Crack in Run Door

[s_table]

We get our first set of chicks later this month and we just finished building the coop. The door leading into the run has a lock at the top, but I noticed that the bottom can still be pulled out just a bit. Should I try to do anything about this? My biggest concern is snakes

 

[deidreg]

Short answer: Yes.

Looks like you've done a good job with hardware cloth so you don't want the door crack be the weak point. Looking at it, my first thought is to get a sliding bolt lock to hold the door and frame together at the bottom.

 

[s_table]

Short answer: Yes.

Looks like you've done a good job with hardware cloth so you don't want the door crack be the weak point. Looking at it, my first thought is to get a sliding bolt lock to hold the door and frame together at the bottom.

I’m so glad you said that! I just picked one up today but was questioning if it was worth installing. Thanks for the confirmation!

 

[3KillerBs]

Short answer: Yes.

Looks like you've done a good job with hardware cloth so you don't want the door crack be the weak point. Looking at it, my first thought is to get a sliding bolt lock to hold the door and frame together at the bottom.

Yes, this.

Double latches make the door more secure anyway.

 

[Doug in NY]

I like this style of latch more than barrel latches. I think as things settle they are more flexible.

I also like double latches on the doors, one about 1/3 up from the floor and the second about 2/3 up from the floor. I think that this spreads the load and makes the door stay closed better.

 

[Callender Girl]

When I use the hook-and-eye type latches, I like the ones that have the extra "safety" piece on the hook that slides across the eye when it's closed. I doubt it's necessary for anything except preventing raccoons -- with their nimble little fingers -- from lifting the hook off the eye.

And, I agree that hook latches are always a good idea. Most of my coops have both a horizontal sliding latch at the side of the door and a vertical one at the top.

Good work with your hardware cloth!