Lets talk automatic doors for the chicken coop!!

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Hello all! Winter is coming and as of now, our coop door is attached to our run so our 6 chickens can come and go from their coop into their run everyday. With winter coming, and cold weather, i need to consider a door for the coop. I would ideally prefer an automatic door that will open every morning for them. I am here to ask for advice on a good brand or design. I have read stories of chickens getting smooshed! I would also prefer a battery operated door that will open on a timer daily for the winter. Thanks in advance!

 

[Cecisflock]

i love our Omlet coop door. No smooshing here!

 

[DVO50]

Pullet Shut. https://chickendoors.com/?gclid=Cjw...GK1gnjo1oF1bI5zOfHzP2a_-JRCGcvyRoCSkMQAvD_BwE

 

[45lk9p459gm-w]

Ador-1 ... Pricey but sturdy and efficient ....

 

[Krugerrand]

I'm planning on building something with vinyl flaps like suggested in this old thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/vinyl-flap-doors-can-chickens-figure-them-out.422943/

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I just tossed out my 2nd chickenguard opener in just under 5 years, the motor went out on this one, the first one the electronics.

I purchased an Ador, it was ez to install and pre programed. Parts are replaceable and the owner of the company returns texts.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

vinyl flaps

What for? It will not keep out raccoons or anything else and if your run is predator proof you do not need a door.

 

[K0k0shka]

I have the Happy Henhouse and it's been working great. A year and a half old now, no problems whatsoever. The door itself is lightweight and lowered by gravity - nothing actually pushing it down - so there's no way it could hurt anything. It also stops when it touches anything on its way down. It's battery operated and has both a timer function and a light sensor, so you can choose how to set it. You can adjust the lumens on it, too - just how dark it should be when it opens or closes, to avoid it closing on cloudy days.

 

[Krugerrand]

What for? It will not keep out raccoons or anything else and if your run is predator proof you do not need a door.

Yes, run is predator proof. Vinyl flaps will be to keep out winter drafts.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Vinyl flaps will be to keep out winter drafts.

Presumably the door is much lower than the roosts so the door ads to the total ventilation requirements I would think?

But I do not know your set up, maybe the door faces the prevailing winds? Or you already have 1SF per bird 24/7 ventilation in the coop so it's not an issue?