How reliable are automatic coop doors?

[BDutch]

I have a ChickenGuard® Standard with batteries since 2015 (8 years) . It failed 3 times so far.
I could mend it myself all 3 times.

The first time (after 4-5 years) the thread got wet and didn’t roll on and of anymore. With the help of the shop I could fix it.
The second time (after 7 years) an endblocker aside from the the thread cane off.
And last summer the thead was a bit worn and and therefore it didn’t roll on and of properly. Solution: I shortened the rope. Info about this is on their website

They claim its waterproof, but I wouldn’t rely on that and would hang it under a roof.
The end of life for the battery works well.
I have the choice to open on time or on daylight intensity. I use the lumen to open and close it.

Its not perfect. Costs about €150 nowadays without the door itself. I use a old plastic cutting board as pop door, which was easy to install.

It’s installed on the right wall, inside the coop.

 

[katmvincent]

We have a ChickCozy door (amazon) that works beautifully. It can be set to open/close at sunrise/sundown or at a specific time of your choosing. I have a ring doorbell in the coop to spot-check occasionally and have not had any issues.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I use a chicken run brand on the henhouse in the winter. This winter will be the third season in use. No problems. Rises with the sun, closes at sunset. I would not rely on an auto door that opens to an unprotected area. Good luck

 

[Bocktastic Quackles]

I'm a fan of the Omlet door....my only issue was the sensor didn't open and close the door when I thought it should so I just went to the time feature and it works great. I have only adjusted it a couple of times and it takes 30 seconds to do. I want mine open very early since my food and water are not in the coop so they could come off the roost and go to the feed and water right away.

This is useful information. I’ve been considering one and really like the idea of peace of mind even though their coop will be predator proof have extra security is nice. Do you have suggestions on their Attachment kits, such as

• 
  
  Cube mk1

• 
  
  Omlet mesh

• 
  
  Chickenwire mesh

and your preferences for the control mounting kits:

• 
  
  Cube mk1
• 
  
  Cube mk2

 

[mossyoakpro]

This is useful information. I’ve been considering one and really like the idea of peace of mind even though their coop will be predator proof have extra security is nice. Do you have suggestions on their Attachment kits, such as

• 
  
  Cube mk1

• 
  
  Omlet mesh

• 
  
  Chickenwire mesh

and your preferences for the control mounting kits:

• 
  
  Cube mk1
• 
  
  Cube mk2

I have both of mine attached to my coop....one is on the wooden coop and the other is on the run door that is chain link. I made a wooden frame to attach it to the door and it works quite nice. I'm still using the time feature with both and just change it every week or so as the days get shorter. Good luck!

 

[SueT]

Have any of you with auto doors ever had chickens that stayed out too late to get in?
I have one or two that are lowest in the pecking order, and sometimes they have to wait half an hour after everyone else goes in and (I guess fall asleep) or they will be chased back out. Sometimes they sneak in earlier. I am concerned they might miss the door closing.

 

[Bocktastic Quackles]

This is useful information. I’ve been considering one and really like the idea of peace of mind even though their coop will be predator proof have extra security is nice. Do you have suggestions on their Attachment kits, such as

• Cube mk1
• 
  
  Omlet mesh
• 
  
  Chickenwire mesh

and your preferences for the control mounting kits:

• 
  
  Cube mk1
• 
  
  Cube mk2

I have both of mine attached to my coop....one is on the wooden coop and the other is on the run door that is chain link. I made a wooden frame to attach it to the door and it works quite nice. I'm still using the time feature with both and just change it every week or so as the days get shorter. Good luck!

Thank you. When you say both are you referring to having two? Or both as in two of the attachments kits? Do you think ducks can also get through this with easy as well?

 

[BDutch]

Have any of you with auto doors ever had chickens that stayed out too late to get in?
I have one or two that are lowest in the pecking order, and sometimes they have to wait half an hour after everyone else goes in and (I guess fall asleep) or they will be chased back out. Sometimes they sneak in earlier. I am concerned they might miss the door closing.

I had chicks who preferred to roost outside in the run (okay safe but not very much). I could set the closing time to a darker moment and hoped they would go to roost inside after all was quiet.
The limen-timer was not the problem. The interaction between the pullets and the adults was.

 

[mossyoakpro]

Thank you. When you say both are you referring to having two? Or both as in two of the attachments kits? Do you think ducks can also get through this with easy as well?

I have 2 Omlet doors...both are attached to my existing coop. They are super easy to install and the instructions are great for every application. One of mine lets them out into the run from the coop first thing in the morning and the 2nd one lets them out to free range an hour or so after that. I want them out of the coop immediately to get to the food and water that's in the run so the inside door opens pretty early then the outside door opens when the sun is up.

 

[mossyoakpro]

Thank you. When you say both are you referring to having two? Or both as in two of the attachments kits? Do you think ducks can also get through this with easy as well?

Sorry...missed the duck question. I would think they could come through easily as I have a large rooster that comes and goes through mine without any issue