Opinion on Automatic Chicken Doors

[ZANEYchickenguy]

Hear me out... I have never had an auto door before but this is what I have heard from videos, reviews, and other fourms. I am still in the process of buying a door and I am so confused as to which one is best. So far I narrowed down my options to two doors. PLEASE tell me if you have had any of the doors I mentioned, I don't know which one to buy.

Chicken Guard
I heard the motor to this door doesn't work after about two years, giving me the vibe that it doesn't last that long. Many of the videos on Youtube for this door are sponsored so I don't if they are giving me an honest opinion. I also heard that the string can freeze during winters. The amazon revies averages just 72% 5 star reviews. I do apprecaiate the fact that there are many videos on the door in action. I also like the predator proof door.

Ador1
Although there are only a couple youtube videos reviewing this door, I don't get enough imformation on this door so I have to read the Amazon reviews. I heard this is the longest lasting door and doesn't function with strings. Other reviews said the customer service was amazing unlike Chicken Gurad's. Altough this product has almost half the amount of ratings as Chicken Guard, it has an 87%, 5 star rating. It may seem like I am prasing this door over chickenguard, but I don't know much about it. There are no product videos, so I don't know what it's like.

 

[JCinNM]

You sound like me. I also narrowed it down to these two. I didn’t like the idea of a string. The gear driven door seemed like a better idea. Also hearing about customer service and the ability to buy replacement components finally steered me towards the Ador1. I also ordered a manual button. They shipped it the same day I ordered. Ordered from their website, not amazon. It should be here Monday. I can’t wait!!

 

[Cheeping Crazy]

I got the omlet automatic door that works beautifully. I've had it for a few months now and had no problems with it.

 

[BrickCoop15]

Check out the Pullet Shut door. I have two of them and love them. They are well made, quality, dependable doors. I have had my first one for almost 6 years and I have never had any problems with it. I just got the second one 6 months ago and expect to get many years out of it.

 

[Aunt Tat]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/re...matic-chicken-door.11415/reviews#review-13023

We're leaning toward this that act as a regular door and is reliable

 

[ZANEYchickenguy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/re...matic-chicken-door.11415/reviews#review-13023

We're leaning toward this that act as a regular door and is reliable

ill take a look at this

 

[speedy2020]

I own the Chickenguard Premium 2.2lbs max since July 2016 and still working just fine. If I have to do again, will get something with metal gear and able to lift more than 9lbs. I am little lazy and like to be able to open/close several doors (coop door, feeder box door, side door from the run to the garden. Good Luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've had my Chicken Guard door since April 2018, so no it doesn't just die at 2 years. I check the string for wear and tear every time I change settings on it/change batteries.

As I installed mine INSIDE the coop the string has never frozen. The door did freeze on the rails once.

With both Chicken Guard and Ador, make sure you have enough vertical clearance above the pop opening to allow the doors to slide open.

Also do you want a light sensor or timer, or both options? I did NOT get an Ador as it doesn't come with a timer option and in fact just looking at Amazon the seller is quite rude, saying "I'd sure like to know what it is you think you need a clocktimer for. Maybe you want to use it with some other kind of animal?" For me a timer-based door is the only option as I don't want the chickens out at first light, they get let out at 7:45 AM regardless of when sunrise is.

 

[RojoMarz]

I have an Ador and it works great. The light sensor is perfect for us and it does have an override button, in case I want to open/close the door manually. I also like that it runs on a lantern battery. I've used the original one (that comes with the door) for over a year.

 

[HeathenHavenHomestead]

I have an Ador and it works great. The light sensor is perfect for us and it does have an override button, in case I want to open/close the door manually. I also like that it runs on a lantern battery. I've used the original one (that comes with the door) for over a year.

How long does the battery last? I’ve been steered towards this door.