Anyone who owns chickens can definitely tell you about the perks of an automatic chicken coop door opener. This kind of door opener kit ensures that you never have to get up early or double check the doors during the night. It grants you peace of mind while ensuring your chickens are safe from all kinds of predators.
These chicken coop doors are available online as well as in stores. However, you might be confused about which one to choose, especially if you’re new to keeping chickens. Otherwise, you may end up with a piece of junk that costs a lot.
To help you find out which chicken coop door is perfect for your chickens, here’s a list of everything you need to know:
General Cost
Manufacturers might advertise extensive features that do nothing for you or your hens. Why? To increase the price! The useless bells and whistles might attract an unwary buyer. So, you need to shop carefully and plot out what you need beforehand.
Some manufacturers sell only the opener while others sell the door as well. The opener, by itself, might cost anywhere from $50–$100 while the door and opener combo can cost upwards of $300.
You might already have a coop door, so buying a combination unit will be useless for you. In case, you want to replace the door as well, by all means, go for the combination unit.
Power Source
The control box or the opener on the poultry door can be operated dawn and dusk through these power sources which opens and closes the door on a timer so you don’t always have to wake up early.
1. Battery
Batteries are a reliable source of power that does not require any maintenance or care. Just set the timer and you are done. In fact, you simply put them in and watch them work their magic. Typically, chicken coop doors use 4 AA batteries. Also, you don’t have to worry about power shutdowns. However, batteries might run out quickly and might require you to replace it often.
On the other hand, most products come with a low battery indicator, so you aren’t caught off guard. Generally, batteries last up to six months depending on the quality.
2. Main power supply line
If your hen house is in a location where the main supply is easily available, then simply buy a coop door opener that uses it as a power source. However, most often than not, chicken coops are located in places far away from the main line. In such cases, it is essential you consider the other options.
3. Solar Power
If you’re looking for a cleaner source of energy, then solar power is perfect. It is also suitable for locations that are far away from the main supply line. On the other hand, if your area doesn’t enjoy much sunshine, you might want to stray far away from this source.
Also, solar panels require quite a lot of maintenance and care since spots and dirt can affect their performance.
All in all, the type of power source available to you can determine the chicken door opener you buy.
Door Opening Mechanism
Generally, chicken door coops include the following two types of mechanisms:
- Motorized Lift & Gravity Close
- Motorized Lift & Close
The close version mechanism is much better as it ensures slower and gentler closure. They are also equipped with a positive stop or failsafe that prevents your chickens from getting injured.
Sensors
Most chicken coop door openers use either light or time sensors to control the opening and closing mechanism. Each has its own pros and cons, and the ultimate choice depends on what you need.
1. Light-Based Sensors
These sensors use light to operate the door. They usually open when the sun rises and there is plenty of light and close up when the sun sets. However, they come with several disadvantages. Firstly, they can be easily triggered by the smallest of light sources such as a high beam car headlight or an especially bright moon.
This results in the door opening at night which might be an invitation to predators. Secondly, you need to place them correctly. Otherwise, they might not catch the sunlight and open the doors. This can also be an advantage as you might not want your chicken out at sunrise.
2. Time-Based Sensors
These sensors are highly programmable and easier. You can easily vary the opening and closing of the door according to the different seasons. This means you might have to set up the timer every few days. It’s a great option, nevertheless.
Size and Weight
Another important consideration is the size of the door. This mainly depends on the breed of your chickens. Most units are available in a standard size of 12 inches by 15 inches. However, if you have larger birds, then you might want to go for larger doors.
On the other hand, going with lightweight doors can help reduce the load on the motor. Eventually, this will increase the longevity and durability of the unit. Try going for an aluminum model that weighs less.
Ease of Operation
An important aspect is to figure out how easy the automatic chicken coop door is in operation. This can often include fail-safes and manual overrides. For example, if you have bought an opener that uses a light sensor, adding a time sensor as a fail-safe can help you out a lot. So, if your door hasn’t opened by 9 am, the time sensor can automatically open the door.
Secure Wiring
You don’t want your chickens to chew up the wire. Even rodents can result in broken devices. So, you need to ensure that the opener control box on the door is well hidden and has no wires peeking out from the device.
This is yet another reason why batteries are a great power source since all the wiring is inside the case.
Parting Words
Using an automatic chicken coop door opener will make your life easier by a long shot. It will help your chickens make the most of the sunlight without having you disturb your sleep. When chosen correctly, the best door opener can last you a long time. Alternatively, you can try making your own!