3 Month review on Omlet automatic chicken coop door

[Ironpoint]

I'm going to get it I think and this coming winter will put it to the test.

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

I just got this door and had to install it on the inside of the coop, as we built a wooden coop. So far, it has only worked once or twice. We keep an adequate amount of bedding on the ground for the chickens inside the coop, and as a result of the design of this product (sliding horizontal to open vs, opening vertically), shavings are constantly kicked in the way of the mechanism and cause it not to open or close.

So if you are going to install in a wooden coop on the inside, make sure you raise it up off the ground more than you think you should - At least 8 inches, or more. I already framed it in, so can't raise this model up any more than I already have (unless I take out one of my other small doors and put it somewhere else in the coop), but still may end up pulling it out and putting in a different model that I can trust. I can then pull off some of the trim work and enlarge the opening.

I also have a mixed flock with roos in it, and some very large hens. There wasn't an option to buy various sizes of this when I bought it, so It is super small for large roos and large hens. I honestly don't think larger birds will be able to use it easily, if at all.

The other thing to note is that there is some assembly required on this before you install it. Honestly, the last thing you want after building an entire coop, is to have to put together an auto-door. This door is light weight plastic, and in my opinion will likely not last very long.

It has a light sensor and a timer. I did not use the light sensor, as I was not convinced that the quality of the sensor was high enough to last a long time.

The positives are that it is battery operated and easy to program.

I have not used it in winter, but if you don't have it protected from the elements, and get a freezing rain/sleet type mix, I imagine you will have difficulty.

There is another battery operated automatic door I am seeing on amazon with some components made in Germany, and I will likely try that one.

Sad to say, though I think they have tried to design a good product and can get there, it still has a long way to go, and I would not recommend it to a friend at this point, particularly for install on the inside of the coop or for a flock with large birds.

Lastly, this item and others from them are taking a tremendously long time to ship. They are coming from China, which sadly is adding months to the delivery time of some items.

 

[SayChicken]

I just got this door and had to install it on the inside of the coop, as we built a wooden coop. So far, it has only worked once or twice. We keep an adequate amount of bedding on the ground for the chickens inside the coop, and as a result of the design of this product (sliding horizontal to open vs, opening vertically), shavings are constantly kicked in the way of the mechanism and cause it not to open or close.

So if you are going to install in a wooden coop on the inside, make sure you raise it up off the ground more than you think you should - At least 8 inches, or more. I already framed it in, so can't raise this model up any more than I already have (unless I take out one of my other small doors and put it somewhere else in the coop), but still may end up pulling it out and putting in a different model that I can trust. I can then pull off some of the trim work and enlarge the opening.

I also have a mixed flock with roos in it, and some very large hens. There wasn't an option to buy various sizes of this when I bought it, so It is super small for large roos and large hens. I honestly don't think larger birds will be able to use it easily, if at all.

The other thing to note is that there is some assembly required on this before you install it. Honestly, the last thing you want after building an entire coop, is to have to put together an auto-door. This door is light weight plastic, and in my opinion will likely not last very long.

It has a light sensor and a timer. I did not use the light sensor, as I was not convinced that the quality of the sensor was high enough to last a long time.

The positives are that it is battery operated and easy to program.

I have not used it in winter, but if you don't have it protected from the elements, and get a freezing rain/sleet type mix, I imagine you will have difficulty.

There is another battery operated automatic door I am seeing on amazon with some components made in Germany, and I will likely try that one.

Sad to say, though I think they have tried to design a good product and can get there, it still has a long way to go, and I would not recommend it to a friend at this point, particularly for install on the inside of the coop or for a flock with large birds.

Lastly, this item and others from them are taking a tremendously long time to ship. They are coming from China, which sadly is adding months to the delivery time of some items.

Thanks for the great info on this door! I’ve been trying to figure out the best door for my Ontario coop. You make a good point about the plastic …I wonder if it will age quickly because of exposure to extreme cold. What breeds would you consider too big for this door? Would a French copper Maran be too big?

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

Thanks for the great info on this door! I’ve been trying to figure out the best door for my Ontario coop. You make a good point about the plastic …I wonder if it will age quickly because of exposure to extreme cold. What breeds would you consider too big for this door? Would a French copper Maran be too big?

You're welcome! I have recently built a few smaller coops and started to try the run chicken auto doors. I was hesitant about using them with the light sensor (and any product with a light sensor), as these tend to go after a while. So I use the set time feature on that door just in case. I also install two auto doors on every coop I build. Just like you would want two or more doors in your own house in case of emergency, chickens need two auto doors as well, in case there is an issue with one and you don't catch in it time. It also helps to have two doors so the chickens don't all crowd to get out one door at once when it opens. I am using Run Chicken brand right now, primarily for ease of use and setup. I don't have a lot of free time and these doors have been perfect and a super quick install. I still frame them in (or add in framing if it's an existing coop) as it will help make your coop more secure from predators. They do open vertically like most doors. The opening is small and my large, tall lavender orpington roo fits right through it. I thought he would have an issue, but was completely fine with it.

As far as the omlet door, its a nice idea, and would probably work well if installed outside the coop. It is still sitting in my other coop, non functional, until I can find the time to pull off much of the sheathing and framing and either raise it up significantly or install the other door I mentioned above. I had installed it at a height that would work for a normal vertically opening door, thinking it would be the same, however, because of the horizontal opening, shavings and feathers easily get stuck in the track, causing issues. The vertical opening doors simply don't have that issue, so just really think about where you are placing it if you end up using that one.
Either would work for a french copper maran, though I do wish they would make all the door openings larger.

 

[JasonS46]

Hello, I've had my omlet door for 3 years now. I feel like once a month I would have to go out and take it off the coop to unjam it from anything. dirt, sand, rocks, straw, anything, it would jam it up. I actually just left it open when we were on vacation because I was worried the chickens would die if it didn't open and it was too hot. Now today, it stopped working. the little tin gear/motor makes a noise but it cant even move the door without me helping it. At least I got 3 years out of it. Won't be buying another one.