Preadator-proof latches??? Advice wanted!

[arwmommy]

Hello everyone!
We are going to be building a coop soon and wanted to get your thoughts on a latch for the door as well as for the nest box access that will be preadator-proof! What should we use???? If you have a photo, that would be helpful, too! Thanks so much
Leanna

 

[Smoky73]

I use alot of the snap clips, they sell them at like home depot at the registers alot, we use them for our key rings to clip to our belt loop? Usually colored? Anyway, Those are pretty well predator proof.
We have these latches on our breeding pen gates that can only be opened from the outside. So, if we are in the run, I had to figure out a way to allow my husband to get his hand through the welded wire gate without allowing predators a free access through the opening. The solution was one of those snap clips on another piece of welded wire over the hole. It is fastened together (the two welded wire pieces) with zip ties, and then secured so the wire flap can be opened when the clip is undone. I realize this sounds complicated. I will post a pic later when I get home in about an hour.

 

[mudhen]

Racoons don't figure those out? I use those for my keys too, but I think a racoon is pretty dexterous. I like the standard clips that have the spring button you slide down and hold while removing. Seems that is a little more complicated for them?
JMO

 

[Smoky73]

Well, I dunno, I would think it would be difficult for a raccoon to open up one of those clips with one paw, while hanging on to the gate with the other paw?
I personally don't have a problem here with raccoons though, usually skunks...LOL.

 

[mudhen]

Well, skunks for sure can't open them!

When I lived in California, there was a (or maybe more than one ? ) racoon than had figured how to open the stable door, one of those lift and slide bolts, to get to the feed.
We had a little fridge in there (for meds, carrots, sodas, etc)
and the little bugger would steal whatever he wanted (just the food, he left the meds and sodas! )
In the mornings we'd find the doors open....stable and fridge.
We let the dog sleep in the feed room for a couple of nights and he never came back...

 

[allen wranch]

I use padlocks with keys. I think it is about the only thing a raccoon can't manipulate. I used to use carabineers, but didn't trust them.