Why Does My Chicken Coop Need a Door?

1st December 2023

A chicken coop should have a door to ensure the safety and security of your flock. This provides protection from wildlife, predators and the elements. The door should be easy to open and close, while remaining secure and durable.

Brown chicken walking into their Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop via the Autodoor

Why Your Chicken Coop Needs an Automatic Door

An automatic chicken coop door turns your ordinary coop into a technologically advanced smart hen house. Like a personal chicken coop concierge, the best automatic chicken coop door keeps your hens on schedule and protected while they roost. The addition of an Autodoor will:

Let you sleep in while your hens are let out
Give you peace of mind if you’re away from home at dusk
Add another layer of security against chicken predators
Bolster the insulating effects of a plastic chicken coop
Establish and reinforce a routine that fits your flock

There are many different types of automatic chicken coop doors, but there’s a clear choice for the best option when it comes to flock comfort and safety.

7 Good Reasons to Invest in an Omlet Autodoor

The best automatic chicken coop door is one that serves multiple purposes. One that is programmable to fit your schedule, provides a layer of protection from predators, and opens horizontally with built-in safety sensors. Read on to see how an Autodoor can revolutionize your chicken-keeping routine.

#1

Ingenious design & materials

The Autodoor by Omlet has been thoughtfully designed. Made of heavy-duty, rot and rust-free materials, it’s easy to clean and will last a lifetime. The ingenious horizontally opening screw-style gearing makes it incredibly difficult for predators to pry open. Omlet’s Autodoor also increases the insulating effects of the Eglu Cube and Eglu Pro chicken coops, and is designed to integrate into it seamlessly without having to remove the existing door. The Autodoor can also be installed on an existing wooden chicken coop, Omlet chicken runs, or on traditional chicken wire runs.

The Omlet autodoor lets your chickens out at dawn

#2

Light sensor for dawn to dusk automation

Want to sleep in or stay out late, but still have your flock tended to? The Autodoor can keep your hens on schedule based on the sun. And, since chickens seek out their roosting space based on the amount of daylight, you’ll never need to worry about changing the Autodoor’s settings when winter comes around. The various hours of sunlight during the year will prompt the Autodoor to close at the desired light level – no matter the season. And, the sophisticated Autodoor takes into account storms or overcast conditions, ensuring the door doesn’t close during brief fluctuations in lighting.

Add a Coop Light!

Coop Light

eglu pro by omlet the autodoor can be programmed by time or light levels

#3

Set your own shedule

Some flocks roost at the same time each day rather than waiting for the sun to go down. If you have hens that prefer to turn in early, the clock setting may be the best option. Simply choose the designated time to open and close each day, and the Autodoor will see that your chickens keep to their schedule.

#4

Install in any chicken coop | timber or plastic

Additional fixings packs can be purchased to install the Autodoor on Omlet chicken runs, or traditional chicken wire, making the Autodoor universal in fit. Install it on any existing traditional wooden chicken coop or Omlet chicken coop attached run – which makes it easy to transfer from a wooden coop to an Eglu Cube when you upgrade.

you can use an autodoor with any type of coop

#5

Predator resistant

The best automatic chicken coop door keeps your flock safe from predators. By securing the coop door each night, your hens will be protected during the most active time for chicken predators. Protecting your flock from predators poses a particularly difficult challenge, as they are very adept at prying doors open. However, the horizontal opening of the Autodoor is much more difficult to pry than other automatic chicken coop doors that open vertically. And, with the spiral gear mechanism instead of a pulley system, the Autodoor will stump even the most persistent of predators.

The Omlet chicken auto door control panel is easy to programme and use

#6

Reliable in hot and cold weather

Worried about the weather? The Autodoor withstands all weather conditions and temperatures. The door will still function in sub-freezing temperatures, effectively keeping your flock warm in the winter. With fewer daylight hours, your flock will stay toasty in their coop until the desired daylight levels or scheduled time is reached. In the summer, the Autodoor will let your hens out during the cooler morning temperatures to help your flock through the warmer months. The longer daylight hours mean your flock will be able to enjoy a breeze and shade outside of the coop for as long as possible, while still being protected and kept comfortable at night.

automatic chicken coop door by omlet works in all weather conditions

#7

Built-in safety feature

Sophisticated safety sensors ensure your hens aren’t accidentally caught in the closing Autodoor. If any part of a hen is obstructing the Autodoor, it will re-open and attempt to close again a few minutes later. The gentle bump from the Autodoor is usually enough to get your hens moving if they’re resting on the threshold, and soon they’ll learn their schedule so they don’t dawdle at the door.