Automatic coop door, yay or nay?

[Averyloveschickens]

Ok so I'm looking into a automatic coop door, but its almost $200.00 is it worth it? I want to because it'd be better for my chickens (and me) but... 200 dollars.. Is it really worth it? What do y'all think?
Reasons to get it and reasons not to get it? Thank y'all in advance. (I see that there are other threads but none to my specific circumstance so i decided to make my own)

 

[Emelyn]

Ok so I'm looking into a automatic coop door, but its almost $200.00 is it worth it? I want to because it'd be better for my chickens (and me) but... 200 dollars.. Is it really worth it? What do y'all think?
Reasons to get it and reasons not to get it? Thank y'all in advance. (I see that there are other threads but none to my specific circumstance so i decided to make my own)

Does it open as something approaches it? If so it's a pretty bad idea since foxes and raccoons can probably get in. If not please describe what it's like and I'll most likely agree with you than disagree

 

[Brooks_]

I say no to them at any price. I fear I would become complacent.

 

[kerbotx]

Yes! In the past, I've sometimes done shift work, and I could not have taken the best care of my chickens, and myself, without the benefit of an automatic door. I think I spent around $180, and hands down, it's the best investment I've made for my chickens, after their coop & run. There are lots of options out there, just find one that fits your needs.

 

[Averyloveschickens]

Does it open as something approaches it? If so it's a pretty bad idea since foxes and raccoons can probably get in. If not please describe what it's like and I'll most likely agree with you than disagree

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.

 

[Averyloveschickens]

Yes! In the past, I've sometimes done shift work, and I could not have taken the best care of my chickens, and myself, without the benefit of an automatic door. I think I spent around $180, and hands down, it's the best investment I've made for my chickens, after their coop & run. There are lots of options out there, just find one that fits your needs.

Exactly what I was thinking! What kind did you get, and was it easy to install? Does it run off of electricity or batteries? And also, when it opens and closes, does it scare your chickens, or have any ever been locked out?

 

[Averyloveschickens]

I say no to them at any price. I fear I would become complacent.

What do you mean? Become complacent how? Is there a certain reason you are against them, or just personal preference?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I fear that an automatic door would open (as it should) but there would be something in the run that could harm them (predator). In the 10++ years keeping chickens at this property I have only had 1 run breach.....but I worry.

Or flip side....not everyone makes it in and either bad weather or predator kills it.

I like seeing everyone on the roosts at coop closing. I feel better knowing everyone is accounted for and feeling well enough to get on the roost.

 

[Brooks_]

What do you mean? Become complacent how? Is there a certain reason you are against them, or just personal preference?

I fear that I would rely on them and then they fail. I see the appeal and will never tell someone not to use them (quality assumed). I just want to remain hands on.

 

[kerbotx]

I chose this one specifically because it came pre-assembled, to slip right in between 16" center studs, right where my existing door was. A few screws, and that was it! Mine runs off electricity, but they have others for solar & battery power. It never scared the chickens, it makes a gentle "urrrrrrr" kind of whirring noise - now they wait for it, before leaving the roost in the mornings!

Yes, they have been locked out a time or two - not all night, just until later in the evening - but that was my fault. My door is timer operated, meaning I set it for when to open & when to close, which means it must be adjusted appropriately in Spring & Fall as the light changes. The best practice to avoid leaving someone out is to set the timer with more of a grace period - if the chickens normally go to bed at 7 pm, I set the timer for 7:30 pm or even 8 pm. There's always someone available to do a final head count & get the eggs after the door goes down, and provide a little rescue, if needed

https://www.automaticchickencoopdoor.com/shop/automatic-chicken-coop-door