Cameras for Chicken Coops: In-Depth Buyer’s Guide for 2024

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Chicken keepers like their chickens. They like watching them. They like making sure they’re safe.

But how do you do that if you don’t have the time to sit on your porch and watch your flock all day and all night?

That’s where chicken coop cameras come in. 

Think of them as your eyes when you’re not around. I’ve gone deep on the research for several options, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned.

Now, let’s find the perfect camera for your coop.

The Basics of Chicken Coop Cameras

Let’s start simple. What are chicken coop cameras? They’re your eyes inside the coop. Cameras designed to monitor your chickens day and night.

Key Features to Look For

• Night vision. Chickens are vulnerable at night. Cameras with night vision let you spot any trouble after dark.
• Weatherproof. Coops are outdoors. You need a camera that can handle rain, wind, or snow.
• Motion detection. Get alerts when there’s movement. It’s handy to track predators or check if your chickens are active.
• Easy to install. You want a camera that’s simple to set up. No complicated wiring or tools.
• Remote access. Check on your chickens from anywhere. A camera with an app or web access is a must.

Think about what matters to you. Is it security? Watching chicken behavior? Or both? Your needs will guide your choice.

Who Needs a Chicken Coop Camera?

Wondering if a coop camera is for you? Here’s who benefits the most:

• Nighttime worriers. If you’re losing sleep over what happens in your coop at night, a camera with night vision is your peace of mind.
• Busy chicken keepers. Can’t always be around? The right chicken coop camera lets you check in on your flock anytime, anywhere.
• Data lovers. Interested in your chickens’ behavior? Cameras can help you understand their patterns and needs.
• Security seekers. Worried about predators or trespassers? A camera with motion detection can alert you to unexpected visitors.
• Tech-savvy chicken farmers. Love gadgets? A high-tech camera can be a fun and useful addition to your coop.

Think about your chicken-keeping lifestyle. Your unique challenges and interests will point you to the right camera.

Quick Comparison: Best Chicken Coop Cameras

All right — here are the coop cameras I’ve done a deep dive on. 

I won’t reveal which one I personally use here because I don’t want to unfairly influence your decision. But I believe each of these options can be the right fit for most chicken keepers:

Camera Model	Best For	Power Source	Audio	Notable Features	Price
ieGeek Solar Security Camera	Outdoor Security and Tech-Savvy Chicken Keepers	Solar-powered	Yes	2K resolution, AI & PIR motion detection, Free cloud storage, Compatible with Alexa	Check Price
WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera	Budget-Conscious Keepers, Predator Monitoring	4 AA batteries	No	24MP photos, 1080P videos, Night vision, Easy setup, Excellent battery life	Check Price
eudic Security Camera	Optimal Chicken Coop Monitoring and Outdoor Security	Wired	Yes	1080P with color night vision, 360° tracking, Dual-band WiFi, Free cloud storage, Two-way audio	Check Price
Poyasilon Wireless Camera	Chicken Coop Monitoring	Solar-powered with battery backup	Yes	3MP FHD resolution, Color night vision, AI motion detection, Spotlight, Siren, Strobe light, IP66 waterproof	Check Price

In-Depth Reviews: Top Chicken Coop Cameras

Looking for more detail? Here are my in-depth reviews of each of these camera options:

ieGeek Solar Security Camera

Best for: Outdoor Security and Tech-Savvy Chicken Keepers

Looking for a reliable camera to keep an eye on your outdoor spaces, including your chicken coop? The ieGeek Solar Security Camera might just be what you need. 

Here’s my take on it:

• Build quality. This camera is a solid piece of equipment. Its durability is impressive enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to keep it outside in a Minnesota winter. 
• Picture quality. With 2K resolution, the ieGeek doesn’t compromise on image clarity. Day or night, the visuals are crisp and clear. The night vision is a standout, capturing detailed footage in low light, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring.
• Installation and use. Setting up the ieGeek camera is straightforward — it’s wireless and solar-powered, which means no hassle with cables. The wireless setup is a breeze, and its compatibility with Alexa adds a modern touch for those who love integrating tech into their daily lives.
• AI & PIR motion detection. The AI motion detection is a game-changer. It minimizes false alarms and notifies you of any activity. There’s really no better way of keeping an eye on your chickens.
• App experience. While the camera itself is top-notch, the app needs some improvement. Users have reported frustrations with the app’s functionality, especially when adjusting more advanced settings.

Pros:

• Excellent build and picture quality.
• Easy and quick installation.
• Solar-powered (eco-friendly).
• AI motion detection reduces false alarms.
• Free cloud storage for short clips.

Cons:

• The app can be challenging to navigate for advanced features.
• Motion sensor range is limited to 33 feet.

Check Price

WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera

Best for: Budget-Conscious Chicken Keepers Seeking Predator Monitoring

The WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera is a standout choice if you’re after an affordable, effective way to keep tabs on nocturnal predators near your chicken coop. 

Here’s my detailed assessment:

• Build quality. Lightweight yet sturdy, this camera is perfect for discreet placement. Despite its small size, it feels robust enough to withstand outdoor conditions. However, the on/off switch is a weak point. I didn’t personally experience it, but some reviewers said the switch broke for them.
• Picture quality. The 24MP photos and 1080P videos are surprisingly clear for a camera in this price range. Night vision is a strong suit, offering detailed images in low light, which is crucial for monitoring predator activity.
• Ease of use. Setting it up is a breeze. The camera is wireless and requires only 4 AA batteries, making it low-maintenance and easy to install. You can adjust its height based on the size of the animals you’re tracking.
• Battery life. It impresses with its low power consumption. It’s not unreasonable to capture thousands of images on a single set of batteries. In other words, it’s ideal for long-term monitoring without constant battery swaps.
• Functionality. While it excels in capturing images and videos, it lacks sound recording. This might not be a dealbreaker for predator monitoring but is worth noting.

Pros:

• High-quality images and videos at a budget-friendly price.
• Compact and easy to hide for discreet monitoring.
• Simple setup and operation.
• Excellent battery life.

Cons:

• Fragile on/off switch prone to breaking.
• No audio recording in videos.
• The motion sensor range could be limited.

Check Price

eudic Security Camera Review

Best for: Optimal Chicken Coop Monitoring and Outdoor Security

The eudic Security Camera offers a blend of traditional and advanced features. The first thing you’ll notice: The package includes two cameras. For me, that’s a big deal because I like multiple angles. 

Like the others in this list, these cameras are not specifically marketed for monitoring chicken coops but actually do really well in outdoor coop settings.

Here’s more information on this chicken coop camera:

• Dual-band WiFi connectivity. Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, ensuring reliable and fast connection options.
• Effortless installation. The camera setup is straightforward and quick. All you need is a power source and a QR code scan for initialization. (If the power source is an issue, you’ll want to go with option 1 above — it’s solar.)
• Free cloud storage. Offers 18 months of cloud storage — a lot more than any competitors I’ve come across.
• Motion detection and auto tracking. One thing I love about this camera is that it’s equipped with 360° tracking capabilities, in addition to standard motion detection.
• Color night vision and 1080p. High-quality video output, both during day and night, enhances visibility and detail in recorded footage. Keep in mind that color night vision is rarer.
• App control. The accompanying app is intuitive. It makes for easy control and monitoring.

Pros:

• Dual WiFi compatibility.
• Easy installation.
• Generous cloud storage.
• Advanced surveillance features.
• Intuitive app control.

Cons:

• Overly sensitive motion detection in some scenarios.
• Limited field of view.
• No option to disable motion detection.

Check Price

Poyasilon Wireless Camera

Best for: High-quality images and night vision

As an experienced chicken keeper, I’ve tested the Poyasilon Wireless Camera specifically for monitoring chicken coops, and it’s a game changer. Here’s a detailed review:

• Solar power efficiency. The high conversion rate solar panel and the 9000mAh battery make this camera ideal for remote coop locations. Its auto power-on feature ensures continuous operation without manual charging, which is a huge plus in managing a chicken coop.
• Image quality and night vision. The 3MP FHD resolution provides crisp images, essential for monitoring the health and behavior of chickens. The color night vision impressed me. This camera allows clear visibility of nocturnal activities or predators, ensuring your chickens are safe 24/7.
• Motion detection and security features. The AI motion detection is adept at alerting to any unusual movement around the coop, like predators or trespassers. The spotlight, siren, and strobe light are excellent deterrents, though you might find the siren a bit stressful for the chickens.
• Connectivity and storage. The enhanced WiFi antenna ensures a stable connection, which is crucial for remote coop locations. The dual storage options (SD card or cloud) are convenient, providing flexibility in data management.
• Ease of installation and use. The camera is straightforward to install, and the VicoHome app is user-friendly (but keep in mind I’m moderately tech-savvy and use a fairly new smartphone). Multi-user sharing is another valuable feature if you want extra eyes on your flock.
• Durability and weather resistance. The IP66 waterproof grade is a significant advantage over similar models. In all but the driest outdoor settings, this is going to be a biggie.
• Connectivity limitations. It only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and is tied to the VicoHome app, which could be a downside if you have different preferences or needs.

Pros:

• Solar-powered with auto power-on.
• Excellent FHD image quality and color night vision.
• Effective AI motion detection with security alerts.
• Easy installation and user-friendly app.
• Durable and weather-resistant.

Cons:

• Siren may be stressful for chickens.
• Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and VicoHome app.
• Initial long charging time.

Check Price

Before You Purchase: Key Considerations for Chicken Coop Cameras

When you’re trying to find the right camera for your chicken coop, it’s helpful if you keep a few key considerations in mind. 

This section will guide you through the key aspects to evaluate before making your purchase to ensure you choose a camera that meets your needs and enhances the safety and monitoring of your poultry.

Assessing Your Specific Needs

Purpose and Features

Determine the primary purpose of the camera. Are you looking to monitor the general well-being of your chickens, check for egg production, or ensure their safety from predators? 

Depending on your goal, you may need different features like motion detection, night vision, or a wide-angle lens.

Environmental Conditions

Consider the environmental conditions of your coop. If it’s exposed outdoors, the camera should be weatherproof and capable of functioning in various weather conditions. For coops with some external protection from the elements, factors like dust and humidity levels are important.

Technical Specifications

Image Quality and Night Vision

High-resolution cameras provide clearer images, which are key for identifying issues or threats in the coop. 

And night vision is a must-have feature if you want to monitor your coop after dark, as many predators are nocturnal.

Connectivity Options

Evaluate the connectivity options. Do you prefer a wired or wireless camera? Wireless cameras offer more flexibility in placement but need a strong WiFi signal. Consider the range and reliability of the camera’s connection to your home network (or portable WiFi device).

Budget and Additional Costs

Price Range

Chicken coop cameras come in various price ranges. Set a realistic budget while considering the features you need. 

More advanced features like high-definition video and cloud storage often come with a higher price tag. For example, cloud storage is often free for a while but then requires a monthly fee.

Ongoing Expenses

Consider any ongoing expenses, such as subscriptions for cloud storage or additional accessories like mounting hardware or protective housings.

Installation and Maintenance

Ease of Installation

Look for a camera that you can easily install yourself. Consider the power source and whether you’ll need to run cables to the coop. (And consult a certified electrician if you’re unfamiliar with how to do all of this.)

Maintenance Requirements

Evaluate the maintenance needs of the camera. How easy is it to clean or service? Will you need professional assistance for any maintenance tasks?

Most of the best chicken coop camera options are relatively maintenance-free, but if you go higher-end, you may find yourself actually servicing the device from time to time.