Automatic Chicken Door Features

Door Modes & Timing

• Automatic opening and closing. Let your flock out in the morning and close up the coop in the evening, even when you’re away from home or running late.
• Three operating modes. Choose Dawn-to-Dusk to open at dawn and close at dusk, Schedule to set specific times, or Manual to open and close the door yourself. Pick the mode that fits your flock and your routine.
• Adjustable dawn and dusk delays. Delay opening after dawn or closing after dusk by 1 minute to 10 hours. Keep your hens inside a little longer in the morning or give them more time to head in at night.
• Keypad control with optional Wi-Fi. Open or close the door from the built-in keypad when you’re at the coop. Add the Wi-Fi module, sold separately, to control the door remotely through the Universal Web App.

Cold Weather & Predator Protection

• Programmable Freeze Protect. Set a low-temperature threshold so the door stays closed when it’s colder than you want your flock going outside.
• Digital controls for winter use. A microcontroller handles door timing electronically, so that function doesn’t depend on a mechanical timer that can freeze in cold weather.
• Solid steel screw drive holds the door shut. The Acme-threaded drive holds the closed door in place, helping prevent raccoons and other predators from lifting it from below.

Power, Construction & Installation

• Optional solar operation. Connect the optional solar module to run the door on energy from the sun, a practical option for coops without a nearby outlet.
• Sealed wood construction. Solid lumber rated for indoor and outdoor use is treated with non-toxic Rain Guard wood sealer to help protect it from moisture.
• Fully assembled for simple installation. Once your coop’s cutout is ready, slide the assembled door into the opening and secure it with the four included mounting screws.

Explore Coop Tender Features & Add-Ons

From solar power to phone alerts, Coop Tender offers several ways to set up your automatic chicken door. Check the Features tab for what’s included with this product. The options below vary by model and configuration.

Automatic Chicken Door Controller

Automate a door you’re building yourself. The fully assembled controller handles the timing and settings while you provide the door and drive mechanism. Run it on AC power or configure it for optional solar operation. Its low power draw helps extend runtime when paired with a backup battery.

• Choose when the door runs. Use the clock module for scheduled opening and closing, or the light sensor for dawn-to-dusk operation.
• Check status right at the coop. The LCD shows system messages, and the LEDs give you a quick look at door and battery status.
• Take over whenever you need to. Use the keypad to adjust settings or manually open and close the door outside its normal schedule.
• Set cold-weather controls. The included temperature module supports Freeze Protect and temperature-based warnings.

What comes with the standalone controller

The assembled controller includes a microcontroller circuit board, a treated solid wood cabinet, a metal faceplate, an LCD, a keypad, LED status lights, an AC/DC power supply, a temperature module, a clock module, and a light sensor. It carries a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

What you supply for a DIY installation

Provide the door assembly, a motor or other drive mechanism, and limit switches that connect to the controller’s common, door-open, and door-closed wires. If you want backup power during an outage, provide a 12 V battery or another backup power source. The optional Wi-Fi radio module is sold separately.

Solar Power Module

Run your door where an outlet isn’t handy. The 10 W solar panel charges the included 12 V, 5 Ah sealed lead-acid battery. The door’s built-in charge controller regulates charging, and you can check battery status from the display or indicator lights.

• Included with the solar module. A 10 W solar panel and a 12 V, 5 Ah sealed lead-acid battery.
• Battery runtime. A fully charged battery can run the door for up to one week without recharging. Runtime varies with your setup and power use. The Wi-Fi module adds a 40 mA draw at 5 V.
• Panel placement. Mount the panel in a suitable south-facing location. The frame has four mounting holes. Supply mounting hardware that fits your installation.
• Low-sun locations. Coop Tender notes that locations averaging 4.4 kWh/m²/day or less of direct normal solar irradiance may need a second panel.

Certified Humane Door Option

A wider opening with the drive hardware already installed. This fully assembled door has a 21-inch-wide by 18-inch-high opening, which matches the exit dimensions recommended in the 2014 Humane Farm Animal Care standards for egg-laying hens.

The door is made from solid, 1-inch indoor/outdoor-rated boards treated with non-toxic Rain Guard wood sealer. It comes with a high-torque gear motor, a 5/8-inch solid steel Acme-threaded screw drive, and solid-state magnetic limit switches already installed. This configuration is designed to work with a compatible controller you supply.

Weatherproof Temperature Module

Give your controller a temperature reading for Freeze Protect and alerts. The weatherproof sensor can be placed inside or outside the coop and comes pre-installed on complete Coop Tender automatic doors.

Sensor specs. Stainless steel enclosure, 30-inch cable, and a measuring range of −67°F to 257°F (−55°C to 125°C).

Internet Wi-Fi Module & Universal Web App

Check the door without walking out to the coop. With the optional Wi-Fi module and cloud service, you can use the Universal Web App in a browser to check door status, open or close the door, and update schedules or settings from your phone, tablet, or computer.

• See what’s happening now. View door position, operating mode, and coop temperature. If you have multiple connected doors, you can check them from the same dashboard.
• Look back at recent activity. View and download charts for door status, ambient light, temperature, and system voltage.
• Get alerts away from the coop. Receive text or email notifications for door status changes and battery voltage warnings. Compatible add-ons can also send accessory status and motion alerts.

What you need. A compatible Coop Tender automatic door or controller, an 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi signal that reaches your coop, and a cloud subscription. The module supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Use an iPhone or Android phone for initial Wi-Fi setup. After setup, you can access the web app from any internet-connected device with a browser.

Module specs. 5 V DC, 40 mA draw, and dimensions of 2.1 in. W × 1.6 in. H × 3.1 in. L. Operating range is −4°F to 176°F (−20°C to 80°C).

Cloud Service Subscription

Keep remote controls, alerts, and door history available online. The subscription covers Wi-Fi module activation and hosting, access to the Universal Web App, real-time and historical readings, text and email alerts, firmware updates, and technical support. Tracked readings include Wi-Fi signal strength, door status, battery voltage, coop temperature, and ambient light.

The first year is included with the Wi-Fi module purchase. Coop Tender bills subsequent annual renewals directly at $20 per year.

Optional Wi-Fi Accessories

These add-ons connect to the Coop Tender Internet Wi-Fi Module.

Coop Accessory Control Module

• Set your coop and security lights. Turn lights on based on ambient daylight or a schedule, and set how long they stay on in the web app.
• Start a ventilation fan when the coop gets warm. Set the temperature at which the fan switches on.
• Switch on a heater or water de-icer in cold weather. Set the temperature at which it turns on. The module controls compatible AC heating devices rated up to 1,500 W.

The module uses solid-state switching. Supply your own lights, fan, heater, or water de-icer.

Predator Motion Detection Module

Get a heads-up when motion is detected after the door closes. The module arms automatically once the door is closed. When it detects motion, it flashes red for 30 seconds to help deter potential predators and sends a text or email alert. Paired with the Coop Accessory Control Module and a connected security light, it can also turn that light on for one minute.

5-Foot IEC Power Cable

Connect your door to standard AC power. The 5-foot IEC cable plugs into a grounded outlet or a grounded extension cord.

Cloud Service Subscription - 1 Year Subscription

•  You will receive a $0 invoice for the Cloud Services Subscription with subsequent annual renewals billed at $20 through Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Coop Tender.

• Wi-Fi Radio Module activation, setup, allocation, and hosting service
• SMS and email door status and alert notifications
• Key Metric data storage
  • Wi-Fi signal strength
  • Door status
  • Power / battery voltage
  • Coop temperature
  • Ambient daylight value
• Data access and transmission
  • Key Metric historic data
  • Real-time metrics and data
• Universal Web App™
  • Mobile Optimized – access from any mobile device or computer with an Internet connection and browser.
  • Remote Door Programming and settings maintenance
  • Remote Door Operation
  • Key Metric charts
• Firmware updates
• Technical support