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If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on in your chicken coop after dark or while you’re away, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to catch a crafty predator, monitor egg-laying habits, or simply keep an eye on your feathered family while you’re on vacation, installing a camera in your coop is one of the smartest upgrades a backyard chicken keeper can make
For homesteaders who treat their chickens like beloved pets, a coop camera isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical tool that helps protect your flock and your peace of mind.
We reviewed six different chicken coop cameras and found that the Coop Smart WiFi Chicken Camera was the best option for most chicken keepers. With features like 1080p HD resolution, motion detection, and infrared night vision, it offers excellent visibility and security around the clock.
We selected this camera as our top pick based on several important factors, including video quality, connectivity (such as WiFi capability), night vision functionality, and motion detection sensitivity—key features that help ensure the safety of your flock.
Top 5 cameras for your chicken coop
1. Coop Smart WiFi Chicken Camera
One of the few cameras designed specifically for backyard coops, the Coop Smart WiFi Chicken Camera features 1080p HD resolution, motion detection, and infrared night vision. It connects to a mobile app for live streaming and alerts, and the long-life rechargeable battery and solar panel mean the system is virtually maintenance-free.
2. PEEIPM Wireless Outdoor Solar: Battery Power Camera
A great option for off-grid coops, the PEEIPM camera is solar-powered with a built-in rechargeable battery. With weatherproof housing and app-based control, this camera features motion-triggered alerts, light and audio alarms, and color night vision for detailed footage after dark.
3. ONKO Automatic Chicken Coop Door with Camera
The ONKO system combines two great safety features into one: an automatic coop door and a built-in camera, allowing you to secure and monitor your flock with a single device. It has three power options – battery, solar, and mains – and can be controlled and monitored via an innovative mobile app.
4. VIZIUUY Pan & Tilt 360° WiFi Camera with Color Night Vision
For larger coops and runs, the VIZIUUY camera’s 360° pan and tilt feature facilitates full visual coverage. This weatherproof camera has color night vision and smart motion tracking that sends an alert via a mobile app when unusual activity is detected.
5. WYZE Smart Motion Activated Security Camera
The WYZE security camera can be used for coop monitoring at a budget-conscious price. This motion-activated camera includes a built-in spotlight, color night vision, smart notifications, and even two-way audio should you want to say hello to your flock!
Why do you need a camera in your chicken coop?
The goings on behind your coop door needn’t be a mystery. Here’s how a chicken coop camera can benefit both you and your flock:
Predator detection
If you’re losing chickens to a predator, a camera can help you identify what type of animal is to blame and how they’re accessing the coop. Night vision cameras with motion sensors can also provide real-time alerts, giving you the chance to intervene before disaster strikes.
Monitoring behavior
Coop cameras let you observe what goes on behind closed coop doors, with zero disturbance to your hens. This is a great way to pick up on issues such as bullying, roosting in inappropriate places, or behavioral changes that could indicate stress, illness, or injury. It’s a great way to learn about how your flock interacts when you’re not around!
Troubleshooting problems
Camera footage can solve mysteries like persistent escapees, nighttime squabbles, or coop vandalism. We used a camera to investigate why so many of our eggs were getting broken, and the footage showed three hens repeatedly trying to access the same nesting box at once! Modification of our nesting box area quickly solved the problem, all thanks to some sneaky camerawork.
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring is the main reason why many chicken keepers install a camera in the coop. Modern cameras can be connected to your smartphone, enabling you to live-stream your coop wherever you are.
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What to look for in a good chicken coop camera
There are very few cameras made specifically for chicken coops. Instead, people commonly use home security cameras, trail cams, or pet monitoring cameras because they’re affordable, widely available, and packed with features that can be repurposed for coop use. When shopping around for a chicken coop camera, look for the following features:
Night vision
If you want to monitor your flock after dark when predators are most active, night vision is essential. Infrared (IR) night vision is standard and provides clear black-and-white images without disturbing your birds. Some cameras offer color night vision using low-light sensors or built-in spotlights, but bear in mind that too much light at night can be stressful for your flock.
Motion detection
Motion detection has two advantages – it can save power by only recording when movement is detected, and also alert you to unusual movement that could be a predator.
Power options
Battery-powered cameras are ideal for off-grid setups and remote corners of your property, and many now come with solar panel options for hands-off recharging. If your coop is close to your home or a barn with electricity, plug-in models offer consistent performance without battery maintenance.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
If you want live monitoring of your chicken coop, reliable connectivity is a must. If your home Wi-Fi extends as far as the coop, look for a camera that runs on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Alternatively, a 4G-enabled system will enable you to log into your camera remotely at any time.
Video quality
There’s nothing worse than fuzzy, poor-quality video footage! Choose a camera with 1080p HD resolution or higher to make sure you can clearly see what’s happening in your coop. If your coop is large or you want wide coverage, consider a camera with pan-tilt-zoom features or ultra-high resolution.
Weather resistance
If your camera is to be installed outdoors, pick a weatherproof model with an IP65 or higher rating to withstand rain, dust, and temperature changes. Indoor coop cameras should be able to handle moisture, dust, and the occasional peck from a curious chicken.
Storage options
Local storage via SD card is the cheapest option, but it can fill up quickly. Cloud services often require a monthly subscription, but enable you to access and back up footage remotely.
- Bonus features
Extra features like two-way audio, built-in warning lights or sirens, and smart home integration can make your camera even more functional.
Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
