Advice on locks for doors to keep out coons

[Dragonfly Ranch]

As you can see we have a solid wood door for the coop. However, the frame is not exactly right and the door wants to pop open just enough that we're sure a clever coon could get it open. We even slam it shut and it still pops open just enough to release the latch. Our question what are your suggestions for the best type of lock and where to place it - we would assume higher rather than lower.

 

[wendid1]

I use the locks that has a piece on the door and the frame and a metal bar that you pull up slide over and then pull down. I'm not sure the real name but i call them sliding locks. The cost like 2 buck a pop and I have on on the top and bottom of the door. We have a lot of coons around here and they haven't figured how to unlock the coop yet.

 

[horsejody]

If the door is loose put a latch at the top and the bottom. Coons can sometimes pull the bottom of the door open and get in even if the top is latched. BTW when choosing a latch, if a prescholer can open it, so can a coon.

 

[Attack Chicken]

Wow! What a nice coop! If you already have a door knob there why not but a bolt lock that you use on your own house doors? I would love to have that coop!

 

[cmjust0]

I'd try to align that doorknob first, but if that doesn't work, you might try a swivel safety hasp.

Opposable thumbs are required, as you have to be able to grasp and turn the swiveling part between the thumb and index finger to open it. If the raccoons in your area have opposable thumbs, you can always put a lock on it.

Your local extension agent can tell you for sure whether your local strain of raccoons have opposable thumbs or not, but if you see any of them dealing blackjack or using convention fishing tackle, they probably do.

 

[ChanceRider]

Quote:
We have a very large, and unrelenting raccoon population where we live so I was going to recommend the same thing we use on our coops. BUT, cmjust0 recommended the same hasps I use, but with much more humor!

I use two for each door, one at the top and the other at the bottom of each door. And I put a carabiner through the swivel part of the hasp. Haven't had a 'coon open a door yet.... :::: running to find wood to knock on ::::

 

[mediazeal]

I got these at Home Depot.
If you get more than one, make sure the numbers on the keys are all the same so one key will open all the locks. I have two on the door and one on the eggbox. I have another one for a pop door when I put one in.

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
Thanks for the early morning laugh and thanks to everyone for all the great advice. I got two safety hasp type latches and luggage combination type locks. Think all set the code at 666 to give them a clue not to mess with us! Going to adjust the door knob and install locks today.