Gate to the run... Open in? Or open out? Does it matter?

[Tigertrea]

many, many years ago with my dogs I learned a door that opens in helps to "contain" critters much better than one that opens out especially at feeding times when they want to "attack" you before you can even get in the door. I "faster" to close the door without hurting anybody also if they do try to get out.

Somebody mentioned hurting toes of the chickens if it opens in. A solution for this is to have the door a few inches higher than the floor of the coop. I put a 6" piece of plywood at floor level then built the door from the top of the 6". Not only does it protect their feet but, it also provides room for a build up of bedding in the coop and of "stuff" in the run (food scraps, bedding, compost). My run door will actually open either way I can't remember the last time I pulled it open though.

When I go into the run or coop I can herd the chickens away from the door using the door itself as I step in. When I'm changing up water/food I can easily use the feeder/waterer to block escapees. I think that if it opened out I'd have to open the door further before using my leg or whatever I'm carrying to block the opening and I'd have more escapes. So far I have had one. I was getting too complacent and one of my hens took advantage of the situation.

But, all in all I think it is personal preference. I know with my dog kennels I'll never have doors that swing out ever again. It is just much easier for me and safer for the dogs.

 

[MyLittleRedCoop]

same here, but i also added molding so the door cannot be forced the wrong way as in a preditor. and the spring keeps me from needing a second hand to close the door.

PS careful with the latch. it is easy fro the door to slam and the slide bolt to shut just enough to lock you in. a cell phone comes in handy, we have learned and now use a brass snap to LOCK THE BOLT OPEN.

RobertH

I totally laughed when I saw this!!
So, just tonight, my Hubby put the new gate/door (a wooden one from Menards, reinforced with metal fabric) into the frame he made for the run, and asked about the next item up on the plate of decisions: Latches. I knew that one little hook and eye wasn't going to cut it. He suggested putting in one of those drop-down bolts. My first thought was that it might freeze up in the winter, (we live in Mn) especially with it pointing down. It never even occured to me that I could get locked in!! Hmmm... May need to re-think that one! Because, knowing me, if it's ridiculous and even remotely possible, it will happen.
If people have thoughts on latch styles and their effectiveness in snowy, cold climates, that would be great!
What about either a gate latch?


or a locking hasp?


Oh, and we went with opening IN. Mostly because pretty much our entire property is on a slope, and it turns out that the hill was in the way...

We're going to put stops in along the opening side and corners. So hopefully that will take care of any critters trying to get in... And we put a spring on it, as suggested! Tried it out and it's awesome! Except that we need one more handle for the inside. Lol. And the aforementioned latch.

I actually posted this before, but messed up on the tagging of the thread... Lol. Still learning.

 

[PaPa Charlie]

Each to his own preferences, but I built a "Mister Ed door" so I don't have to open the whole door.



Charlie

 

[Going Bhonkers]

Each to his own preferences, but I built a "Mister Ed door" so I don't have to open the whole door.



Charlie

What are the benefits of having only the top open up?