Automatic coop door, yay or nay?

[rosemarythyme]

I love having an auto door. For me a big part of it is I get up later than most people so the door lets the chickens out in the morning when I'm not awake to do so. Plus it's nice knowing that if I'm out for an evening, or even vacation (ha!), that I don't need someone to come over specifically to let the chickens in or out, which can be a hassle if your chicken sitter isn't nearby/has scheduling issues.

I use a door with a timer so no worry about the door opening too early (break of dawn) while predators are still more likely to be about. My door is set to 7:45 AM.

As far as the whole "complacency" aspect, we still check with a camera (or manually check if camera is malfunctioning) that all the chickens make it in every night, and that the door properly shut. On days when it's pouring rain or snowing, it's so nice to not have to go out into bad weather if we can verify from inside the house that everything is fine outside.

Oh, and the chickens adjusted to the sound of the door very quickly. They know in the morning when they hear the motor start up that it's time to line up in front of the door.

 

[Emelyn]

It does not, but if there is a chicken in the door as it closes, it will stop closing and wait for them to go back in. It runs on double A's, and its a programmable timer. Its a lot of money but i definitely see why it could be a great investment, for both me and my chickens. That way its a consistent time every single morning and night. I dont have a problem putting them up at night, its just the morning that's a problem. I really like the idea, especially since i won't always be home to do it, but i wanted to see what y'all would say first.

That is a great investment! I agree that you should buy it (if it's less 1000 if it is more than this you shouldn't waste your money)