Coop Locks ?

[Ellagrace]

Why does everyone use key locks on their coops? I understand using locks to keep the predators out, but can’t a chain clip be used? I am finishing my coop up this weekend and don’t know which way I want to lock my coop up?

 

[The Yakima Kid]

Some of us have to worry about two-legged predators. The other problem is that any latch a toddler can undo a raccoon can undo.

 

[Zahboo]

I have humans that think it's funny to kill the rooster, and pesky neighborhood kids can be a concern.

Predators, people, and because we build their homes better than our house ")

 

[JLS]

I use mine to keep people out of my coop. It's safer for me & my chickens.

I truely believe that a lot of people have become cold and calculating. Some people will watch & target individuals to do harm. When we have a schedule, as all of us chicken keepers do, involving early morning and late evening trips to the coop...it can potentially create an unsafe situation.

The world is changing far too quickly and mostly for the worst. Safety first - convenience second.

 

[SparksNV]

I used key locks I bought from dollar tree. I keep one set of keys on the coop and one set in my house. I color coded the keys and locks with different colored nail polish (benefit of having 2 daughters!) My nesting box is an old cabinet (found it - free!) then I bought a short piece of chain, 2 eye hooks and a lock to close it up secure.

You can see the lock on the people door in the background to the right.

 

[grendel]

Roaming packs of teenagers are the worst predators.Some try to impress their friends by maiming chickens or setting them loose.Locks work

 

[mrbstephens]

Raccoons can open just about every latch. As far as I know they won't figure out that the key hanging next to the door, when put into the lock and turned, will open it.

 

[bigoakhunter]

I use hasps that once closed can be turned sideways, with a clasp through the hole. I don't have peopl issues, only predators. It takes 3-4 actions to undue this set, up. Yet I can do it in 2-3 seconds.

If you look at the 2nd picture on my BYC page it shows a picture of the set-up. Most any hardware or Home Depot, TSC has them. I think they are called turnable safety hasps.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I use key locks because they were cheap, available and effective. I'm not worried about human predators, so I don't hide the key away.

 

[33yardbirds]

Those wasklely Racoons can do some amazing things with those little digits. Some people have no respect for private property and just walk over and into your coop and run area. Where I live it is just furry varmits. Both run and Coop are hasped and padlocked for the birds protection.