The Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors for Your Flock

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: February 6, 2023
© Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

Raising chickens can be a fun pastime that results in new family pets and delicious eggs. While there is a lot of know-how that goes into raising chickens, having the right gear and equipment is another important part of keeping them happy, healthy, and safe from predators. Outfitting your chicken coop with an automatic door is a great way to make sure that they have a secure place to call home.

Automatic chicken coop doors come in a variety of sizes and features. Most can be installed as part of a kit but you may want to get the help of a professional, or at least an experienced chicken owner, for the easiest installation process. One of the most important things to consider is the size of your chicken coop, including the space for the door.

Whether you are new to raising chickens or have been keeping a flock for years, upgrading their coop with an automatic door is a fantastic way to make owning these animals even easier. We’ve compiled some of the best options for all budgets and needs so that you can make your coop the most stylish and safest possible.

  1. CHICKENGUARD Locking Combi Extreme Chicken Coop Door Opener & Self Locking Door Kit
    • Waterproof
    • Batteries are kept in a weatherproof box
    • Features a self-locking mechanism
    • Three-year warranty
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door
    • Simple and effective operation
    • Use a light sensor or timer
    • Comes in three color options
    • Powder-coated
    Check Amazon
  3. JVR Automatic Chicken Door Coop Opener Kit
    • Features a safety mechanism
    • Comes with a programmable timer
    • Housed in a clear waterproof box
    • Very durable and reliable
    Check Amazon
  4. JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart 2.4 GHz WiFi Opener
    • Control with Smart Home device
    • Features a safety mechanism
    • Simple to install
    • Large door
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Automatic Chicken Coop Doors

#1 Best Overall: ChickenGuard Locking Combi Extreme Chicken Coop Door Opener & Self Locking Door Kit

In our review, the best automatic chicken coop door is the ChickenGuard Locking Combi Extreme Chicken Coop Door Opener and Self Locking Door Kit.

This coop door is waterproof for extra durability and made of high-quality materials that will withstand the elements. It opens based on light and a timer so you can ensure that your chickens can get in and out when needed. You will need to use four AA batteries or a USB cord to power the door. The batteries are kept in a weatherproof box so you never have to worry about rain, sleet, or snow interfering with performance.

This door has a self-locking mechanism that many other automatic chicken coop doors do not offer. Once the door is in the closed position, it locks from the inside. This makes it even harder, if not impossible, for predators to pry the door open or get it open by force. It also has an LCD screen that you can use to change the settings as well as monitor the battery life. The door also comes with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.

The kit includes everything that you need for installation but you might want to get the help of an experienced chicken owner who has installed automatic coop doors before as some reviewers said that the installation was a little bit difficult.

Pros and Cons of the ChickenGuard Locking Combi Extreme Chicken Coop Door Opener & Self Locking Door Kit

ProsCons
This door opens based on light and a timer.This door can be difficult to install.
It is made from high-quality materials and is waterproof.
The batteries are kept in a weatherproof box.
This door comes with a three year warranty.
It features a self-locking mechanism that makes in virtually impossible for predators to pry the door open.
It features an LCD screen that you can use to change the settings as well as monitor the battery life.
Best Overall
CHICKENGUARD Locking Combi Extreme Chicken Coop Door Opener & Self Locking Door Kit
  • Waterproof
  • Batteries are kept in a weatherproof box
  • Features a self-locking mechanism
  • Three-year warranty
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door

For a simple, effective automatic coop door that you can set to open based on a light sensor or timer, the Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door is a great value.

This door is the most affordable option on our list and one of the simplest to install and use. It is one piece with a push button on the top that controls the settings. The kit comes with two AA batteries, which should last around a year before needing to be changed out. It also has six screws included. All you need to do is attach it, test it, and program it so that your chickens can get in and out with ease.

The door comes in three color options and one patriotic pattern. All are powder-coated to be able to hold up to the elements without rust, wear, or damage. In fact, they are rated to perform in temperatures from -15 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, well beyond what is safe and comfortable for the chickens who would be using the coop.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that this coop door does not work well in freezing temperatures as it can get stuck either open or closed. Also, some reported that it does not work if you are using a heat lamp inside the coop as the light from it triggers the door.

Pros and Cons of the Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door

ProsCons
This door is one piece with a push button on the top that controls the settings.It can get stuck either open or closed in freezing temperatures.
It is powder-coated to withstand the elements.It does not work accurately with a heat lamp inside the coop as the light triggers the door sensor.
There are three color options.
it comes complete with two AA batteries.
Best on a Budget
Run-Chicken Automatic Chicken Coop Door
  • Simple and effective operation
  • Use a light sensor or timer
  • Comes in three color options
  • Powder-coated
Check Amazon

3. Best for Small Coops: JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit

Chicken owners with small coops don’t need to worry about the automatic door closing on a hen in the doorway with the JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit.

This door has a safety mechanism that prevents the door from shutting on any birds that may be sleeping in the open space under the door. You can set the time for the door to open and close using the programmable timer. This is housed in a clear waterproof box so that you can easily see the settings without worrying about rain or snow interfering.

The installation on this door is a bit more complicated, with multiple connection points to make sure that the timer and sensors are powered and connected to the door itself, although it is still relatively easy for most people with DIY skills. The only other complaint is that it can be difficult to programme.

Pros and Cons of the JVR Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit

ProsCons
This door features a safety mechanism that prevents it from shutting on any birds in the doorway.The installation can be complicated.
It features a programmable timer.It can be difficult to programme.
The timer is housed in a clear waterproof box.
Best for Small Coops
JVR Automatic Chicken Door Coop Opener Kit
  • Features a safety mechanism
  • Comes with a programmable timer
  • Housed in a clear waterproof box
  • Very durable and reliable
Check Amazon

4. Best Smart Door: JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart Wifi Opener

Want to control your automatic chicken coop door from your smart home device? if so, the JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart Wifi Opener is the perfect solution.

This door has the same safety mechanism that as JVR’s other doors, notably the feature that prevents it from shutting on any birds in the doorway. Plus, it has a hub to connect to your smartphone or smart home devices like Alexa or Google. You can open and close the door from your device, as well as set the timer to open and close automatically.

You will need to download the app to be able to program the door. The installation of the door itself is similar to other JVR doors, with a plug required to power the door. You will also need access to Wifi to take advantage of those features. If your Wifi goes down or the door loses the connection, you will have trouble reprogramming it because it does not have a manual option. If your coop is far from your Wifi source, you may need to purchase an additional signal extender or set up another Wifi hub.

Pros and Cons of the JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart Wifi Opener

ProsCons
This door has a hub to connect to your smartphone or smart home devices to.There is no manual option to reprogramme the door if your WiFi goes down or the door loses it’s connection.
You can open and close the door from your device or use the programmable timer.You may need another WiFi hub if your coop is far from your WiFi source.
It has a safety mechanism that prevents it from shutting on any birds in the doorway.
Best Smart Door
JVR Chicken Coop Door Automatic Smart 2.4 GHz WiFi Opener
  • Control with Smart Home device
  • Features a safety mechanism
  • Simple to install
  • Large door
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Whether you are a seasoned chicken owner or are just starting your own flock, here are a few things to consider when you select your new door. Here is each of these in more detail.

Opening Mechanism

A timer or light sensor opens automatic chicken coop doors. Many people like to set the timer to open the door in the morning and close it at night. Others prefer to let a light sensor tell the door when to open and close. Some automatic doors also have a manual push button that you can use to open or close the door when needed, either on the unit or via a smartphone app.

The best opening mechanism for you will depend on your habits and lifestyle. The best automatic chicken coop doors have the option to use a light sensor or a timer. This creates the most flexibility for the chicken owner.

Size

You should make sure that the door you purchase will work on your chicken coop. Carefully measure the opening where you plan to install the door. Some doors require extra clearance at the top, so be sure to follow those instructions as well.

It’s important to consider the size of your birds as well. Opting for a small chicken coop door when you have large hens or ducks will make it difficult for them to get in and out of the coop. This may result in them avoiding the door completely and staying inside or outside until led through the door by you. One of the benefits of an automatic door is that you don’t need to be there in person every time the door needs to be opened or closed. If you have to coax your birds through the door, this benefit disappears.

Installation

Most automatic chicken coops doors are easy enough to install and don’t require a lot of special wiring. You might need to install batteries or make sure that a power source is available to power the door. For a smart door, you can expect to install and learn how to use an app on your device.

Consider getting an automatic chicken coop door kit if you want the easiest installation. Kits come with all of the pieces and hardware needed to get your door up and running. If you are still unsure, ask for help from a professional or another chicken owner. It may just be a great way to find a mentor who can help with all aspects of keeping chickens.

The Different Types of Automatic Chicken Coop Doors: Pros and Cons Compared

Light Activated: Opens in the morning when light hits the sensor and closes at night when it becomes dark. These times can change during the course of the year, which may disrupt your birds’ routine.

Timer: Set using a programmable timer on the unit. Often requires batteries or a plug and can be more vulnerable to rain and snow.

Up Next

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors for Your Flock FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How big does a chicken coop have to be?

If your hens have access to the outdoors, a reasonable rule of thumb is that they need at least three to five square feet of coop area per chicken.

Is it better to build a chicken coop in the sun or in the shade?

Because chickens suffer from heat exhaustion, all chicken coops should be erected in the shade if at all feasible. In most circumstances, a cool coop in the summer is more vital than a heated coop in the winter.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.