The ChickCozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door aims to make owning backyard chickens easier by automating one of the most tedious tasks – opening and closing the coop door each day. After testing it ourselves over several months, we’re happy to report it accomplishes this goal and then some.
Installation of the ChickCozy Chicken Door
Installing the ChickCozy door took around 40 minutes, thanks to the simple design and clear instructions provided. The only reason it took a little longer was some modifications needed to our coop entrance. More on that in a bit. The entire unit is self-contained, so there’s no need to install a rail system or other components.
We appreciate that both battery and plug-in power options are available. For our setup, we don’t have electricity to the coop, and it’s a good distance from the house, so the battery power was perfect. Helpful extras like a drilling template and wall mounts were included to get the door positioned and fitted right the first time.
Design and Build Quality
Constructed from thick, weatherproof ABS plastic, the ChickCozy automatic chicken door feels sturdy and solid. The plastic chassis resists dings and scratches better than wood or metal alternatives we’ve tried. Dimensions of 12”x14” allow it to fit most standard coop door frames.
The unique bi-fold sliding design opens horizontally instead of swinging vertically like cheaper models. Paired with infrared safety sensors at the opening, this prevents the door from closing on a chicken. After weeks of daily use, we have not experienced any mechanical or electrical issues. I do recommend checking the track regularly to make sure there isn’t any debris that could keep the doors from closing properly.
Features and Functionality
Aside from automating opening/closing, our favorite ChickCozy features are the easy timer programming and nighttime predator protection. We are meticulous about putting our birds up every night right at dusk because we have several predators in the area. With our previous door, we braced it so it was more secure. The ChickCozy door has given me more peace of mind that our feathery babies are safe at night.
On the control panel, sunrise and sunset times for each day are clearly displayed, making adjustments a breeze. The times auto-update each day according to season. An option to manually override the timer exists as well.
For predator protection, the door securely locks itself closed each night. Paired with the durable ABS chassis, predators have virtually no way to breach the door. This gives us great peace of mind when away from home overnight. The door also runs silent so as not to disturb the flock’s sleep.
Ease of Use
After initial setup, the ChickCozy requires practically zero effort to operate. Chickens took to the door right away with its wide opening and low lift to pass through. I was a little worried that our large rooster wouldn’t fit comfortably through the door since it is a little smaller than the old opening, but he just went right in without any struggle.
The control panel is simple enough for our kids to understand and makes changing settings easy.
The battery backup feature means if power goes out, the door still works a limited number of cycles. We are a few weeks in on battery only and still at 100% battery. Helpful extras like a child safety lock option and weather-resistant panel cover make the ChickCozy flexible for most owners’ needs.
Limitations
The ChickCozy door does have a few limitations to be aware of. First, with a 14-inch maximum height, coops with taller openings will need a different solution. Our original door was a little taller and a little wider. That was easily remedied with a couple of 2x4s.
Secondly, while suitable for most regions, extreme cold may impact function, so winter prep is still required in certain climates.
Additionally, the initial price point is higher than some competing automated doors. However, with robust construction, we expect to get years of use from our ChickCozy, making it worth the extra cost.
We Highly Recommend the ChickCozy Automatic Door
Backyard chicken owners who are looking to add greater convenience, protection, and reliability to their coop will love the ChickCozy Automatic Chicken Door. Simple DIY installation, smart safety features, and hassle-free operation make it our top choice. And you can sleep in a little!
After weeks of hands-on testing, we happily recommend the ChickCozy to anyone serious about automating their coop door. The quality and workmanship are obvious the moment you take it out of the box. For peace of mind and easier chicken care, look no further than the ChickCozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door.
You can use the code waddleandcluck to get 5% off your order at ChickCozy.
