Coops & runs
Automatic chicken coop doors: worth it? (UK guide)
An automatic door can reduce the “forgot once” risk and make mornings easier — but only if you understand the failure modes and install it properly.
Hard truth: a cheap door installed badly can be worse than no door — because it gives you false confidence.
Safety
Fox-proof routine
Holiday cover
Choosing wisely
When an auto door is genuinely useful
- early mornings / school run chaos
- short trips where a neighbour feeds but can’t do dusk lock-up
- consistent routine (hens like it)
When it’s the wrong first purchase
- your run is not predator-proof yet
- your coop is hard to access and you’re already skipping cleaning
- you haven’t solved run space and mud
Fix the basics first: run size, run security.
The failure modes to plan for
- battery dies / power issues
- door jammed by bedding or ice
- hens late to roost → locked out
- predators exploit gaps around the frame
What to look for (simple buying criteria)
- Manual override: you should be able to open/close it yourself.
- Reliable power: battery access + low-battery warning.
- Safe mechanism: reduce risk of trapping a bird.
- Solid frame fit: no gaps a predator can pull at.
- Settings you can trust: timer and/or light sensor with sensible behaviour.
Rule: if you wouldn’t trust it with your front door, don’t trust it with your hens.
How to install so it stays secure
- mount to solid timber (not thin, flexy panels)
- seal edges so predators can’t pry
- keep the slide path clear of bedding
- test it for a week before you “rely” on it
Remember: the run still needs proper mesh and latches. Start with fox-proofing.
The realistic promise of an auto door
It helps with consistency. It doesn’t remove responsibility.
What it solves
- forgotten lock-up (some of the time)
- awkward mornings
- routine consistency
What it does not solve
- weak runs or latches
- mud, boredom, bullying
- health checks and cleaning
Holiday truth: even with an auto door, you still need a human who will check birds, water, and safety. Don’t outsource responsibility to a gadget.
If you’re planning a setup from scratch, start here: where to site your coop/run.