Keeping Turkeys Safe and Secure: A Guide to Automatic Turkey Coop Doors

As more people raise backyard turkeys, having a high-quality automatic coop door is essential for keeping the birds safe and healthy. Automatic turkey doors open and close the coop entrance at set times to let the turkeys access the outdoor run or enclosure. This provides the flock with fresh air and exercise time while securing them safely in the coop at night.

Investing in an automatic turkey door eliminates the need for manually opening and shutting the coop each day. It also prevents human error that could potentially leave the turkeys vulnerable to nighttime predators. Automatic doors take the guesswork out of coop management.

In this comprehensive guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing and installing automatic doors for your turkey coop including

• Benefits of Automatic Turkey Coop Doors
• Key Features to Look For
• Power Source Options
• Ideal Opening Size
• Programming and Settings
• Installation Tips
• Top Brands and Models

Why Invest in an Automatic Turkey Coop Door?

Automatic doors provide several advantages over manual doors:

• Convenience – Doors automatically open and close on set schedules eliminating the need to manually tend the coop twice a day. You can relax knowing your turkeys are secure.

• Consistency – Turkeys follow natural circadian rhythms. Automatic doors keep schedules consistent year-round for optimal health.

• Predator Protection – Doors securely lock turkeys in at night and shut tightly to deter predators No need to worry about forgetting to lock up,

• Customizable Schedules – Doors can be programmed to suit any flock’s particular schedule based on sunrise/sunset.

• Ventilation – Doors let in fresh air and ventilation while preventing drafts at night.

Key Features to Look For in Automatic Turkey Doors

When shopping for an automatic turkey door, keep these features in mind:

• Heavy-duty construction – Metal doors with aluminum or galvanized steel frames withstand scratching and the elements better than plastic.

• Weatherproof design – Tight seals, insulation, and wind guards keep drafts out. Condensation-resistant parts prevent corrosion.

• Adjustable opening size – Accommodate small poults up to fully grown turkeys with width/height adjustments.

• Photo sensor – Dawn-to-dusk sensors automatically open and close based on ambient light instead of fixed times.

• Backup battery – Maintains pre-set schedules during power outages so turkeys aren’t left out overnight.

• Simple installation – Choose doors with minimal wiring and easy mounting on most coop types.

Powering Your Automatic Turkey Door

Automatic doors need a power source to open and close. Here are some common options:

• Solar panel – Absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity to power the door. Best for remote coops. Needs a battery to store power.

• AC power adapter – Plug into a standard electrical outlet and provide consistent power. Requires outdoor outlet access.

• Battery – Rechargeable batteries offer cordless installation. Combine with solar panel for off-grid power.

• Hybrid power – Use solar with AC adapter backup for redundancy in case of outages.

What’s the Ideal Size for an Automatic Turkey Door?

The door opening should be:

• At least 2-3 times wider than your largest turkey to prevent stuck birds.

• Tall enough for turkeys to enter without ducking, around 22-24 inches high typically.

• Adjustable to accommodate poults as they grow.

Ideally, choose doors around 16-24 inches wide depending on your breed. Measure your biggest turkeys to determine the best fit.

Programming and Setting Your Automatic Door

• Most doors have simple digital interfaces for setting precise schedules.

• Input timed open/close settings or use light sensor mode.

• Adjust times seasonally as daylight hours change.

• Allow ample venting on hot summer days with wider open windows.

• Set earlier closures in winter to retain warmth.

• Give growing poults more outdoor access with an intermediate schedule.

• Temporary manual settings override automatic operation for flexibility.

Installation Tips for Turkey Coop Doors

Installing automatic turkey doors is a straightforward process:

• Choose a wall of the coop that faces east or south for solar exposure.

• Mount the motor unit on the coop exterior and cut an opening for the door frame.

• Ensure the door has a secure, predator-proof seal when closed.

• Position photo eyes correctly to detect daylight and darkness.

• Connect wiring securely to the power supply.

• Program the desired schedule and settings.

• Test thoroughly and observe turkeys entering and exiting before full deployment.

Top Automatic Turkey Door Brands and Models

Popular options for automatic turkey coop doors include:

• Poultry Butler – Sturdy steel doors with solar, AC and battery power options. Precise timed/dawn-dusk settings.

• ChickenGuard – Galvanized steel doors with advanced sensors and dual power choices. Simple controls.

• Omlet – Durable aluminum frame doors with light sensor, wide size range and app control.

• Brinsea – Long-lasting doors with humidity and temperature sensors to self-adjust openings.

• Farm Innovators – Affordable plastic and metal doors with easy install for small flocks.

With the convenience and security of an automatic turkey door, you can feel at ease knowing your flock is protected both day and night. Do your research to select the right size, features and power system for your coop setup. Your turkeys will thrive with a safe, predator-proof environment and healthy daily routines.