5 Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors – Real-Life Testing (2023)

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Automatic chicken coop doors are the greatest invention since sliced bread! You don't have to worry about the safety of your chickens, as they are safely tucked in each night, away from predators. And on top of that, you don't have to remember to open or close the coop daily; the chicken coop door does all the work for you.

With so many different doors available on the market, varying in style, design, and price, it can be quite overwhelming to find the one that matches your needs.

We'll get you started by addressing our top choices to buy in 2023. All doors are tested in real-life situations for extended periods of time.

Chicken Coop Door Reviews: Real-Life Testing

1. Best Overall: Run Chicken T50

Overview

Our number one 'Best Overall' chicken coop door is the Run Chicken T50. Run Chicken is a young business founded in 2018 and sells its automated coop doors worldwide. The company has one chicken coop door on the market, the T50.

It's an easy-to-install automatic door available in several colors and patterns. The door is constructed from solid aluminum, and the metal is finished with a high-quality colored powder coating. All Run Chicken doors are waterproof and designed to endure harsh weather circumstances.

Run Chicken differs from most chicken coop doors on the market because their door is completely pre-assembled. You don't have to do anything more than screw the door into place, install the app, and you're ready to go.

Installation

All automatic door manufacturers claim their door is easy to install and pre-assembled. But usually it still takes a couple of hours to install an automatic chicken coop door, especially if you're not used to it. According to Run Chicken, it only takes 30 minutes to install the T50; we didn't need that much time.

It took us only 15 minutes to mount the door to the coop and install the app. But even if you don't install the app, the door will function in default mode. This means it will close automatically 20 minutes after sunset and open 20 minutes after sunrise. It's the only door of popular coop door brands that provides an app.

Best Features

The Run Chicken T50 is a high-quality door with many specific and unique features. We'll address the most important qualities.

• Safety Stop. So your chicken doesn't get trapped while the door closes
• Alkaline batteries are included (Duracell or Panasonic)
• Works on the Run Chicken App, easy to use and program the door
• The Run Chicken is also programmable without using the app if you prefer not to download it
• Timer & Light sensor
• Delay in opening and closing
• GPS Mode: No need to set the time; the door automatically detects your location and time zone
• Light sensor excludes artificial light sources, no need to worry about bright street lights
• Completely pre-assembled

Cons

Although the Run Chicken T50 has many good qualities, there are some things to consider that may be important for you and your flock.

• Doesn't work on main power supply, only on batteries
• Difficult to mount the door inside the coop as the controller and door come in one piece and can not be separated.
• Price; the Run Chicken is quite expensive

Bottom Line

The Run Chicken T50 is a sturdy, high-quality chicken coop door with many unique features compared to its competitors. Its easy installment is refreshing, and so is the Run Chicken app, so you can use your phone to program the door.

→ Read our full review of the Run Chicken T50 chicken coop door to learn more

2. Best All-Purpose: ChickenGuard

Overview

The ChickenGuard chicken coop door is our favorite 'All-purpose' door because of its versatility. To accommodate a wide range of poultry flocks, ChickenGuard ships automatic chicken coop door openers with timers and light sensors and door openers for heavy doors and extreme weather conditions. You can order the door opener separately to attach the opener to your own chicken coop door or both the door and opener.

ChickenGuard is one of many chicken keepers' go-to brands for chicken coop doors worldwide. We took their doors to the test to ensure this favorite brand meets up to the standards. The door is a guillotine-style aluminum gate that slides smoothly and is guided by two plastic runners. Compared to some of its competitors, the door has a sleek and unobtrusive design.

The 'Standard' ChickenGuard chicken coop door and opener are versatile enough for most people, but there are also 'Premium' and 'Extreme' versions available, with different features. We'll address all three versions and their differences.

Installation

Overall, the installation was relatively easy, although the instructions were not always that obvious. It took some time to understand all the steps that needed to be taken. It took us about 1.5 hours to mount the door and opener and to install the settings.

The ChickenGuard door and opener come in two packages:

• The ChickenGuard Coop Door: the actual door
• The ChickenGuard Coop Door Opener: the motor unit opening and closing the door

First, you install the door; then, you attach the motor. What's unique about ChickenGuard is that you can buy the door opener separately to attach it to your own chicken coop door. If you want to do this, ensure you know the weight of the coop door, so you know which version to purchase. We installed the default ChickenGuard door, made from sturdy plastic & aluminum.

ChickenGuard Opener Series

ChickenGuard sells three different versions of their door opener: Standard, Premium, and Extreme. The Standard and Premium models are versatile enough for most chicken keepers, but to ensure you make the right choice, we'll shortly pinpoint the differences between these models.

• ChickenGuard Standard: Basic unit door opener with only timer function, no light sensor
• ChickenGuard Premium: Basic unit + an adjustable light sensor
• ChickenGuard Extreme: Premium unit + extra powerful motor + built to endure extreme weather

They used to have a black eco-model, but that is not available anymore in 2023.

Best Features

ChickenGuard is a well-known manufacturer of chicken coop openers and doors. Here are some good reasons to buy a ChickenGuard door:

• Safety Stop. Your chickens won't get hurt if the door closes while they're blocking the door.
• Works on batteries and mains
• Clean design
• Can be operated manually, on a timer, or light sensor (Premium & Extreme)
• Separate door and controller
• Different from most other coop doors as the controller and door can be bought separately
• Versatile: can be installed in different ways and can be attached to your own door
• Self-diagnosis mode: the door detects problems and shows a message on the screen

Cons

All ChickenGuard doors are high in quality and built to last, but there may be some disadvantages compared to other doors:

• The included batteries drain quickly (after +- 4 months)
• Included screws tend to rust easily
• Cables for main power supply are not included
• Small door opening for large breeds

Bottom Line

You can't go wrong with a ChickenGuard coop door. They are sturdy and high in quality, built to last a very long time. Installation is fairly easy, but if you're not quite handy or used to installing coop doors, the whole procedure can be a bit tricky. Read our 'ChickenGuard Instruction Manual' to be fully informed about the installation procedure.

→Read our full review of the ChickenGuard coop door to learn more

3. Best Sliding Door: Omlet

Overview

Omlet only has one chicken coop door on the market, available in two colors. It differs in many ways from other doors on the market because it opens and closes like a sliding door, from left to right or vice versa. This makes the door easier to install on smaller coops or coops that don't have much space between the coop opening and the roof.

The door can be installed on the Omlet Eglu Cube chicken coop, a traditional mesh-style or wired run, or any other wooden coop. Please note the door can NOT be installed on the Eglu Go and Eglu Go Up coops.

The Omlet door has a very recognizable and typical look; you either love it or hate it. There is no way in between, as the color and style are rather unique. The door is made of ABS, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, an opaque thermoplastic known for its rigidity and strength.

The door itself looks and feels sturdy. It's designed to endure harsh weather and can stand temperatures up to -4°F (-20°C), which is more than most standard automatic chicken coop doors. We tested it on many winter nights (10°F / -12°C), and it did not fail.

Installation

The Omlet auto door is quite easy to install as it comes almost pre-assembled in the box. But, there are some steps you have to take before mounting the door in place and trying out the controller. If you don't feel comfortable using the included manual (like us), Omlet has some excellent installation videos on YouTube that are easy to follow. It took us less than an hour to mount and install the door.

You don't have to own an Omlet chicken coop to use their automatic door. The door can also be installed onto traditional wooden coops or to a mesh fencing. You don't need any extra 'attachment sets' to mount the door to a wooden coop or a new Omlet chicken coop. But you do need to purchase an attachment kit to install the door onto an older Omlet Mk1 coop, and a mesh fencing.

Best Features

The Omlet AutoDoor is a high-quality chicken coop door, that's very popular with many chicken keepers. The door has some unique or special features we would like to address.

• Safety Stop. Your chickens won't get hurt if the door closes and they block the entrance
• Sliding door. Perfect for smaller coops or coops that don't have much space above the door opening
• Works on batteries and mains
• Can be operated manually, by timer or light sensor
• Easy installment
• Built-in Failsafe system, so the door can be opened manually if there is ever a problem
• Choose which side the door opening goes
• Endures cold weather, the Omlet door has been tested in extreme conditions of -4°F.

Cons

Things to keep in mind when purchasing the Omlet coop door:

• Remarkable look and design, not for everybody's taste
• Batteries and many extras are not included
• Expensive

Bottom Line

The Omlet chicken coop door is a high-quality and easy-to-install chicken coop door. It distinguishes itself from other coop doors on the market because it is a sliding door that opens and closes from left to right instead of upwards. You don't need an Omlet chicken coop to install an Omlet autodoor, it can be easily installed onto a traditional wooden coop.

→Read our full review of the Omlet coop door to learn more

4. Best for Large Breeds: VEVOR

Overview

The VEVOR automatic coop door is worth mentioning in this list because it has models for both medium-sized and large chicken breeds, unlike other brands in this list. VEVOR is a global manufacturer of tools and equipment, and they have a line of poultry items, including a series of automatic chicken coop doors. Almost everything is pre-assembled, and the door is very easy to install. The door comes with two remote controllers you can use to open and close the door at any given time.

The door is a guillotine-style aluminum gate driven by a solid actuator rod. Two aluminum runners guide the door on both sides. A door controller box is delivered as a separate unit that can be placed conveniently.

VEVOR has many door openers, and the ones in this series come with different options:

• medium-sized door vs. large door
• light sensor vs. time sensor

This means that many combinations are possible, please read the description carefully before buying.

Installation

The VEVOR door was pretty easy to install, but we had to double-check the door opening as the instructions were unclear. We recommend measuring the door and the coop opening and avoiding relying solely on the instructions.

Secondly, ensure you have plenty of space above the coop opening so the VEVOR door can completely open. You need about 30-32 inches for the entire setup, top to bottom. The actuator rod is mounted to the wall and always extends all the way. There is no configuration to install the door with a slightly smaller opening. You need the full height.

Almost all items are pre-assembled, and you can't really mess up. Just make sure that the rails are installed parallel so that the door slides nicely. And don't cut out too big of a hole in the coop. It took us a little over an hour to install the door and operate the control panel.

One downside is that the small remote control MN27 batteries are not included. You can also not open or close the door on demand with the control panel. We had to order batteries before we could test the door.

Best Features

The VEVOR door is a sturdy aluminum coop door that's fairly easy to install. Here are some characteristics worth mentioning:

• Safety Stop. So your chickens won't get hurt when the door closes with them blocking the entrance
• Rigid aluminum door
• Light sensor or timer available, but double check before purchase as not all models have both
• Remote control (x2)
• Models for both medium-sized and large breeds
• Less expensive than other brands on this list

Cons

• Remote control works on MN27 batteries; not included
• Controller light is very bright in the dark
• Controller resets on power blips
• No button on control panel to close and open the door manually

Bottom Line

VEVOR has plenty of chicken coop doors on the market, so one will probably match your preferences. When owning a large-breed flock, an extra large coop door can be useful, and VEVOR is one of the only brands providing these.

→ Read our full review of the Vevor coop door to learn more

5. Best Affordable Alternative: CO-Z

We understand that paying $200 is a lot for a chicken coop door, but we advise avoiding cheap alternatives, as most won't work properly or, worse, are dangerous for your chickens. But that doesn't mean there is no way in between. The CO-Z automatic chicken coop door is a decent quality door that costs half of the price you pay for the other doors on this list. It passed our tests and receives good reviews on Amazon.

The door looks very similar to the VEVOR door, with a guillotine-style aluminum gate driven by a solid actuator rod. Two aluminum runners guide the door on both sides and two remote controllers can be used to manually open and close the door.

Installation

The installation of the CO-Z chicken coop door was quite easy and a lot like the installation of the VEVOR door. It only took us about an hour to install the door and program the control panel. The CO-Z chicken coop door comes in two models, one basic model that only has a timer function and a second more expensive model that operates on both a timer and light sensor. You get a high-quality, sturdy door for a very low price if you don't necessarily need the light sensor option.

The door is almost pre-assembled; you can't go wrong installing it. Just measure the door opening, mount the rails, slide the door into place and install the control panel.

Best Features

• Safety Stop. A built-in infrared sensor ensures the door doesn't close if it notices an object.
• Rigid aluminum door
• Light sensor or timer available, but double check before purchase as not all models have both
• Remote control (x2)
• Price. It's cheaper than most quality doors and still gets good reviews

Cons

• Remote control works batteries, not included
• Controller light is very bright in the dark
• Controller resets on power blips

Bottom Line

This is the best choice for you if you're looking for a quality door that's half the price of most chicken coop doors. The basic model has a very low price but lacks some features other doors have. But if you don't mind not having a battery-operated coop door that doesn't have a light sensor (works only timer), you can purchase a great door for a fair price.

Notable Mentions

Following automatic chicken coop doors didn't make our list, but they are still high-quality chicken coop doors. So they may still be worth considering when looking for a chicken coop door that matches your needs.

1. Happy Henhouse chicken coop door: Looks similar to the CO-Z or the VEVOR chicken coop door, with the aluminum door and rod to lift the door, but it is very different at the same time. They differ from the other brands because of their patent-pending security system to keep your hens safe. Happy Henhouse is a local and small business selling coop doors and chicken coop accessories.
2. FarmLite automatic chicken coop door: The FarmLite door is unique as it works on solar power and mains. No other door on our list can connect solar panels to their coop door. FarmLite also provides a battery box (batteries not included) as a power kit.
3. Brinsea Chicksafe Eco automatic coop door: Brinsea is a well-known manufacturer of chicken supplies and also has automatic doors and door openers. The Brinsea Chicksafe operates like the ChickenGuard does, with a door opener, a cord, and the actual door, but it is much cheaper. Doors and door openers can be purchased separately, and you can choose between a standard version or the 'Advance' model.

Quality Chicken Coop Door Best Features

Whatever brand is the best fit for you is a decision you can only make for yourself. But there are some qualities that a good and high-quality MUST have to work properly. Most cheap doors lack these features, making them unreliable.

Must-have features for a good chicken coop door:

1. Safety stop. Although almost all chicken coop doors (even the cheap ones) claim to have a built-in safety stop, plenty of reviews can be found that claim the opposite on the cheap doors. A quality coop door will always detect an object (for example, a chicken) blocking the entrance and stop closing.
2. Light sensor + timer. We advise always purchasing a chicken coop door that works on both timer and light sensor. Most more expensive coop doors supply both in one or more of their models.
3. Sturdy materials. Never purchase a cheap plastic coop door, as it breaks easily and isn't predator-proof. Most high-quality doors are aluminum or strong thermoplastic.
4. Choice in power supply. Not all chicken keepers have electricity near the chicken coop, so keep in mind to purchase a door that fits your needs. Most doors have their models run on both mains and batteries.
5. Predator-Proof. You want a chicken coop door to keep your birds safe at night, so it has to be sturdy and trustworthy. Read the reviews online, and you'll notice the difference between a more expensive and cheap door.

Careful with Lookalikes / Cheap Doors

Most doors on this list aren't cheap. With prices varying around $200, they are actually quite expensive. When you scroll through Amazon, you'll notice plenty of cheap doors are available that look EXACTLY like the high-quality brand doors. So why spend almost $200 on a door when you can get the same-looking door for just over $30?

Main differences between cheap doors and more expensive quality doors:

1. Material. The cheap doors are plastic, while the expensive doors are sturdy aluminum.
2. Waterproof. As a chicken coop door usually goes on the outside of the chicken coop, you want it to be waterproof. The cheap door is not waterproof. Other, more expensive doors are 100% waterproof, even when submerged.
3. Adjustable. The lookalike door isn't programmable; they are 'plug &play', meaning they only work on the light sensor, and nothing can be adjusted. Most high-quality doors can be programmed in multiple ways, including timer, delays, or even stopping the door from closing and opening.
4. Durability and use. The cheap doors are made of plastic, so they tend to bend easily, which stops the door from working correctly. Bent doors won't open. Superior doors are made from sturdy aluminum and work as they should.
5. Safety stop. Although all automatic doors, even the cheap ones, claim to have a safety stop that prevents your chicken from being hurt while the door closes, there are plenty of reviews to be found that claim the opposite on the cheap doors. Stories of trapped, hurt, and even decapitated chickens are heartbreaking as you purchase these doors because you only want the best for your flock. The safety stop on the high-quality doors works perfectly without hurting your birds.
6. Use in cold weather. Cheap doors tend to freeze quickly in cold weather so that they won't open or close.
7. Predator-proof. A smart predator like a raccoon can easily wiggle their fingers inside a plastic coop door and push it open. It's not sturdy, nor is the door locked in place. It's pretty much impossible to force-push the sturdy aluminum doors open.

Many cheap automatic coop doors have up to 60% of 1-star reviews. Plus, you won't have customer service afterward to complain as most of these manufacturers are masters in hiding their contact information. We understand that $200 is a lot of money to spend on a coop door, but is it worse than $30 down the drain?

How Did We Test?

We ordered all mentioned chicken coop doors to try them out and review them thoroughly. All products were installed and tested for a long time during various weather circumstances. We followed instructions as mentioned in the manual and carefully reviewed whether these instructions were clear or not.

We examine each model, discuss the materials involved, and assess how predator-proof the door actually is. We also tackle the ease of installation, what comes in the box, and how you can use the motor units in several different setups.

Our goal is not to give bad reviews; we only discuss high-quality doors, but to ensure you can make the best decision that fits your needs as a customer. Although all doors mentioned above and in our reviews are very high in quality, we need to address major differences between them.