That sounds like an excellent solution. Thank you. It dried out enough today that I was able to close the latches without a hammer tonight, but I'll want to get this done before the next rain storm. Also probably hit it with a coat of sealer to try to keep it from swelling every time it rains.
I recently built a chickshaw but instead of milk crates I built more traditional nest boxes in the same area and added a hinged door to cover the rear opening with a latch to secure it.
That didn't stop the hens from roosting in them overnight but it's certainly more secure and rainproof. I...