Best Rated Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers – In-Depth Reviews

K eeping your hens protected from external harmful factors such as predators doesn’t have to mean standing in your backyard with a flashlight and a bat. As long as you have an automatic coop door opener installed, you won’t have the obligation of opening and closing the enclosure yourself. That routine can be stressful in particular during the colder months, so consider installing a smart system that can do the job for you. This way, you can either opt for a mechanism to operate your existing door or you can buy a kit that comprises both the door and a way to control it. Both alternatives are great, so here are the top-rated models at the moment.

Dangers your poultry can be exposed to

If your home is in an area where predators aren’t high in number, you’re part of the lucky ones. But many people face the same problem when raising chickens in their backyard, that being the big number of wild or even domestic predators that lurk around their yards, ready to grab what they can at any opportune moment. As wildlife specialist Marne Titchenell and extension educator Timothy McDermott say in their “Predators of Poultry” article, free-range flocks are at a high risk of getting killed, mostly during the night, if their enclosure is not predator-proofed.

Top Rated 11 Coop Door Openers

Photo	Product	Motor Lift Capacity	Door Included	Power Type	Safety Features	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. JVR Automatic Door Opener Kit	22 lbs.		Cord	Detection Sensor to Prevent Closing over a Chicken	1 Year	Check Price
Best for Commercial Use	2. Coop Controls Automatic Coop Door Opener Kit	10 lbs.		12V Battery (Not Included)	Adjustable Open/Close Delays of up to 60 Minutes	Limited Lifetime on Motor	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. ChickenGuard Extreme ASTx	8 lbs.		4 x AA Alkaline Batteries (Included)	Timer and Light Sensor	3 Years	Check Price
	4. RUN-CHICKEN Model T50	N/A		2 x AA Alkaline Batteries (Included)	Direct Drive Sprocket, Detection and Light Sensors	1 Year	Check Price
	5. Cheeper Keeper	6.5 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries (Not Included)	Detection Sensor	1 Year	Check Price
Best with Timer	6. ChickenGuard Premium ASTi	2.2 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries (Included)	Timer and Light Sensor	3 Years	Check Price
Best for the Money	7. Add-A-Motor D20	10 lbs.		Cord	Safe Connector	1 Year	Check Price
	8. Brinsea Products Chicken Coop Door Opener	8 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries or USB Cable (Not Included)	Timer and Light Sensor	3 Years	Check Price
	9. Incubator Warehouse	N/A		12V Battery (Included)	Timer and Roost Deterrent Bar	1 Year	Check Price
	10. Auto Door Automatic Chicken Door	6 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries or Cord (110V)	Polycarbonate Cover on the Door and Timer	1 Year	Check Price
	11. Titan Incubators	2.2 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries (Included)	Timer	2 Years	Check Price
	12. Happy Henhouse Automatic Opener Kit	1/2 lbs.		4 x AA Batteries (Not Included)	Motor Stops if it Detects Chickens under the Door, Door Bar	1 Year	Check Price

1. JVR Automatic Door Opener Kit

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The JVR model has gained popularity lately through its top-quality construction, convenient design, and modern technology in providing superior safety conditions. The set includes the motor, the sliding door, the actuator, all the mounting screws and parts, and an instruction guide that comprises large illustrations to help you put things together fast and start enjoying the convenience this unit offers.

Heavy-Duty Construction

Its aluminum-built door is 11.8” wide and 12.6” tall, which is more than you can expect from other average pieces. That is what makes it appropriate not only for hens but also for bigger birds. The door opens and closes through a sliding motion controlled by the actuator which is, in turn, controlled by the motor. Considering that the regular cord has been replaced by a sturdy metal bar, you can expect enhanced security. JVR goes as far as saying that once closed, the door will not be opened even if a bear would try to claw at it. The lifting capability of the motor is 22 pounds, meaning that if you choose to replace the included one, you can opt for a heavier type.

Advanced Safety Technology

As it will lift and lower over your poultry’s heads, you will want to confirm that nothing will happen to them. To keep your hens out of harm’s way, this piece is equipped with a detecting sensor that prevents the door from closing until the feathered tenant moves away. If this feature, or any other, seems to malfunction for no reason, the warranty window has you covered for 1 year.

Convenient Use

You are able to program a time for it to release the chickens and one to close them up, which can coincide with dusk and dawn. Although this would be a manual operation (it doesn’t offer a photocell for programming), you can do it with ease, as the controlling board has big buttons and everything is well labeled. A 7-day pre-scheduling is also possible. Managing the door on your own with the help of a button in case a power outage occurs is on the table, too. Moreover, should you want to go green, it will allow connection to a DC12V solar battery.

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2. Coop Controls Automatic Coop Door Opener Kit

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Being able to pull up to 10 pounds at once, this Coop Controls model will be able to handle doors presenting low to moderate-heavy builds. It’s compatible with swinging door types that have 16” to 30” in width, bigger than the norm usually used on commercial coops, so make sure to measure your door opening beforehand. Even if it’s automated, it can also be operated manually by using a pushbutton. Furthermore, you can give your fowls time to go in and out with the help of the delay function, which sets a later time for both actions. This way, one hour more will pass until these operations are complete.

The sensor that controls the mechanism makes note of images taken every few moments and compares them with pre-recorded images, thus deciding when it is time to operate the door. This way, no human intervention is needed. Note that the service contract covers the opener for a limited lifetime, while the electronic parts and accessories get good 6-month coverage. If you’re on the lookout for a model that is battery-operated and also includes said batteries in the package, the RUN-CHICKEN Model T50 will meet your needs.

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3. ChickenGuard Extreme ASTx

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Next up, we have a piece from ChickenGuard, namely their Extreme model. It can easily handle doors weighing 8 pounds that are 12″ wide and 16″ tall. The cord used when pulling is rated to withstand up to 50 pounds, but it’s not recommended to go that far. It runs on 4 batteries but you can also choose to power it using a USB. A timer is incorporated and the sensor that detects light is adjustable, therefore, by relying on both, your night will be undisturbed.

To keep you updated on the status of the door, it has an integrated light that turns on when the enclosure is closed, and it can be seen from up to 100 yards away. It is waterproofed due to its full epoxy resin coating so that you can use it regardless of the climate you’re in. The LCD is another convenient feature that can show you details regarding the programming. Its warranty is generous, as 3 years are offered for manufacturing flaws or mishaps that didn’t occur by the user’s fault.

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4. RUN-CHICKEN Model T50

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Run-Chicken is the next manufacturer on our list and it offers a battery-operated unit. Coming in 3 stylish color options – Buckeye brown, Rhode Island red, or California gray – the T50 is the improved version of the T40 model. The mechanism measures 13.8 by 9.4 inches, 10 by 8 of which is the size of the opening that allows your chickens to go in and out. The door moves vertically and you can operate it either manually, to react to the lighting conditions with the help of its sensor, or with the integrated timer. The operation itself is pretty intuitive, as you only have to press one button to engage the mechanism. Once for it to go green which means up, once for pause, once to go red which means down, and the only other color that the indicator can show is blue when the mechanism works by reacting to the light. Said light indicator also doubles as a battery life reminder.

Seeing as it works with batteries and the whole unit is manufactured using powder-coated aluminum, the automatic door is also waterproof with an IP66 rating. To keep the chickens safe, the T50 has a sprocket drive that can detect whether or not a hen is sitting in the entryway, thus stopping its activity. The downside to that is that you’ll have to engage it manually to close it all the way. The time it takes for it to close or open is about 10 seconds, so there’s a decent amount time for late roamers to return home, but if not, you can also set the timer to a later closing.

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5. Cheeper Keeper

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Cheeper Keeper is another battery-powered type, meaning that it needs no electrical outlet, and it has a durable aluminum construction that is bound to last you through time. This waterproof unit is fitted with a photoelectric switch along with a stainless steel door measuring 13” by 9”. The protective aspects are dust and dirt resistance coupled with UV and humidity resistance.

The manufacturer says that its abilities have been tested in tough weather conditions and no malfunctioning has been reported, even in the case of a lightning strike. When put next to competitors, it lacks certain features, such as an LCD. But even if it doesn’t come with one, that doesn’t affect the ease with which you can use it. The construction combined with the integrated technology makes it a top pick.

Pulling doors weighing as much as 6.5 pounds is no trouble for this model, so you can easily fit it to a common door type. Another good feature that ups the safety of your flock is the sensor that prompts a pause in the motor if it senses any birds in the doorway. The warranty is also generous, as, within 1 year of use, you can opt to get your money back or get a new product, if the one you’ve acquired shows faults.

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6. ChickenGuard Premium ASTi

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ChickenGuard earns another spot on this list, but this time we are looking at the Premium model. Its aluminum-built door has a size of 16” by 12” and an oak runner that is 24” long. Considering the fact that it’s a lightweight piece that weighs only 6 pounds, it’s capable of pulling 2.2-pound doors swiftly. Power-wise it gives you the option of using either batteries or a USB cord. The same timer option and light detecting sensor helpers are present to keep your hens protected and tucked in safely. Said sensor notifies you if the enclosure is closed by using its own light which is perfectly visible from as far as 100 yards.

The Premium is a reliable device fitted with a user-friendly panel, seeing as the buttons are larger to allow farmers that might work with gloves to access them easier. The warranty window is of 3 years, a time in which you can send your device to be checked if anything seems off.

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7. Add-A-Motor D20

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Add-A-Motor has a durable motor powered by a long-lasting 12 V battery that can provide your hens with a perfect good-morning and good-night routine. It works great with almost any door material under 10 pounds, including plastic, wood, and aluminum. It will provide a safe environment for chicks and eggs alike throughout the night. Aside from the fact that it is a practical and quite user-friendly product, it is very affordable, too. While the kit doesn’t include a door, it does fit door openings coming at a width of 25 inches or broader. The universal connector makes it a match for all types, while the adapter will give you the ability to hook the power up to a household outlet and keep it running every moment of the day. The battery option is also available, seeing as it is powered with a 12V battery system.

Similar to the others, this product is weatherproof as well. It will resist the more intense aspects of bad weather without getting jammed or shutting down. The size of the device is nothing to worry about and the weight is under 2 pounds, which means that it won’t take up much space wherever you choose to set it up. If anything seems out of the ordinary, you can make use of the 1 year warranty period. Do you want a model that includes the door as well? Then go for the Brinsea Products Chicken Coop Door Opener.

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8. Brinsea Products Chicken Coop Door Opener

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The Brinsea presents an all-in-one build and a plethora of useful features and aspects. It comes with an integrated timer with which you program it, and its light-detecting sensor takes part in the effort of keeping the flock safe during the nighttime. Setting it up is a breeze thanks to the straightforward digital display.

Like a few of the other pieces, this one can also be charged up using batteries or by employing the help of a USB cable. It can endure temperatures from 5 to 120F, meaning that you have a long timeframe to use it. The aluminum build makes the whole device more durable and resilient, and it also guarantees a weatherproof product. Its lifting capability includes doors weighing up to 8 pounds, a weight limit matched by the one contained in the kit that measures 9″ by 12″. To keep everything working smoothly, the product is warranted for 3 years of utilization, a more generous timeframe than the ones offered by other brands.

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9. Incubator Warehouse

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The automated Incubator Warehouse is extremely resistant and it provides a timer controller for a sure and consistent routine. Said timer, coupled with a deterrent bar is utilized as a safety precaution to avoid any unpleasant situations. The weatherproof fiberglass that the door is made of allows for outdoor mounting, while its two anodized aluminum rails are made to stand the test of resilience. The dimensions of the door are 13” by 10”, while the rails are 24” long. Moreover, the powerful motor that keeps everything going can operate on a set schedule and it will save you from having to be woken up in the middle of the night to give your hens plenty of roaming time.

One interesting feature of this model is the possibility of mounting it either in a vertical position or in a horizontal one, so there will be an extra option if your coop can only allow for a certain direction. The price point is another bonus, as it is more accessible. It comes at a reasonable price and the service window is 1 year.

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10. Auto Door Automatic Chicken Door

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The Auto Door has a heavy-duty system that helps you protect your feathered dears. The set-up is no problem and the utilization type is intuitive. It includes a heavy-duty aluminum door with a composite frame that won’t rust or warp. Also, it features a strong polycarbonate cover that provides maximum visibility and adds an extra layer of protection. It saves the door from developing cracks and scratches. The pulling ability can raise doors that weigh up to 6 pounds and that fit a 10.5″ by 12″ opening.

The main operation mode of this particular product is named sunrise/sunset because those are the periods when the mechanism operates. Its other 4 modes are a timer option, an override option, a second-chance option, and a manual use option. Although those are self-explanatory, what they do is (in order) allow scheduling, initiate standby, allow another moment for the birds to flutter inside before lights out, and hand operation without affecting pre-set modes. The 1-year warranty provided is another aspect to consider when adding the Auto Door to your ‘maybe’ list.

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11. Titan Incubators

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This Titan Incubators piece is constructed using high-quality materials, it is available in only one size, and it measures 7.48″ by 5.91″ with a weight lower than 2 pounds. Those dimensions will aid in offering you a trouble-free installation and it won’t take up too much space either. Utilizing it is actually not hard at all. When it comes to lifting capabilities, this device can pull 2.2 pounds, while the minimum recommended door weight is 0.77 pounds. Additionally, it is important to note that it has an inbuilt timer that can guarantee a worry-free day, and power-wise it is a battery type that will last for a long time.

Although it doesn’t come with a door, this model does come with a rail among the other pieces that make up the package, namely the hardware, assembly parts, and operating manual. Keep Titan Incubators on the list as a good, budget-friendly option, as its price is one of the lowest on the market. The 2-year warranty included is also a good topper for all the features it has.

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12. Happy Henhouse Automatic Opener Kit

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As a farmer, there is nothing more imperative than your animal’s safety. Therefore, to help you keep your fowls safe in their coops, we want to present you with an efficient model that automatically shuts and opens with the sun or with the timer. First, you will find this Happy Henhouse piece particularly useful as it can be set to open and shut at the desired hour. From now on you won’t be forced anymore to wake up with the daybreak and let your hens out. Also, throughout the night, they will be shielded from predators.

You shouldn’t worry about rain or humid weather, because its build is weatherproof and it will fare well in unfavorable situations even if you mount it in an exposed area. This model is battery-powered and the manufacturer claims a 6 to 9 months operating timeframe. The sensor used to detect light is adaptable and has sunlight charging. Its included door is a vertical lifting type with 10” by 8” measurements, giving your birds plenty of space to roam in and out. What’s more, they will also be protected during closing time, as the mechanism can sense their presence on the threshold and stop in time.

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Buying Guide

A coop door that opens and closes on its own without you having to get up way too early sounds like a great deal, but there’s a bit more to it than just getting whichever model and calling it a day. Certain aspects can make the whole experience even better, but you’d have to know exactly what to look for and how to choose between one and the other. If you’re new to this type of product, we’ve put together a helpful buying guide to aid you in picking the best door opener for your chickens.

Size

First of all, you’ll obviously have to get a unit that can fit your coop to prevent having it ruined because the mechanism keeps hitting obstacles in its path. The opening must also be big enough to allow your largest hen a comfortable passage in and out. If you’ve decided on a model, take its measurements back to the coop and see if integrating it would be possible. Remember to also account for the added height (or width) when the door stays open during the day.

Door

Do you already have a door that only needs a motor to keep it moving, or do you need a piece that comes with its own opening panel? Or, maybe, you’re making the enclosure from scratch and you don’t know what option would be better? Here are some aspects to consider:

Material & Locking Mechanism

If the unit you went for comes with its own panel, what’s it like? Preferably, you should go for an aluminum build – as those are lighter and easier to glide – with a strong locking mechanism that will keep it in place once it’s closed. The models that close all the way down and don’t allow any space for curious paws or snouts are some of the safest choices.

Other aspects of the material include weatherproofing, waterproofing, rust-resistance, debris-resistance, scratch, and tear-resistance, and so on. Try to get a product that promises as much protection as possible. If you’re planning on placing it on an enclosure that doesn’t offer at least a roof, you have to make sure that the machine can withstand the outdoor conditions present in your climate.

Opening Type

The way the panel opens is also an important thing to consider. Does it open horizontally or vertically? Or maybe it allows for either option? With vertical closing it might be easier to prevent dirt and other debris from getting stuck in the rails, but with horizontal closing it might be easier for the hens to squeeze through if there’s no motion detection sensor. For many, however, this aspect generally has to do with the amount of space they have to spare so the vertical option is the usual choice.

Motor Lift Capacity

If you’re going to go for the mechanism only, you’ll have to consider the motor lift capacity before buying, or before building your coop’s opening. This capacity tells you exactly how heavy of a door the product can maneuver, so if you exceed this number you’ll probably have a mechanism that won’t work. If it’s integrated into the mechanism, the cord will most likely have a weight capacity as well, which is as important as the lift capacity because with bigger weights it will risk breaking. With some, the width is also specified, especially if the opening motion is a swinging one because it adds to the resistance.

Set Up

The ease of setting it up is also something pretty high on the list of considerations, especially for customers who aren’t all that handy with automatic devices. If the unit is easy to install, then you probably won’t have to deal with a weird hole in the middle of your coop that has to be patched up because the instructions were tricky or too hard to understand.

The same thing applies when it comes to programming the mechanism. Those that are easier to set up will be up and running in no time, whereas systems that are too complicated might even cause accidents, such as closing over a hen. Read the instructions carefully, ask for help if anything is unclear, or even return the product if you feel like you can’t handle it. It’s better to go for the next best option if the programming is too hard to grasp.

Power Type

With these openers, the usual options when it comes to power are:

Cord-operated
☑ Blackouts are the only thing that can stop their operation
☒ They can be costly if the coop is too far away from the power source
Battery-operated
☑ They will stay on for as long as the battery allows
☒ Some might not have an indicator to let you know when it’s time for a new set
Solar Panel-operated
☑ These work very well with clear skies, well with overcast or cloudy days, and even with rain
☒ They can malfunction if the installation isn’t done properly, if the components are corroded, or if wild animals tamper with important parts

Safety Features

These products can keep your hens safe in more ways than one. Obviously, the clearest advantage is letting them in and out only at prescheduled times, but there are also extra features that can protect them even more. Some have motion detecting sensors that can tell the machine to halt movement if any movement is sensed in the frame of the closing panel, whereas some have a mechanism that stops altogether when it’s met with resistance along the way. To keep your feathered pets from roosting, some frames even have deterrent bars installed on the bottom side.

Other Details

Other helpful features that can influence the buying decision are:

Timer: This can help with the closing/opening delay.
Manual Override: This can let you go over the pre-programmed schedule if needed.
Customized Schedule: This can range from the same setting each day to different settings for each day of the week.
Operating Temperature: Those that work with a larger temperature range are less likely to freeze.
Indicators: These could be for the batteries (whether or not they need to be changed), a jam (to let you know that you need to check the rails), or for the closed-door (will let you know from afar that the enclosure is secure for the night).

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How to Build a Chicken Coop

Deciding to grow your poultry can be one of life’s joys when you see the baby chicks jumping around happily and the mothers clucking about, free to graze to their heart’s content. But one aspect that must surely cross your mind is how to get an enclosure ready, especially if you plan on making it from scratch. For that reason, we have put together a short “How To” section to keep your progress nice and steady and to get you to achieve a structure that keeps your flock safe from predators and sheltered from the weather:

• Get Inspired

  First off, if you don’t have an idea of how you want it to look, just use the vast resources provided by the internet. There are plenty of designs sitting one search away, and there’s bound to be one out there that can suit your needs and match your yard décor as well.

• Get To Measuring

  Now that it’s clear to you what you want, make sure that it’s also achievable in the space available. If you’ve found a structure that you like and that also has the exact dimensions listed, first of all, congratulations, and second of all, take those measurements and apply them to your yard. If they don’t fit, make your adjustments until they do. If you’re a bit on the craftier side, you can also just pick a nice design and reimagine some of its parts or come up with some entirely new dimensions to make it a better fit.

• Gather the Essentials

  There are many options available when it comes to materials, and all have their benefits in terms of durability, aspect, endurance, and so on. If you know what you want to build your structure with and have some time on your hands, you can start hunting for the best prices online or in the shops, and that way you’ll even manage to make a high-quality coop for maybe half the price. A tip we can give you is to get at least one piece more than you think is enough (if the price is good), so that if you make an irreparable mistake you won’t be forced to buy when the price might go up again.

• Keep Safety a Priority

  The main purpose of a coop is to keep your flock safe, so skipping on the safety features would defeat that. The things you need to keep in mind are to elevate it (keeps flooding risks low), add sturdy flooring (preferably cement or something that can’t be broken into), reinforce the walls and double down on the mesh panels if you need to, add ventilation holes (if you’re not using mesh panels, protected ventilation holes are a must), and add a heavy-duty securing latch to every window or door that can open.

• Offer Comfort

  Chickens, especially adult ones, tend to be quite resilient and don’t need much in terms of temperature or insulation. The generally agreed-upon temperature that you should keep for them is 55-degrees F, so adding some straw or wood shavings inside individual boxes might be something to consider. You’ll also have to provide at least 10 square feet per each chicken you plan on keeping inside so that they have enough space (this can also be done vertically by adding rods for them to jump up on).

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Now that you’ve taken a look at the best-rated models, choosing one could be the next step. Since we’ve reached the end of the article, we’re going to leave you with a short recap of the pieces that take first place in certain categories:

Best Coop Door Opener for Sale: JVR Automatic Door Opener Kit

A big and sturdy model packed with multiple modes is bound to make for a good choice, and the JVR is just that. It comes with a strong aluminum door that lifts vertically and can allow passage for birds as large as 11.8” by 12.6”. The mechanism is based on an actuator, which means that it can provide more protection than a classic cord-operated device. And as the manufacturer claims, not even a bear can make its way through.

Editor’s Choice: ChickenGuard Extreme ASTx

Our favorite from the lot comes from ChickenGuard. The Extreme model is, well, extremely useful. It can fit just about any door that can be lifted vertically and weighs a maximum of 8 pounds. The mechanism works automatically with the help of an adjustable sensor that can detect light, and you can also operate it by hand if the need arises. No type of weather will be an issue and the batteries that come in the package will keep it running for quite some time.

Best Coop Door Opener for the Money: Add-A-Motor D20

Add-A-Motor takes the cake when it comes to being both a reliable product and a budget-friendly one. For an accessible price, it can open doors that are 25” wide or larger, with a weight of up to 10 pounds. This goes to show how capable the motor is. You can operate it through a dial to decide how far down the door is reeled, but you’ll have to provide a timer for it as it does not come with one.

Best Coop Door Opener with Timer: ChickenGuard Premium ASTi

Making the list a second time, ChickenGuard also takes the spotlight for the best option with an integrated timer with its Premium model. The door is included and it works vertically, controlled by a motor that can take weights of up to 2.2 pounds and that answers to the signals of the timer and the light-detecting sensor. The device will also signal if the door is closed by emitting a light visible from up to 100 yards.

Best Commercial Coop Door Opener: Coop Controls Automatic Coop Door Opener Kit

A match for swinging doors, the Coop Controls model can prove itself quite useful in both commercial and at-home use. It can lift doors as heavy as 10 pounds and you can choose to operate it using its automatic mode or the pushbutton for manual mode. The box is weatherproofed and the warranty lasts for a lifetime, so you’ll be able to go about your day many days from now on.