Need help with latches

[Lesabrowning]

Here is a picture of my unfinished coop. Look at the door to see what David61 and I are saying to do

Why did I not think of this??

 

[black_cat]

I thought it was a 3-year-old. Either way, whoever is making these rules up, has never had kids.

A hasp with a carabiner through it is enough to stop a raccoon. Can be opened by both a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old just fine.

Good point, I've never had a three year old, so what do I know? I'm just quoting what I've heard

 

[K0k0shka]

Good point, I've never had a three year old, so what do I know? I'm just quoting what I've heard

I have one of each right now, and I can assure you that they are quite capable. More than is convenient for the parents, unfortunately.

 

[K0k0shka]

Here’s what I have on all 3 doors (human coop door, chicken coop door, and run door). I also have hook and eye latches on all doors to keep them open if/when I need to.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I use hook and eye on non-flush doors, because they are a convenient way to latch them open (one hook on the door, multiple eyes - one for closed, another for open). Also, my heavy doors (egg door, etc), hinge downwards, so there is no chance of them falling on my hands due to high wind or a failure to properly latch them.

The bolt and carabiner / hasp and carabiner designs are similar to what I have on my barn doors, and work great.

I have a flush "window", also downward opening/folding and backed by hardware cloth, which use a butterfly latch on either side, with the expectation that they are both floating at a non-accessible height and far enough apart that no critter will operate them but the two legged kind.

 

[David61]

I keep my door sprung. Sprung as in you have to push it shut really hard to get the latch to line up. This way the latch can't be moved with a hammer unless you push in and release the pressure. I use my knee. I also put the latch and hardware on before I put the trim wood on. Hard for little coon hands to find. 1/8" space between metal striker plates..