New Here, and Building a Coop

[rosemarythyme]

Are you actually saying locks, like padlocks?

Or something like this?

View attachment 4248472

Raccoon could open that. Figure if a toddler could fumble it open, so can they.

A hasp lock with a carabiner would be a better option, or anything else that requires a 2 part movement.

 

[tripletfeb]

Are you actually saying locks, like padlocks?

Or something like this?

View attachment 4248472

We used latches then carabiner clips to make them raccoon proof. Like this

 

[billrigsby]

Raccoon could open that. Figure if a toddler could fumble it open, so can they.

A hasp lock with a carabiner would be a better option, or anything else that requires a 2 part movement.

Okay got it,
you sound like my GF (general foreman) when I was doing tree work at Wright Tree Service,
they would not allow any carabiner
that would not require two motions to open it, if it was supporting a human life, was a bit different for rigging on trees!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Okay got it,
you sound like my GF (general foreman) when I was doing tree work at Wright Tree Service,
they would not allow any carabiner
that would not require two motions to open it, if it was supporting a human life, was a bit different for rigging on trees!

I like locking carabiners, preferably the ones with the screw-close cylinder. My problem with those is finding one slim enough to fit through the hasp of the latch.

We just use a small padlock. This helps defend against human predators as well, I suppose.

 

[billrigsby]

I like locking carabiners, preferably the ones with the screw-close cylinder. My problem with those is finding one slim enough to fit through the hasp of the latch.

We just use a small padlock. This helps defend against human predators as well, I suppose.

Ordered these from Amazon;

 

[McChooky]

At my elevation snakes are kind of a non-existent phenomenon with the exception of maybe garter snakes but I'm yet to see one.
Newbie question but are mice, meaning field mice, never seen a rat here either but are mice and basically rats and actual threat to chickens?
I think from what I've been reading my biggest concern is going to be the raccoons and the fox, I've only seen one I can tell from his markings but I'm sure there's more than one.
Coyotes, I hear them off in the distance never seen one on the property.
I think I've mentioned a bear roamed through the property last year, but based on all the camera angles I caught he wasn't interested in anything around here he was just walking through.
I'll add the hardware cloth on the inside of the coop as an additional deterrent.
Probably also will add some around the base of the chain link run again just as a deterrent.
I appreciate everyone's comments since this is my first go at a chicken coop, fortunately I've got all winter to get this sewn up tight.

Pretend everything is after your chickens because they will be soon as they find that gorgeous red coop full of chickens .They're coming after them! If you don't have a dog the predators will come in droves and hang out day and night.Everything eats chickens even rats n squirrels.I hate to break it to you but you're entering a whole new world.

 

[McChooky]

Any openings larger than 1/2" allows rats,snakes and weasels even squirrels to get inside (they eat eggs,baby chicks and chickens. Openings larger than 3-4" allow raccoons,skunks, possums and foxes. Cats can squeeze thru any openings big as their heads.Coyotes and bob cats can climb or jump a 6 ft fence or higher. Rats are almost impossible to keep out. They eat chicken feed, eggs, baby chicks and kill small chickens.Tunnels allow bigger predators to get inside.They can chew thru wood and concrete.The only thing that'll stop a rat from tunneling inside is a wide or deep apron made of steel mesh buried or covered with dirt after pinning to the ground.