Got one of these. Had it 8 months. 5*. Very good. Instructions are clear so it's easier than it looks. I did get the hole cut by the coop maker beforehand though. I did have to adjust the light levels, because otherwise it did close too early by default.
We've tried several types and always have to adjust the Lux setting. Interestingly we once moved one of our coops to face East instead of West and that massively changed the closing time. It's so important that you CAN adjust this.
We have the auto-door on our omelet cube and I have one other suggestion is to allow its operation and programing via a phone app under WiFi. Looking forward to the video you are going to do on building a coop. Cheers from USA, Merry Christmas
Great video again, thank you for your effort in putting these together, much appreciated. We have an auto door on our Omlet Eglu and it has never missed a beat. Agree with the comments on changing batteries - just have to be careful. Cheers
Nice video! I have one of these and agree on your points about the batteries. Changing the batteries is a fiddly chore and a low battery light is a great idea. It is otherwise great and is easy to install and operate. When I had a problem with a part, they shipped out a new one to me right away. I feel like my chickens are safe with this door and would recommend it to anyone.
@@EnglishCountryLife My second winter is starting now. I've never had the door fail to open or close. I'm also using the coop light accessory which functions as advertised, however, my girls tend to roost long before it comes on, so it doesn't seem to matter much in my case.
Nothing to do with this video's content, but would love a video on how you constructed the covered dust bath in the background - have been wanting to do something like that for ages. Thanks!
Hi Donna, Hugh here. Its simply the top of Fiona's old swing seat, a frame I made, two sheets of wriggly tin and a tractor tyre, but I can do a video when I tidy it up?
Had an Omlet auto door for 8 months, agree with all your comments. It does have a battery meter on the controller and they do last a long time - I've only required one change in that time and I run the light on it too. One comment is that it's just thrown a fault and isn't opening/ closing properly just now. Hopefully a simple fix but I'm waiting till the Christmas break when I've got some time and daylight to investigate as my set up isn't as access friendly as yours
You are right about the battery meter, but I would really like a warning that I didn't have to remember to check for (mind like a sieve) 🙂. I hope your fault is an easy fix!
Found the issue with my auto door... turns out the two screws on the front which are for the emergency release had worked their way loose. Tightened them and it's working again. Figured worth sharing as a preventative tighten every now and again would be a good maintenance tip. Agree that an external battery warning light would be a good addition. Love your channel... it inspired me to get my own rescue chickens who are just lovely. Happy New Year to you.
It really is well made. I've never had an issue with any of the Omlet gear, but this was the first electo mechanical thing we-ve used. Trendy, solid, well made. Not the cheapest. I think of them as the Apple of chicken equipment.
Thanks for the video, Ive got an AXT electronic opener, I wouldn't buy another due to its soft rubbery front control panel screws which are far from fit for purpose, more reviews on openers would be great, would also be interested in a "humane dispatch video, thanks again.
@@EnglishCountryLife Just the dispatch, have not very fond memories of grandad with axe, but plucking and dressing would be really helpful for people, I've plucked enough lol, local gamekeeper would dump estate shooting parties excess at my kitchen back door hundreds of pheasants year after year.
oh man I wish I could get sponsored by omlet! I just dropped a lot of coin for an auto door. I had to order from the UK since there is no way to get them in Canada without it being twice the price. Too bad I missed that sale in December!
Thanks Michele! We bought a variety of flat packed coops to begin with. Most I have had to repair significantly! These days we just build our own. It takes some effort and doesn't save much money but the coops are far better made from longer lasting materials!
I love my Omlet door, I am using the clock to open and close the door. The only thing I think it needs, is a small solar panel to charge the battery's. The 12 volt port in the control unit should also charge the battery's, but sadly it doesn't. When I was asking them a few question on the phone that is one I asked. The heater I understand is not an option at the moment. The port is in the design, for the future. I do find the light handy, when I need to check on them. All and all I would by another. I am also looking to buy one of their coops for a brooder, next year. What are your thoughts on that??? Using it for a brooder box. Idea for a future Video: Plans, spec. and design build for the henhouse you are using for the door demo. Including building techniques, please. I love the look of it and I want to build an "English Country Life" hen house for my very own. In English units, none of that metric c%#p. :) Thank you for your videos, I always enjoy them. God Bless you both, and Marry Christmas.
Hi Michael! I haven't considered using an Omlet coop for a brooder box! We hatch using broody Orpingtons so use coops large enough for up to 12 large fowl to occupy as they grow. In the Omlet range I would choose the wooden Lenham range for that purpose. We do occasionally use a brooder plate for chicks that have had a struggle hatching but use an old tin bath as a brooder box! I've just finished a coop refurbishment. You can see it in this Friday's video. That one is my favourite design that I've refined over the years - let me know on that video if you want more details. Hugh
Couldn't the battery pack even be external so even easier swap-out and option to have spare as you collect the eggs. Still AAs because as you say so accessible.
Hi Thomas, this is quite an old coop. If you are looking to buy a coop, the one we recommend is shown in this video ua-cam.com/video/bl0CnSIZcZI/v-deo.html
My concern with auto-doors is safety...what happens when a bird is in the doorway when the door closes. Many have documented that their birds were killed when the autodoors closed on their necks. I have certain birds who tend to stay out later than the rest. They would get locked out. Our Rooster tends to sleep at the door with his head out as if guarding the flock from any intruders. I can only imagine his head would get squashed. Is there an electric eye on this unit to protect against this? Also, where we live in Upstate NY, our winters are very cold. Many weeks are around 0 F. Batteries would not do well in temps like this.
There is a pressure switch on the door jamb. If anything gets caught between the door and the edge the motor stops immediately. It's not recommended for young chicks but it certainly wouldn't injure an adult bird, I've closed the door on my hand deliberately and a very light touch stops the motor. This unit can accept a mains feed via a 12V transformer if that would be better for you? We are reviewing another make of unit on Friday that is a vertical pop hole and has a different built in safety feature that might interest you.
Do you have any tips for dust in coops of that size? I have a coop that size my 2 ISA Brown hens sleep in at night and I use dust extracted straw bedding however it gets so dusty, there is ventalation, sometimes I have to use Diatom for dampness of roof of nest boxes, if you have any tips on reducing dust and dampness for chickens living a smaller coop that size that would be great :)
The diatom I use is white (food grade diatom) and I make sure to rub it on the damp parts rather than leave a pile to avoid dust, it could be some of that and straw but due to being a small coop I worry the air is dusty and want to know tips on reducing dust while also combating dampness :)
@@horselover074 The best I can suggest is to use soft wood shavings rather than straw, clean any poop out daily & ensure the coop is water tight ( rather than adding diatomaceous earth). DE is helpful in reducing parasites but inevitably will add to dust.
We have been breeding our own strain of Orpingtons for years now. We mostly breed for temperament, broodiness & size, but we do keep to breed standard for appearance
Everyone who reviews this door gets it for free. What I would like to know is, is it worth over $200... I'm beginning to think not, since I can't find anyone who actually paid that much.
Hi Cheryl, I know many people who have bought them together with Omlet coops and are delighted with them. in reality they are not much more expensive than an opener from, for example, ChickenGuard and they do include a geared door. Personally I would like the ability to mix the programmes but that is my main grumble. We have auto closers of various makes (Titan, ChickenGuard, Omlet, Nestera & Brinsea) and yes, paid for most of them. Keeping our chickens safe is important to us. Whether predator protection is worth it to you, is something only you an decide
@@cheryldahl9192 So long as you are always there to open & close it and it locks securely then no need to change. I confess that getting up at 4am to let them out is a bit much for me in Summer
@@EnglishCountryLife Yes, summer isn't fun, but a few months of 4am wake ups is cheaper than $200. If It were half that price I would probably buy it though.
I’ve been procrastinating over which automatic door to get and now you’ve given me the answer. Thank you. Merry Christmas. 👍😁
You won't go far wrong with the Omlet (and we have half a dozen of different makes)! Merry Christmas 🌲🌲!
Your videos make me so happy
Thank you, that's very kind
Got one of these. Had it 8 months. 5*. Very good. Instructions are clear so it's easier than it looks. I did get the hole cut by the coop maker beforehand though. I did have to adjust the light levels, because otherwise it did close too early by default.
We've tried several types and always have to adjust the Lux setting. Interestingly we once moved one of our coops to face East instead of West and that massively changed the closing time. It's so important that you CAN adjust this.
@@EnglishCountryLife yes it was very easy to adjust.
We have the auto-door on our omelet cube and I have one other suggestion is to allow its operation and programing via a phone app under WiFi. Looking forward to the video you are going to do on building a coop. Cheers from USA, Merry Christmas
That's an interesting idea Charles, be very useful for battery alerts too!
Great video again, thank you for your effort in putting these together, much appreciated. We have an auto door on our Omlet Eglu and it has never missed a beat. Agree with the comments on changing batteries - just have to be careful. Cheers
Thanks David! It's certainly a minor thing with the battery, just a suggestion for improvement!
Can the door be easily slid open from the outside by a predator like a raccoon ?
Nice video! I have one of these and agree on your points about the batteries. Changing the batteries is a fiddly chore and a low battery light is a great idea. It is otherwise great and is easy to install and operate. When I had a problem with a part, they shipped out a new one to me right away. I feel like my chickens are safe with this door and would recommend it to anyone.
Great to hear that you like it - how long have you used it?
@@EnglishCountryLife My second winter is starting now. I've never had the door fail to open or close. I'm also using the coop light accessory which functions as advertised, however, my girls tend to roost long before it comes on, so it doesn't seem to matter much in my case.
@@shawnbrown9560 Good info - thanks Shawn
Thanks for the review-you guys are the best!
Thank you so much. Merry Christmas ☃️🌲!
Nothing to do with this video's content, but would love a video on how you constructed the covered dust bath in the background - have been wanting to do something like that for ages.
Thanks!
Hi Donna, Hugh here. Its simply the top of Fiona's old swing seat, a frame I made, two sheets of wriggly tin and a tractor tyre, but I can do a video when I tidy it up?
Had an Omlet auto door for 8 months, agree with all your comments. It does have a battery meter on the controller and they do last a long time - I've only required one change in that time and I run the light on it too. One comment is that it's just thrown a fault and isn't opening/ closing properly just now. Hopefully a simple fix but I'm waiting till the Christmas break when I've got some time and daylight to investigate as my set up isn't as access friendly as yours
You are right about the battery meter, but I would really like a warning that I didn't have to remember to check for (mind like a sieve) 🙂. I hope your fault is an easy fix!
Found the issue with my auto door... turns out the two screws on the front which are for the emergency release had worked their way loose. Tightened them and it's working again. Figured worth sharing as a preventative tighten every now and again would be a good maintenance tip. Agree that an external battery warning light would be a good addition. Love your channel... it inspired me to get my own rescue chickens who are just lovely. Happy New Year to you.
That's really good information Chris - thanks. Happy New Year!
يعجبني هذا النوع من الدجاج
We do too
@@EnglishCountryLife am arabic
I don't have a use for an automatic door (currently) but this looks like a solid unit. Great review!!
It really is well made. I've never had an issue with any of the Omlet gear, but this was the first electo mechanical thing we-ve used. Trendy, solid, well made. Not the cheapest. I think of them as the Apple of chicken equipment.
Thanks for the video, Ive got an AXT electronic opener, I wouldn't buy another due to its soft rubbery front control panel screws which are far from fit for purpose, more reviews on openers would be great, would also be interested in a "humane dispatch video, thanks again.
Thanks Andrew (and for the feedback on the AXT). Would you like to see plucking and dressing as well, or just dispatch?
@@EnglishCountryLife Just the dispatch, have not very fond memories of grandad with axe, but plucking and dressing would be really helpful for people, I've plucked enough lol, local gamekeeper would dump estate shooting parties excess at my kitchen back door hundreds of pheasants year after year.
@@Andrew.Croft. Understood - thanks
oh man I wish I could get sponsored by omlet! I just dropped a lot of coin for an auto door. I had to order from the UK since there is no way to get them in Canada without it being twice the price. Too bad I missed that sale in December!
So sorry you missed the discount - are you happy with your Autodoor?
Awesome review!
Thank you!
Thank you for the review. What kind of coops do you use, they are so cute!
Thanks Michele! We bought a variety of flat packed coops to begin with. Most I have had to repair significantly! These days we just build our own. It takes some effort and doesn't save much money but the coops are far better made from longer lasting materials!
Is the door big enough for your biggest roosters?
It certainly is - and they are huge,!
I love my Omlet door, I am using the clock to open and close the door.
The only thing I think it needs, is a small solar panel to charge the battery's. The 12 volt port in the control unit should also charge the battery's, but sadly it doesn't. When I was asking them a few question on the phone that is one I asked.
The heater I understand is not an option at the moment. The port is in the design, for the future. I do find the light handy, when I need to check on them.
All and all I would by another. I am also looking to buy one of their coops for a brooder, next year. What are your thoughts on that??? Using it for a brooder box.
Idea for a future Video: Plans, spec. and design build for the henhouse you are using for the door demo. Including building techniques, please.
I love the look of it and I want to build an "English Country Life" hen house for my very own.
In English units, none of that metric c%#p. :)
Thank you for your videos, I always enjoy them. God Bless you both, and Marry Christmas.
Hi Michael!
I haven't considered using an Omlet coop for a brooder box! We hatch using broody Orpingtons so use coops large enough for up to 12 large fowl to occupy as they grow. In the Omlet range I would choose the wooden Lenham range for that purpose. We do occasionally use a brooder plate for chicks that have had a struggle hatching but use an old tin bath as a brooder box!
I've just finished a coop refurbishment. You can see it in this Friday's video. That one is my favourite design that I've refined over the years - let me know on that video if you want more details.
Hugh
Would this door work on a snap & lock coop?
I've neve tried, but I doubt that it would be easy to attach to be honest
Couldn't the battery pack even be external so even easier swap-out and option to have spare as you collect the eggs. Still AAs because as you say so accessible.
Great idea
Boss please let me know the cost of this chicken coop. Thanks
Hi Thomas, this is quite an old coop. If you are looking to buy a coop, the one we recommend is shown in this video
ua-cam.com/video/bl0CnSIZcZI/v-deo.html
do all your coups sit on pavers?
Generally yes - it prevents pests coming up under the coops and makes mowing easier
My concern with auto-doors is safety...what happens when a bird is in the doorway when the door closes. Many have documented that their birds were killed when the autodoors closed on their necks. I have certain birds who tend to stay out later than the rest. They would get locked out. Our Rooster tends to sleep at the door with his head out as if guarding the flock from any intruders. I can only imagine his head would get squashed. Is there an electric eye on this unit to protect against this? Also, where we live in Upstate NY, our winters are very cold. Many weeks are around 0 F. Batteries would not do well in temps like this.
There is a pressure switch on the door jamb. If anything gets caught between the door and the edge the motor stops immediately. It's not recommended for young chicks but it certainly wouldn't injure an adult bird, I've closed the door on my hand deliberately and a very light touch stops the motor. This unit can accept a mains feed via a 12V transformer if that would be better for you?
We are reviewing another make of unit on Friday that is a vertical pop hole and has a different built in safety feature that might interest you.
At least you try to grab some chickens (Specially the big one, like roster) to see if they fit into the dor, 😅
They do!
Do you have any tips for dust in coops of that size? I have a coop that size my 2 ISA Brown hens sleep in at night and I use dust extracted straw bedding however it gets so dusty, there is ventalation, sometimes I have to use Diatom for dampness of roof of nest boxes, if you have any tips on reducing dust and dampness for chickens living a smaller coop that size that would be great :)
That's very interesting, what type of dust is it? Soil or more grey?
Grey
@@horselover074 It's not the diatomaceous earth itself is it?
The diatom I use is white (food grade diatom) and I make sure to rub it on the damp parts rather than leave a pile to avoid dust, it could be some of that and straw but due to being a small coop I worry the air is dusty and want to know tips on reducing dust while also combating dampness :)
@@horselover074 The best I can suggest is to use soft wood shavings rather than straw, clean any poop out daily & ensure the coop is water tight ( rather than adding diatomaceous earth). DE is helpful in reducing parasites but inevitably will add to dust.
Comb size of your buffs are much desired ...how did you sort out such a desirable trait ..is it a recessive trait
We have been breeding our own strain of Orpingtons for years now. We mostly breed for temperament, broodiness & size, but we do keep to breed standard for appearance
Can it be slid open by a predator at night like a raccoon?
No, it's driven by gears so locks solidly
Can do a shout out
I have lost my hen 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Oh that's sad
Everyone who reviews this door gets it for free. What I would like to know is, is it worth over $200... I'm beginning to think not, since I can't find anyone who actually paid that much.
Hi Cheryl, I know many people who have bought them together with Omlet coops and are delighted with them. in reality they are not much more expensive than an opener from, for example, ChickenGuard and they do include a geared door. Personally I would like the ability to mix the programmes but that is my main grumble. We have auto closers of various makes (Titan, ChickenGuard, Omlet, Nestera & Brinsea) and yes, paid for most of them. Keeping our chickens safe is important to us. Whether predator protection is worth it to you, is something only you an decide
@@EnglishCountryLife I have a really strong door right now, although it's manual, it's very safe against predators. Safer than plastic lol
@@cheryldahl9192 So long as you are always there to open & close it and it locks securely then no need to change. I confess that getting up at 4am to let them out is a bit much for me in Summer
@@EnglishCountryLife Yes, summer isn't fun, but a few months of 4am wake ups is cheaper than $200. If It were half that price I would probably buy it though.