Can a raccoon turn a deadbolt?

[SplendidDogFeet]

I was thinking of installing the lock on the coop/shed door reversed so that I wouldn't have to use a key, but would a raccoon turn the deadbolt? I definitely don't want that.

 

[TooCheep]

As you know raccoons can be very clever. The rule I heard was that you want a solution that takes 2 steps to open, so if you have a simple twist latch to open the deadbolt, I'd be concerned.

I've been using simple barrel (turn and slide) bolts to protect my coop/run and haven't had a problem in 7 years.

 

[TexasBlues]

Anything’s possible, but I would think not. 2 different latches might help if he gets through one. I have a simple eye/hook latch and an old fashioned pivoting wooden latch.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I was thinking of installing the lock on the coop/shed door reversed so that I wouldn't have to use a key, but would a raccoon turn the deadbolt? I definitely don't want that.

Not sure, but I once saw a chicken open a simple hook latch.

 

[Tonyroo]

Using a dead bolt will work, just place it a foot higher than a raccoon's height. Which is around 3 1/2 to 4 feet high from the ground.

They can turn knobs and dead bolts. There hands are similar to ours for gripping.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Yes they can. I have horses undo latches and they don’t even have hands. A raccoon certainly is smart enough and has the fingers to do it.

 

[SplendidDogFeet]

It's regular door hardware height. I'll just put the locks the regular way and hang the key out there. Thanks everybody!