Best Automatic Chicken Coop Doors – Real-Life Testing (2024)

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We’ve personally tested all major chicken coop door brands in real-life situations for several months. With so many doors available, varying in style, design, and price, finding the one that matches your needs can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help you make that choice!

Let’s start by addressing our top choices to buy in 2024. We have personally tested all the doors on this list (and others). They were tested on various chicken coops in real-life situations.

Chicken Coop Door Reviews: Real-Life Testing

We’ve tested multiple brands in real-life situations, and these are our findings!

We ordered many major chicken coop door brands to try and review them thoroughly. All products were installed and tested for several months during various weather circumstances. We followed instructions as mentioned in the manual and carefully reviewed whether these instructions were clear or not.

1. Best Overall: RUN CHICKEN

Overview

Our number one ‘Best Overall‘ chicken coop door is the Run Chicken T50. Run Chicken is a young business founded in 2018 and sells its automated coop doors worldwide. 

The company has four chicken coop doors on the market:

• The standard model T50 which runs on AA batteries
• Two solar-powered coop doors (Eternal and Eternal+)
• A brand new GIANT coop door, for big breeds and turkeys

The T50 and GIANT doors work on AA batteries, and the solar-powered version works on a solar panel and rechargeable batteries.

All doors look the same, except for their power supply or dimensions.

All Run-Chicken doors are easy-to-install and most are available in several colors and patterns.

We’ll get back to the solar-powered versions later in this article.

And also address the new GIANT model as our ‘Best for Big Breeds’.

For now, we will only discuss the standard T50 model. The door is constructed from solid aluminum, and the metal is finished with a high-quality colored powder coating.

All Run Chicken doors are waterproof and designed to endure harsh weather circumstances.

Run Chicken differs from most chicken coop doors on the market because their door is completely pre-assembled. You don’t have to do anything more than screw the door into place, install the app, and you’re ready to go.

Installation

All automatic door manufacturers claim their door is easy to install and pre-assembled. But it usually takes a couple of hours to install an automatic chicken coop door, especially if you’re not used to it. According to Run Chicken, installing their doors only takes 30 minutes; we didn’t need that much time.

It took us only 15 minutes to mount the door to the coop and install the app. But even if you don’t install the app, the door will function in default mode.

This means it will close automatically 20 minutes after sunset and open 20 minutes after sunrise. It’s the only door of popular coop door brands that provides an app.

Best Features

The Run Chicken is a high-quality door with many specific and unique features. We’ll address the most important qualities.

• Safety Stop. So your chicken doesn’t get trapped while the door closes
• Batteries are included
• Works with the Run Chicken App; easy to use and programs the door
• The Run Chicken is also programmable without using the app if you prefer not to download it
• Timer & Light sensor
• Delay in opening and closing
• GPS Mode: No need to set the time; the door automatically detects your location and time zone
• Light sensor excludes artificial light sources, so there is no need to worry about bright streetlights
• Completely pre-assembled
• Great value for money: Since the new solar-powered models were released, Run Chicken dropped the prices of their standard T50 door, making it a great purchase.

Possible Drawbacks

Although the Run Chicken door has many good qualities, some things may be important for you and your flock.

• Doesn’t work on main power supply, only on batteries
• Difficult to mount the door inside the coop as the controller and door come in one piece and can not be separated.
• Opens by sliding upwards, so you’ll need at least 10″ above the coop opening
• Most products are only sold on the Run-Chicken website

Bottom Line

The Run Chicken automatic door is a sturdy, high-quality chicken coop door with many unique features compared to its competitors. Its easy installment is refreshing, and so is the Run Chicken app. You can use your phone to program the door.

If you prefer a solar-powered chicken coop door, take a look at the Eternal models. They have the same features, only the power supply differs from the T50. Or check out their larger GIANT model if you own turkeys or large breeds like Brahmas.

All Run-Chicken products, except for the T50, are sold exclusively on their website. Use our link to create a discount code for 15% off on your next purchase!

→ Read our full review of the Run Chicken T50 chicken coop door to learn more

2. Best All-Purpose: CHICKENGUARD

Overview

The ChickenGuard chicken coop door is our favorite ‘All-purpose‘ door because of its versatility. ChickenGuard ships automatic chicken coop door openers with timers, light sensors, and door openers for heavy doors and extreme weather conditions to accommodate a wide range of poultry flocks.

You can order the door opener separately to attach it to your own chicken coop door or you can order both the door and opener.

The door is a guillotine-style aluminum gate that slides smoothly and is guided by two plastic runners. Compared to some of its competitors, the door has an elegant and discreet design.

2024 Update

Until recently, ChickenGuard, along with Omlet, had a dominant market position in selling chicken coop doors.

However, in the past few years, there have been significant changes in the market with the emergence of strong competitors like Run Chicken and Chickcozy.

These new brands made a difference by offering a ready-to-use system at a very competitive price, something ChickenGuard did not have.

Up to 2023, ChickenGuard had three models on the market:

The ‘Standard’ ChickenGuard door, which is versatile enough for most people, only works with a timer and does not have a light sensor.

The ‘Premium’ and ‘Extreme’ versions, which both have a light sensor function and with the Extreme being suitable for heavier doors and colder temperatures.

ChickenGuard saw some of their customers switch to other brands, forcing them to innovate to keep up with the competition.

They did this in 2023 by launching not one but TWO new products:

1. ChickenGuard PRO
2. ChickenGuard All-in-One

The ChickenGuard PRO is an updated version of the ‘old’ model as we know it, with the motor unit and door separate. It’s a combination of the ‘Premium’ and ‘Extreme’ versions.

Additionally, with the ChickenGuard All-in-One, the company jumped on the bandwagon of ready-to-use chicken coop doors, the so-called ‘plug & play’ systems, which require little or no installation.

The original ChickenGuard models will continue to exist in 2024, alongside the new All-in-One model. However, given the new PRO version, it is expected that the Premium and Extreme versions will eventually be phased out.

Thus, the company will refocus on just three systems: the Standard, PRO, and All-in-One.

The ChickenGuard All-in-One will be discussed later in this article as it was voted our ‘Best Newcomer’.

Installation

So, back to the ChickenGuard premium model. Overall, the installation was a bit tricky, and the instructions were not always clear. It took some time to understand all the steps that needed to be taken. It took us about 1.5 hours to mount the door and opener and to install the settings.

The ChickenGuard door and opener come in two packages:

• The ChickenGuard Coop Door: the actual door
• The ChickenGuard Coop Door Opener: the motor unit opening and closing the door

ChickenGuard Opener Series

ChickenGuard sells different versions of its door: Standard, Premium, Extreme, and Pro, as well as the brand new All-in-One model.

The Standard and Premium models are versatile enough for most chicken keepers, but to ensure you make the right choice, we’ll shortly pinpoint the differences between these models.

• ChickenGuard Standard: Basic unit door opener with only timer function, no light sensor
• ChickenGuard Premium: Basic unit + light sensor
• ChickenGuard Extreme: Premium unit + extra powerful motor + built to endure extreme weather
• ChickenGuard Pro: A new model released in 2023 that combines the features of the Premium and Extreme model.
• ChickenGuard All-in-One: A new model launched in 2023, completely pre-assembled with opener and door in one piece.

ChickenGuard used to have an eco-model, but it isn’t available anymore. We also believe the Premium and Extreme versions won’t be available much longer now the new Pro version has arrived.

Best Features

ChickenGuard is a well-known manufacturer of chicken coop openers and doors. Here are some good reasons to buy a ChickenGuard door:

• Safety Stop. Your chickens won’t get hurt if the door closes while they’re blocking the door.
• Works on batteries and mains
• Clean design
• Can be operated manually, on a timer, or light sensor (Premium & Extreme)
• Separate door and controller
• Different from most other coop doors as the controller and door can be bought separately
• Versatile: can be installed in different ways and can be attached to your own door
• Self-diagnosis mode: the door detects problems and shows a message on the screen

Potential Drawbacks

All ChickenGuard doors are high in quality and built to last, but there may be some disadvantages compared to other doors:

• The included batteries drain quickly (after +- 4 months)
• Assembly takes some time
• Included screws tend to rust easily
• Cables for main power supply are not included
• Small door opening for large breeds

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with a ChickenGuard coop door. They are sturdy and high in quality, built to last a very long time. The installation process, however, can be quite tricky, especially if you’re not handy or used to installing coop doors. Read our ‘ChickenGuard Instruction Manual‘ to be fully informed about the installation procedure.

→Read our full review of the ChickenGuard coop door to learn more

3. Best Sliding Door: CHICKCOZY

Overview

Chickcozy is worth mentioning on this list because it is a very high-quality, easy-to-install chicken coop door that will fit perfectly on smaller coops because of its unique sliding design.

This coop door differs from others on the market because of its unique elevator-opening design. It opens and closes sideways, like a curtain or elevator door, with two sides sliding toward each other.

Unlike upward-opening doors, you don’t need much space above or around the door opening. This is the perfect automatic coop door for those with smaller coops or less space above the door opening.

According to the manufacturer, the Chickcozy auto door can withstand temperatures between -15°F and 140°F (-26°C to 60°C).

Chickcozy sells its chicken-keeping products worldwide. They strive to design products that help chicken owners to care for their flocks.

Installation

The one-piece design of the Chickcozy automatic coop door allows easy installation. By screwing the door into place and following the set-up instructions for the opening and closing modes, the door can be made operational with minimal effort.

Installing the Chickcozy automatic door is a breeze compared to many other doors on this list. It comes fully pre-assembled; you only need to align it to the coop opening and fasten it with screws. It’s as easy to install as the Run Chicken. There’s no need to perform complicated measurements or additional tasks.

All items are pre-assembled, and you can’t really mess up. It took us about 10-15 minutes to install the door and operate the control panel.

Best Features

The Chickcozy automatic door is a sturdy ABS coop door that’s incredibly easy to install. Here are some other features worth mentioning:

• Safety Stop. So your chickens won’t get hurt when the door closes
• Horizontal opening and closing
• Works manually or on light sensor or timer
• Batteries and power cord are included in every purchase
• Completely pre-assembled
• Great value for money

Potential Drawbacks

• Difficult to mount the door inside the coop as the controller and door come in one piece
• Special design and look

Bottom Line

The Chickcozy automatic chicken coop door is a high-quality and competitively priced option for those looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-install coop door.

Its unique opening design, which slides horizontally like a curtain, sets it apart from other doors on the market and makes it the best option for those with smaller coops or less space around the coop opening.

→ Read our full review of the Chickcozy coop door to learn more

4. Runner-Up Best Sliding Door: OMLET

Overview

Omlet only has one chicken coop door on the market, available in two colors. It differs in many ways from other doors on the market because it opens and closes like a sliding door, from left to right or vice versa.

The Omlet door has a very recognizable and typical look; you either love it or hate it. There is no way in between, as the color and style are rather unique. The door is made of ABS, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, an opaque thermoplastic known for its rigidity and strength.

The door itself looks and feels sturdy. It’s designed to endure harsh weather and can stand temperatures up to -4°F (-20°C), which is more than most standard automatic chicken coop doors. We tested it during many winter nights (10°F / -12°C), and it did not fail.

2024 Update

Omlet used to be the only brand making side-opening coop doors. However, in 2022, Chickcozy emerged as a notable competitor. Both brands make high-quality doors, but there are a couple of significant differences:

1. Design: Although both doors are made from the same thermoplastic material, they look nothing alike. Which one you prefer is up to personal taste.
2. Price: Omlet doors are overall more expensive, but the company has lowered their prices in some countries, including the US, to compete with these new brands.
3. Included extras: Extras like batteries, power cords, or shipping fees are not included when purchasing an Omlet door but are in Chickcozy doors.

These differences made the Omlet the runner-up of sliding design coop doors, after Chickcozy; however, it remains a very high-quality coop door and a favorite brand among many chicken keepers.

Installation

The Omlet auto door is quite easy to install as it comes almost pre-assembled in the box. But, there are some steps you have to take before mounting the door in place and trying out the controller.

If you don’t feel comfortable using the included manual (like us), Omlet has some excellent installation videos on YouTube that are easy to follow. It took us less than an hour to mount and install the door.

You don’t have to own an Omlet chicken coop to use their automatic door. The door can also be installed onto traditional wooden coops or mesh fencing. You don’t need any extra ‘attachment sets’ to mount the door to a wooden coop or a new Omlet chicken coop.

But you do need to purchase an attachment kit to install the door onto an older Omlet Mk1 coop and mesh fencing.

Best Features

The Omlet AutoDoor is a high-quality chicken coop door, that’s very popular with many chicken keepers. The door has some unique or special features we would like to address.

• Safety Stop. Your chickens won’t get hurt if the door closes and they block the entrance
• Sliding door. Perfect for coops that don’t have much space above the door opening
• Works on batteries and mains
• Can be operated manually, by timer or light sensor
• Easy installment
• Built-in Failsafe system, so the door can be opened manually if there is ever a problem
• Choose which side the door opening goes
• Endures cold weather, the Omlet door has been tested in extreme conditions of -4°F.

Potential Drawbacks

Things to keep in mind when purchasing the Omlet coop door:

• Remarkable look and design, not for everybody’s taste
• Batteries and many extras are not included
• Main power cord not included
• Rather expensive

Bottom Line

The Omlet chicken coop door is a high-quality and easy-to-install chicken coop door. It distinguishes itself from other coop doors on the market because it is a sliding door that opens and closes from left to right instead of upwards.

→Read our full review of the Omlet coop door to learn more

5. Best ECO-Friendly: Run Chicken E50

As mentioned earlier in this article, Run Chicken has four chicken coop doors on the market: the T50, the Eternal+, the Eternal, and the GIANT.

The T50 is their standard ready-to-use door model and works on AA batteries. In 2023, they updated the T50 with rechargeable batteries and a separate solar panel to create the E50, later renamed Eternal+. A few months later, the company released the Eternal, a solar-powered door with a built-in solar panel.

All doors work the same way and look similar. The only difference is their power supply.

Equipped with four pre-installed rechargeable batteries, the Eternal doors require just seven days of sunlight to generate enough power for an entire year of operation.

Its compact solar panel ensures immediate functionality, eliminating the need for complicated installation processes.

Installation

The installation process of the Eternal is as simple as the T50; it only takes minutes!

The only thing you have to do is screw the door (and solar panel in case you have the Eternal+) in place with the included screws. Activate the batteries by pulling the plastic band; the door will operate in its default factory mode. The rechargeable batteries are pre-charged, so your door will work immediately.

The Eternal+ comes with a 6ft long cord, so the solar panel provides flexibility in finding a suitable mounting location. This feature is particularly advantageous if you want to hang the solar panel in a place with more daylight.

In the case of the Eternal, the solar panel is conveniently built into the controller.

Best Features

• Safety Stop. So your chicken doesn’t get trapped while the door closes
• Rechargeable batteries and solar panel are included
• Works with the Run Chicken App; easy to use and programs the door
• The Run Chicken is also programmable without using the app if you prefer not to download it
• Timer & Light sensor
• Delay in opening and closing
• GPS Mode: No need to set the time; the door automatically detects your location and time zone
• Light sensor excludes artificial light sources, no need to worry about bright street lights
• Completely pre-assembled

The Eternal and T50 look exactly alike, except for the solar panel.

Potential Drawbacks

• Doesn’t work on main power supply
• Difficult to mount the door inside the coop as the controller and door come in one piece and can not be separated.
• Opens by sliding upwards, so you’ll need at least 10″ above the coop opening

Bottom Line

The Run Chicken Eternal automatic door is a sturdy, high-quality chicken coop door with many unique features compared to its competitors. It is one of the only solar-powered coop doors on the market. By installing the Run Chicken App, you can use your phone to program the door.

Currently, the Eternal model, with the built-in solar panel, is only sold on the official Run Chicken website. Use our link to create a discount code to get 15% off your purchase!

Best Newcomer: ChickenGuard ALL-IN-ONE

The ChickenGuard All-in-One chicken coop door opener is a brand new addition to the ChickenGuard lineup of coop door openers. While the company offers several options, including the standard, premium, and extreme versions, this door stands out as their first all-in-one solution, designed for ease of installation.

It arrives completely pre-installed; there is no need for complicated assembly. Buyers no longer have to spend time puzzling over installation steps, making it a fantastic choice for those not particularly handy.

One great feature of the All-In-One is that all the settings run independently. This means you can use different methods for opening and closing the coop door. For instance, you can set the door to open automatically with the light sensor in the morning and use the timer to close it in the evening, tailoring to your specific preferences.

Installation

The installation of the ChickenGuard All-in-One comes in two parts. First, you need to mount the actual door and place the batteries. After that, you can install the extension box, but as mentioned before, this step is completely optional.

The only reason you would install the extension box is that you won’t have to go to the door to operate it and adjust the settings. If you are ok with operating the door with the control panel on the door itself, you do not need to install the extension box.

ChickenGuard is currently working on a ChickenGuard SMART app, which is available for Android and iOS users. This function will allow you to communicate with your chicken coop door through the app.

According to the AiO manual, the app can only be used by those who operate the door by main power supply. In short, if you use batteries to operate the door, the app won’t connect to your door.

Bottom Line

Regarding automatic chicken coop doors, trust in the brand matters. ChickenGuard is a well-known manufacturer of automatic door openers since 2013. With the ALL-IN-ONE door, ChickenGuard added a high-quality and easy to assemble coop door to their products.

–> Read our full review of the ChickenGuard All-In-One here

Best For Large Breeds and Other Poultry: Run-Chicken GIANT

The RUN-CHICKEN Giant is a brand new Run-Chicken product and designed for larger poultry breeds such as Brahmas, Jersey Giants, turkeys, and ducks. It works (and looks) the same as the standard T50, but has a larger door opening.

Its dimensions of 16.5″ x 25.2″ (40 cm x 60 cm) make it the ideal size for these bigger birds, ensuring easy entry and exit.

Like all other Run-Chicken doors, this door is equipped with plug-and-play technology, allowing for a quick installation process. It operates on 4xAA batteries, included with the product, which last for at least one year in all weather conditions.

The RUN-CHICKEN Giant Red is user-friendly, featuring a push button that automates the door to open in the morning and close in the evening. Users can set a timer or use the built-in (LUX) Light Sensor to control the door based on daylight.

Designed to withstand extreme weather, the door is waterproof and functions in conditions ranging from -15°F to 140°F (-26°C to 60°C).

The door itself weighs 5.29 lbs.

Comparing Our Top Contenders

Among all the doors we’ve tested, there are five top contenders for the title of ‘Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door’. But with all different features, size and price range, you want to be sure to pick the best one for your coop.

Here is an overview of the most important features of an automated chicken coop door categorized per brand.

Feature	Run-Chicken (T50, GIANT & Eternal)	ChickenGuard	Omlet	ChickenGuard All-In-One	ChickCozy
Power Supply	AA batteries or solar panel + rechargeable batteries (all included)	AA batteries (included) or USB (cable not included)	AA batteries or 12V adapter (both not included)	AA batteries (included) or DC power (adapter not included)	AA batteries & outlet power (all included)
Sliding Door	No, opens upwards	No, opens upwards	Yes	No, opens upwards	Yes
Hole Size	8” x 10” or 16.5″ x 25.2″	10″ x 12″	7.75″ x 11.75″	10″ x 12″	8.15″ x 10.43″
App Control	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Installation Ease	Easy	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Easy
Material	Plastic + aluminum	Plastic + aluminum	Plastic	Plastic + aluminum	Plastic
Waterproof	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Light Sensor	Yes	Yes, not on ‘Standard’ model	Yes	Yes	Yes
Timer Function	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Separate open & close settings	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Safety	Automatic stop, obstacle detection	Automatic stop, obstacle detection	Automatic stop, obstacle detection	Automatic stop, obstacle detection	Automatic stop, obstacle detection
GPS Mode	Yes	No	No	No	No
Noise Level	Average	Average	Quiet	Quiet	Quiet
Maintenance	Easy	Easy	Easy	Easy	Easy
Cold Weather Resistance	-15°F to 140°F	-4°F (extreme) or 14°F (standard-premium)	Tested to -4°F	– 4°F to 140°F	-15°F to 140°F
Price Range	$120 – $180	$180 – $200	$150 – $ 180	$180 – $200	$150 – $160
Warranty	1 year (after registration)	3 years (after registration	2 years	3 years (after registration)	2 years

Notable Mentions

Following automatic chicken coop doors didn’t make our list, but they are still quality chicken coop doors. So, they may be worth considering when looking for a chicken coop door that matches your needs.

Vevor Pre-Assembled Chicken Coop Door

This VEVOR Premium Automatic coop door is designed for easy installation with its one-piece design. With a price ranging around $90, it’s also one of the cheapest quality doors on the market.

Most quality chicken coop doors have two modes to open and close the coop door: timer and light sensor. The VEVOR automatic door is no exception and can be operated by using the timer or the light sensor. But there’s more.

You don’t only get to choose which mode you prefer, but you can pick a different mode for opening or closing. In short, you can use the timer and light sensor simultaneously.

This door didn’t make our list because of the battery lifespan. According to the manufacturer, 4 AA alkaline batteries should have a 12-month lifespan. However, in our experience with the VEVOR door, the initial set of batteries lasted merely six weeks, and the subsequent set managed only three months.

This performance falls significantly short of the promised 12-month lifespan.

Happy Henhouse Chicken Coop Door

This Happy Henhouse door looks similar to ChickenGuard, with a door opener, cord, and the actual door. Happy Henhouse is a local and small business selling coop doors and chicken coop accessories.

It has a self-locking mechanism and a weatherproof controller and uses high-quality components to ensure reliable operation. It’s easy to install and requires only minimal assembly.

The door didn’t make our ‘Best Chicken Coop Door’-list because it lacks a safety stop. These built-in sensors prevent the door from closing if a chicken blocks the entrance. A safety stop offers many chicken keepers the peace of mind that the door won’t hurt their chickens.

CO-Z Automatic Door

The CO-Z automatic chicken coop door is a weatherproof, aluminum coop door that works with a solid actuator rod. This door is larger than most others on our list, making it suited for large breeds.

The door is a guillotine-style aluminum gate driven by a solid actuator rod. Two aluminum runners guide the door on both sides. A door controller box is delivered as a separate unit that can be placed conveniently.

This door did not make our ‘Best Chicken Coop Door’ list because it takes more time to assemble and takes up more space on your coop than the other doors.

Other Notable Mentions

Unfortunately, we could not test the following doors ourselves. But we get great feedback from our readers about these automatic chicken coop doors, so they may be worth considering.

1. FarmLite automatic chicken coop door: The FarmLite door is unique as it works on solar power and mains. No other door on our list can connect solar panels to their coop door. FarmLite also provides a battery box (batteries not included) as a power kit.
2. Brinsea Chicksafe Eco automatic coop door: Brinsea is a well-known manufacturer of chicken supplies and also has automatic doors and door openers. The Brinsea Chicksafe operates like the ChickenGuard does, with a door opener, a cord, and the actual door, but it is much cheaper. Doors and door openers can be purchased separately, and you can choose between a ‘standard’ version or the ‘advance’ model.

Quality Chicken Coop Door Best Features

Whatever brand best fits you is a decision you can only make for yourself. But there are some qualities that a good and high-quality MUST have to work properly. Most cheap doors lack these features, making them unreliable.

Must-have features for a good chicken coop door:

1. Safety stop. Although almost all chicken coop doors (even the cheap ones) claim to have a built-in safety stop, plenty of reviews can be found that claim the opposite on the cheap doors. A quality coop door will always detect an object (for example, a chicken) blocking the entrance and stop closing.
2. Light sensor + timer. We advise always purchasing a chicken coop door that works on both a timer and a light sensor. Most more expensive coop doors supply both in one or more of their models.
3. Sturdy materials. Never purchase a cheap plastic coop door, as it breaks easily and isn’t predator-proof. Most high-quality doors are aluminum or strong thermoplastic.
4. Choice in power supply. Not all chicken keepers have electricity near the chicken coop, so keep in mind to purchase a door that fits your needs. Most doors have their models run on both mains and batteries.
5. Predator-Proof. You want a chicken coop door to keep your birds safe at night, so it has to be sturdy and trustworthy. Read the reviews online, and you’ll notice the difference between a more expensive and a cheap door.

Careful with Lookalikes / Cheap Doors

Most doors on this list aren’t cheap. With prices varying around $180, they are quite expensive. Scrolling through Amazon, you’ll find plenty of cheap doors that look EXACTLY like the high-quality brand doors. So why spend almost $200 on a door when you can get the same-looking door for just over $30?

Main differences between cheap doors and more expensive quality doors:

1. Material. The cheap doors are plastic, while the expensive doors are sturdy aluminum.
2. Waterproof. As a chicken coop door usually goes on the outside of the chicken coop, you want it to be waterproof. The cheap door is not waterproof. Other, more expensive doors are 100% waterproof, even when submerged.
3. Adjustable. The lookalike door isn’t programmable; they are ‘plug &play’, meaning they only work on the light sensor, and nothing can be adjusted. Most high-quality doors can be programmed in multiple ways, including timer, delays, or even stopping the door from closing and opening.
4. Durability and use. The cheap doors are made of plastic, so they tend to bend easily, which stops the door from working correctly. Bent doors won’t open. Superior doors are made from sturdy aluminum and work as they should.
5. Safety stop. Although all automatic doors, even the cheap ones, claim to have a safety stop that prevents your chicken from being hurt while the door closes, there are plenty of reviews to be found that claim the opposite on the cheap doors. Stories of trapped, hurt, and even decapitated chickens are heartbreaking as you purchase these doors because you only want the best for your flock. The safety stop on the high-quality doors works perfectly without hurting your birds.
6. Use in cold weather. Cheap doors tend to freeze quickly in cold weather so that they won’t open or close.
7. Predator-proof. A smart predator like a raccoon can easily wiggle their fingers inside a plastic coop door and push it open. It’s not sturdy, nor is the door locked in place. It’s pretty much impossible to force-push the sturdy aluminum doors open.

Many cheap automatic coop doors have up to 60% of 1-star reviews. Plus, you won’t have customer service afterward to complain as most of these manufacturers are masters in hiding their contact information. We understand that $180 is a lot of money to spend on a coop door, but is it worse than $30 down the drain?

How Did We Test?

We ordered all mentioned chicken coop doors to try them out and review them thoroughly. All products were installed and tested for a long time during various weather circumstances. We followed instructions as mentioned in the manual and carefully reviewed whether these instructions were clear or not.

We examine each model, discuss the materials involved, and assess how predator-proof the door actually is. We also tackle the ease of installation, what comes in the box, and how you can use the motor units in several different setups.

Our goal is not to give bad reviews; we only discuss high-quality doors, but to ensure you can make the best decision that fits your needs as a customer. Although all doors mentioned above and in our reviews are very high in quality, we need to address major differences between them.

Let’s go over them one more time:

Summary

With so many options on the market, choosing a chicken coop door that matches your needs isn’t easy. We tested multiple high-quality chicken coop brands to determine their best features and possible drawbacks so you can make the best decision.

All coop doors on our list are high-quality doors, so you can’t go wrong with any of them; it’s just a matter of preference. We chose our best chicken coop doors because of the following reasons:

Run Chicken: The best overall door because it has everything you need. High quality, ready-to-use, easy to operate, and runs with an app.

ChickenGuard: The most versatile door on this list because you can buy the door separately from the controller, and various controller types are available. With the brand new All-in-One model, you can also choose a pre-assembled chicken coop door.

Omlet: A well-known brand of sliding chicken coop door. High in quality and easy to use on coops with less space around the door opening. But the design is not liked by all.

Chickcozy: The best choice for those with smaller chicken coops and with a less remarkable design than the Omlet.