How reliable are automatic coop doors?

[Gottaluvthat]

Ive gone back and forth about getting an automatic door for our coop. I think I may have even made a post about it a while back. We have a coop attached to a run and do not free range. The run is secure but technically something could dig under. We aren't too concerned because we are in a neighborhood, have NEVER seen a raccoon, coyote, fox or possum, never had our trash messed with, and when my husband uses his stinky fish carcass fertilizer for the garden its never tampered with. We also have a 6 foot wooden privacy fence around our entire yard and are enclosed by fences on three sides from other neighbors. we also have a large yard full of dog smells from our 4 hounds. The entire perimeter of our home has cameras and none have EVER caught an animal other than a deer and stray cat. I know there is still a risk, but for now we aren't concerned.

That being said, I have no desire to test our predator theory once the sun goes down. I go out every evening to shut the coop door (which is an extremely secure coop) and open it when the sun comes up. It's not the biggest deal in the world to do it but I wonder if Id be happier with an auto door. I know there are a bunch out there and im mostly looking at the run chicken one, but I guess my question is how many people are thrilled with their auto doors and how many regret it or hate it. I have wifi cameras inside the run so I could check to see the door is shut at night and open in the morning, but has anyone here had an incident where the auto door didn't open or close? Anyone have an incident that had them go back to a manual door?

I love the Run Chicken door. I bought an additional one for my duck coop. My first one is still going strong 3+ years now. One time it didn't close all the way... I think mud or something got in it cuz we had a lot of rain. Ive had several auto doors and the Run Chicken is the easiest to install and set up too.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

I love the Run Chicken door. I bought an additional one for my duck coop. My first one is still going strong 3+ years now. One time it didn't close all the way... I think mud or something got in it cuz we had a lot of rain. Ive had several auto doors and the Run Chicken is the easiest to install and set up too.

Thanks for the first hand review! Hoping our experience is like yours!

 

[lagrange chicks]

I built mine, there is a video on youtube that shows the parts needed. It has a small solar panel, battery, timer relay and actuator. I ordered the parts from amazon for a total of $85 and it has worked great since may when i put it in. We went camping for 5 days and i could see the door open and close from my phone security camera app, which was nice no one needed to be there right at sunrise or sunset.

 

[Mouthpear]

timer relay

? You mean timer and relay? I use two SPDT Timers, soo much easier.

 

[lagrange chicks]

? You mean timer and relay? I use two SPDT Timers, soo much easier.

Yes timer and relay.

 

[Urbanchicksnewbie]

Ive gone back and forth about getting an automatic door for our coop. I think I may have even made a post about it a while back. We have a coop attached to a run and do not free range. The run is secure but technically something could dig under. We aren't too concerned because we are in a neighborhood, have NEVER seen a raccoon, coyote, fox or possum, never had our trash messed with, and when my husband uses his stinky fish carcass fertilizer for the garden its never tampered with. We also have a 6 foot wooden privacy fence around our entire yard and are enclosed by fences on three sides from other neighbors. we also have a large yard full of dog smells from our 4 hounds. The entire perimeter of our home has cameras and none have EVER caught an animal other than a deer and stray cat. I know there is still a risk, but for now we aren't concerned.

That being said, I have no desire to test our predator theory once the sun goes down. I go out every evening to shut the coop door (which is an extremely secure coop) and open it when the sun comes up. It's not the biggest deal in the world to do it but I wonder if Id be happier with an auto door. I know there are a bunch out there and im mostly looking at the run chicken one, but I guess my question is how many people are thrilled with their auto doors and how many regret it or hate it. I have wifi cameras inside the run so I could check to see the door is shut at night and open in the morning, but has anyone here had an incident where the auto door didn't open or close? Anyone have an incident that had them go back to a manual d

 

[Urbanchicksnewbie]

We have a chick cozy automatic door. We cheated out the first time and bought a knock off which was useless. The chick cozy was a mid price point for auto doors and we are very pleased with it. It can be set to light sensor or manual time , it has a battery life indicator and was super easy to program and install. It opens horizontally which we also liked because we are in Canada and need to compete with snow and ice, the design of this just worked better. The menu/control panel of the door sticks out over the door itself above it and almost protects it from weather. I would and have recommended it. It has been a game changer. Worth the cost for me to enjoy sleeping in on a sunday and the chickens to be happy and independent.

 

[Niteeyes]

I have the Run Chicken door (T50) and so far it works well. It is well made and the company is very responsive to emails. I think I will update it to the solar version (E50) in the future so I don't have to worry about changing batteries.

 

[TaylorGlade]

We have the run chicken door and love it! It's solar and can be scheduled with sunlight or a schedule. It has never failed us and was easy to peogram

 

[Mouthpear]

Yes timer and relay.

Yeah most people do that. However I tell people that using 2 SPDT times is much better and easier to wire. Plus you can stop the door at any point.