Keeping your chickens safe is a top priority when you are raising backyard birds. For some people, a camera will give them peace of mind right from the start while others are looking for a camera for the chicken coop only after they’ve had problems with predators in the past. While building a secure chicken coop and run will help keep your hens safe, a camera can give you a better sense of what animals are visiting your yard and can help deter unwanted intruders.
In this article will share the top 5 chicken coop cameras as well as information on how to use the camera and factors to consider when making your purchase. We’ve selected 5 cameras that cover a range of budgets so you will be able to find an option that works best for you.
Looking for more about keeping your chickens safe and healthy? Check out:
- The 10 Best Chicken Supplies For Raising Backyard Chickens
- Everything you Need to Know about How to Raise Backyard Chickens
- Building the Best Chicken Runs, Chicken Tunnels, and More on Your Backyard Farm
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Welcome to the Backyard Farming Connection! I'm Gretchen, a passionate homesteader and backyard farmer with 15 years of experience. Our platform, established over a decade ago, is a treasure trove of knowledge where we share our personal journey and valuable insights in growing food, raising animals, promoting sustainability, and honing homestead skills. Rest assured, everything you'll find on our site is a result of thorough research and firsthand practice. Join us on this enriching journey of learning and growth! If you are new - START HERE.
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Quick Look at the Best Chicken Coop Cameras
Blink Outdoor - wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera | - Customized motion detection | $$ | ||
Ring Spotlight Cam | -Excellent video -2 Way communication -Easy set up - Wire Free | $$$ | ||
WYZE Cam v3 with Color Night Vision | - Night Vision - Motion activtation - Wired set up | $ | ||
Vikeri Mini Trail Camera | -Night vision -motion activation -no live feed - No wire set up | $ | ||
Zmodo Outdoor Security Camera Wireless | - easy to use but need to be plugged in -night vision and motion sensing | $$ |
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Chicken Coop Cameras
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best camera for a chicken coop. Ultimately you will need to decide which factors are most important and which factors are in your budget. This will likely depend on whether you are currently experiencing a problem, are simply curious, or simply want to know what’s going on in your coop.
- Weather resistance and durability: It’s important to choose a chicken coop camera that can withstand various weather conditions and is durable. You may want to decide where you will put your camera and how protected it will be before you purchase your camera.
- Video quality and resolution: Opt for a camera with high video quality and resolution to ensure clear and detailed footage.
- Night vision capabilities: Look for a camera equipped with night vision technology to monitor your chicken coop in low-light or nighttime conditions. Most chicken coop cameras have either an activated light or night vision capabilities.
- Motion detection and alerts: Consider a camera that offers motion detection and alert features, so you can be notified of any unusual activity in the chicken coop. We found that you will need to experiment with this a bit.
- Wireless connectivity and range: Check for wireless cameras with reliable connectivity and an adequate range to ensure seamless monitoring without signal disruptions. If you are putting the camera on or near your house, you can also consider a wired camera. You can see more about the different options in the next section.
- Mobile app and remote monitoring: Choose a camera that offers a mobile app and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to access live feeds and recordings from your smartphone or computer. This makes monitoring your coop much easier.
- Two-way audio communication: Consider a camera with two-way audio communication functionality, enabling you to listen to sounds from the chicken coop and communicate with anyone nearby. In our opinion, this is an optional feature and one we didn’t really look for, but it could be a benefit depending on your situation. Two way communication can be used to scare off an animal in your coop.
- Subscription Service: Some of the cameras require a subscription service to run live video. Pay attention to whether this is required or only necessary for advanced features.
Types of Chicken Coop Cameras
In general, there are 3 types of chicken coop cameras in terms of their set up – wired cameras, wireless cameras, and solar powered cameras. Below you can see the pros and cons of each of the options.
Wired Cameras
Pros:
- Reliable and consistent power source: Wired cameras are powered by a direct electrical connection, ensuring a constant power supply.
- Stable and secure connection: Wired cameras typically offer a more stable and secure connection compared to wireless cameras.
- Higher video quality: With a wired connection, you can often achieve higher video quality and resolution.
Cons:
- Installation complexity: Setting up wired cameras can be more challenging and time-consuming due to the need for running cables and ensuring proper wiring.
- Limited flexibility: Once installed, wired cameras are not easily moved or repositioned without rewiring.
- Potential for damage: The cables of wired cameras can be susceptible to damage from environmental factors or pests.
Wireless Cameras
Pros:
- Easy installation: Wireless cameras require minimal setup and are easier to install since they don’t require extensive wiring.
- Flexibility and portability: Wireless cameras can be easily moved or repositioned without the need for rewiring, providing more flexibility.
- Wide range of options: There is a wide variety of wireless cameras available, offering different features, connectivity options, and price points.
Cons:
- Limited range and signal interference: Wireless cameras rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection, which can be limited by range and prone to signal interference.
- Power source requirements: Wireless cameras still require a power source, which means you may need to consider battery life or access to electrical outlets.
- Potential for connectivity issues: Depending on your Wi-Fi network setup, there may be instances of connectivity issues or lag in live streaming.
Solar-Powered Cameras
Pros:
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly: Solar-powered cameras rely on renewable energy, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact.
- Remote placement options: Solar-powered cameras can be installed in remote locations without the need for a direct power source, offering more flexibility in placement.
- Continuous operation: With sufficient sunlight, solar-powered cameras can operate continuously without the need for battery replacements or charging.
Cons:
- Sunlight dependency: Solar-powered cameras require adequate sunlight exposure to function optimally. Reduced sunlight or cloudy weather can affect their performance.
- Initial setup and cost: Solar-powered cameras may have a higher upfront cost compared to wired or wireless options due to the inclusion of solar panels and battery systems.
- Limited functionality during low light conditions: While some solar-powered cameras offer night vision capabilities, their performance may be limited compared to cameras with dedicated power sources.
Top Chicken Coop Cameras
Blink Outdoor – wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera
This Blink camera is a great choice and comes with many features all for a good price. The camera offers a long battery life, wireless technology, excellent 2 way communication and motion detection technology. This is the best chicken coop camera option for most people.
Pros
- Incredible battery life
- 2 way communication
- Easy Wireless Setup
- Excellent video
Cons
- Limited range of view (110 degrees) this can be a negative depending on the set up in your coop
- Not great night vision video – this is one of the prime times you want to be able to see inside your coop
Ring Spotlight Camera
This is an excellent camera with many uses from home surveillance to pet care. This camera is easy to set up and sensitive enough to detect animal motion. The camera pair with your phone or other device to give you alerts and updates. You can activate the siren and light that goes off on the camera which can be a good deterrent for animals in the coop. This camera also can have a solar panel hooked up to recharge the battery.
Pros
- Excellent video
- Siren and light on the camera to scare off predators
- Integrates with Alexa
- Has a good replacement plan
Cons
- Does not record video unless you add additional plan
- Some of the features only come with a subscription plan
WYZE Cam v3 with Color Night Vision
This is an excellent and less expensive option for a chicken coop camera. The camera has great night vision and motion alert that can go straight to your phone. This is a wired camera and set up is a bit more complicated than some of the other cameras and truly the biggest con for using it on a chicken coop. Works best for coops that are close to your house or mounted on your house pointing towards your coop.
Pros
- Great night vision
- Motion detection
- Live feed to your phone
Cons
- Must connect to a wire so more difficult to install
- Not great sound quality
Vikeri Mini Trail Camera
This is a more traditional trail camera that makes a great chicken coop camera as well. The camera has excellent video quality with no power light making it a stealth camera. With both night vision and motion detection this is a solid camera that is incredibly easy to set up. The photos and video are saved on the memory card and don’t upload live.
This effective and quality camera gets the job done.
Pros
- Sturdy, reliable and waterproof
- Night vision and motion detection
- Great video quality
Cons
- No live feed
- 120 degree view so may miss some things depending on set up
Zmodo Outdoor Security Camera Wireless
This is a good option and it comes with 2 cameras. While it is wireless and can send video to your phone, it still need to be plugged in. This camera is very easy to use and set up. The video quality is not as good as some of the other cameras on this list, but you get motion detection and good night vision. If you have a place where you can plug this camera in, this is our top choice for a well priced chicken coop camera.
Pros
- Easy Set up
- Feed to your phone and pairs with Alexa
- Night vision
- Motion sensor
Cons
- Not the best video quality
- Need a power source
Other Good Cameras to Consider:
How to Set Up a Chicken Coop Camera System
When it comes to installing the best chicken coop cameras, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, camera placement and angle are crucial for capturing clear footage of your chickens. Optimal positioning is typically at eye level, providing a comprehensive view of the coop. Each camera comes with a different view range, so important to point the camera in the best direction.
Secondly, consider your power source. Whether you choose a wired or wireless camera, ensure a reliable and convenient power supply is available near the coop. Wireless setup and connectivity make installation hassle-free and allow you to access the live feed remotely. You should still consider how you will access the camera to change the batteries.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of testing and troubleshooting your camera system. Check the video quality, adjust angles if necessary, and address any connectivity issues promptly. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to setting up an efficient and effective chicken coop camera system.
Tips for Maximizing the Use of Chicken Coop Cameras
To make the most out of your chicken coop cameras, there are several tips that can help you maximize their use.
- Regularly check the positioning and focus of your cameras to ensure they capture the desired areas effectively. Over time, environmental factors or accidental movements may shift the cameras, so periodic adjustments are necessary.
- Keep the lenses clean and free from obstructions such as dirt or cobwebs. A clear lens ensures clear footage, allowing you to monitor your chickens with accuracy.
- Make it a habit to review and analyze the recorded footage regularly. This can help you identify any abnormalities or potential issues within the coop, allowing you to take timely action.
- Utilize motion detection zones effectively. Set up the zones strategically to focus on specific areas where movement is most likely to occur. This helps reduce false alerts and ensures you don’t miss any important events. This will depend a bit on your specific camera.
- Consider integrating your chicken coop camera system with other smart home devices. This can enable seamless automation, such as receiving notifications on your smartphone when motion is detected or even controlling the camera system through voice commands. By following these tips, you’ll enhance the functionality and usefulness of your chicken coop cameras.
Summary of the Best Chicken Coop Camera
To wrap up, the 5 chicken coop cameras in this post offer a range of options that will work for most coop set ups. The cost of a camera is generally worth it when you balance this against the loss of your hens. These cameras are also excellent choices for monitoring other parts of your yard to determine other visitors. Consider using your camera to monitor your vegetable garden, sheep or goat pasture, ducks and more.
