools, and preserving our environment. I'm here to share my knowledge and experiences with you, forging a future where we can embrace wood's beauty and utility while safeguarding our forests' health and diversity.