
Timers allow you to set an exact time that the door will open and close regardless of how high the sun is. The downside to a light sensor is that it can open a little earlier than ideal on some days, leaving your chickens open to predators.
#UNIVERSAL AUTOMATIC CHICKEN COOP DOOR INSTALL#
Once you install batteries and turn on the power, you are finished. These devices are extremely easy to use because they don’t require any programming. Light Sensor vs TimerĪ post shared by Galiñas de mos sensors will open and close the door automatically when the sun comes up and goes down. If you don’t have enough space above the door, you may need to look for a brand that opens sideways. The more space you have, the more choices. You will also need another few inches for the motor. If your entrance is 12 inches high, you will need at least 12 additional inches above the hole for the door to lift out of the way. You will also need to measure the space above the door to ensure enough clearance to install the mechanism that will raise the door. If you are building a coop, we recommend a larger size around 11” x 13”. Most chicken coops have a 10” x 10” entrance, but some can be as small as 9 inches and as large as 13 inches. The door size will mostly depend on your coop, so you will need to measure it before you get started. One of the first things you will need to consider when choosing your chicken coop door is the size. What Makes a Good Automatic Chicken Coop Door? Image Credit: ChickenGuard, Amazon Door Size You will need to make sure all chickens are in the coop, and the door is closed when it gets dark.Īn automatic door will take all of the efforts out of it by opening and closing the door at the appropriate time. Leave it open during the day so the chickens can come and go as they please, but when it gets dark, chickens become blind and paralyzed, so they are easy prey. You will need to open the coop very early every day, even in winter, so your chickens can stretch their legs and get some air. Why Do I Need an Automatic Chicken Coop Door?Īn automatic chicken coop door is a great way to keep your birds safe from predators at night without needing to operate the device yourself. Let’s look at some of the things you should consider when choosing your next automatic chicken coop door.
