Does the Run-Chicken door need Wi-Fi?

No. It uses a Bluetooth app, plus built-in timer and light modes.

How long do Run-Chicken batteries last?

Run-Chicken states a minimum of one year for the T50 Special Edition on two AA batteries. Cold weather and frequent use can shorten battery life.

Is there a solar Run-Chicken door?

Yes, the Eternal has a built-in solar panel with battery backup.

Does the Run-Chicken door fit my existing coop door?

It replaces the door rather than lifting it: the T50 is a complete door unit that mounts over the pop hole.

Run-Chicken T50 and Solar Coop Doors

What Run-Chicken makes

Run-Chicken makes complete automatic coop doors: the motor, frame and aluminum door come as one unit that mounts on a coop or run wall. In our catalogue:

T50: a battery-powered aluminum door controlled through the Run-Chicken Bluetooth app, in timer or light-sensor mode.
T50 Special Edition: a mint-colored T50 on two included AA batteries, with a stated minimum battery life of one year per the maker; app or timer control.
Eternal solar: a built-in solar panel with battery backup, running in timer or sunrise/sunset mode through the app.

Who Run-Chicken suits

Run-Chicken suits keepers who want an all-in-one door they can set from a phone standing near the coop, with no separate door kit to match. Because the door slides within its own frame, you cut or fit the pop hole to its size rather than reuse an existing door. The solar Eternal suits sunny coops far from power. As with any automatic door, close well after sunset or use the light mode so late hens are not locked out, and check the track on icy mornings.

Bluetooth means you set it within phone range of the door; it is not remote control from work.

Alternatives from other brands

ChickenGuard openers lift your existing door or come with self-locking door kits, including a solar PRO kit. The Omlet Autodoor is a battery door with light and timer modes. JVR and Brinsea ChickSafe offer light-sensor doors, and VEVOR sells a solar door with a remote.