Are Automatic Chicken Coop Doors Worth It?
Make Any Chicken Coop an Automatic Coop
Let’s face it—life on the homestead is busy. Between morning chores, muddy boots, and evening feedings, it’s easy to forget something... like locking the chicken coop. If you've ever lost a hen to a hungry predator or missed sunrise and had some cranky birds pecking at you, you’re not alone.
“Is an automatic coop door really worth it?”
That’s what I asked my buddy Jim last fall. He's been tending chickens for awhile and swears by his automatic door. “I used to wake up before sunrise to let the hens out,” he said. “Now? The door opens on its own, right on time, and I get to enjoy my coffee while the birds head out to free range.” And as a mom, that would open up my morning to help the kiddos get off to school and make their morning meal.
So, I looked into it. Here’s what I found—and why more farmers and homesteaders are saying yes to automatic doors.
What Does an Automatic Coop Door Do?
- Opens at dawn and closes at dusk—automatically or on your schedule
- Runs on solar power or regular power with a backup battery
- Motion detection alerts you if a predator sneaks by
- Wi-Fi and app control let you open or close your coop door from anywhere in the world
- LED lights show the door’s status from a distance
The Peace of Mind Is Real
One night last spring, we forgot to close the coop. We lost two hens. That’s about $60 in birds—and no eggs from them again....sad kids, and no morning eggs benedict. With an automatic door, that wouldn’t have happened. I was wracked with guilt knowing I could have checked the status lights or opened the app from my phone. That peace of mind alone would've been worth it.
How Much Does It Cost?
Sure, automatic doors are a small investment. But when you compare the price of one door to the cost of replacing lost hens—or the time you spend opening and closing the coop every day—it starts to look like a pretty smart choice. I know my time is the most valuable commodity.
You can outfit any wooden coop with a Coop Tender Automatic Chicken Coop Door. Their doors come in all sizes from small to large birds (even turkeys), and you can pick the bundle that best meets your needs.
This decked out bundle includes everything you need:
- Automatic Coop Door Controller
- Solar backup battery and power cord
- Weather-proof temperature module
- Predator motion detection module
- Wi-Fi module and cloud subscription (1-year included)
- Universal web app so you can control the door from anywhere
- Solid wood door and frame—no plywood, treated with non-toxic Rain Guard sealer
It even uses less than 4 watts when plugged in. That means it’s energy-efficient and farm-smart.
Not Sure Which Door You Need?
That’s okay! Just take the Automatic Chicken Coop Door Selector. It’s a simple guide that helps you choose the right door based on your chicken size, off-grid needs, and level of technology you're comfortable with.
Final Thoughts
Is an automatic chicken coop door worth it? For me, the answer is yes. Fewer early mornings, safer chickens, and no more "oops" moments at night when the kids are in their witching hour. Whether you’re a backyard homesteader or full-time farmer, this little door might be one of the best farmhands you’ll ever have.
Ready to protect your flock and simplify your routine? Take the quiz and find your perfect automatic coop door today.