Question: door latch

[annabelle08]

I recently obtained and installed a gate latch for the door to my new chicken coop, the problem is:
It locks itself when I close the door. How can I stop this from happening when I enter the coop?

 

[staceyj]

Got an answer for you.
Give me a minute to find a picture !

 

[staceyj]

On the inside there's a ring to keep the chain from slipping out.

 

[Squishychicken]

tie a string to the opposite side so you can unlock it from the inside

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nationa...Gate-Latch-V1131-SLIDE-BOLT-LATCH-S/203359560

I like this kind.

Yes I had the self latching on the run. Yes I trapped myself once.....or twice.

Stacey's solution is great for the one you already have.

 

[aart]

I recently obtained and installed a gate latch for the door to my new chicken coop, the problem is:
It locks itself when I close the door. How can I stop this from happening when I enter the coop?

If it's the kind of latch stacyj had posted a solution for...great!
I would not use that type of latch, even with the solution.
I use the type 12hic linked and a screen door spring for auto-closing.

 

[21hens-incharge]

If it's the kind of latch stacyj had posted a solution for...great!
I would not use that type of latch, even with the solution.
I use the type 12hic linked and a screen door spring for auto-closing.

YES to the screen door springs! They save me worry about did I or didn't I latch that door.

 

[annabelle08]

Got an answer for you.
Give me a minute to find a picture !

 

[annabelle08]

JUST SAW YOUR PICTURE, AND THAT IS THE KIND OF LATCH I HAVE. GREAT IDEA, THANKS STACEYJ. i ALSO HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION. IT HAS BEEN UNGODLY COLD HERE AND i HAVE A TYPICAL NESTING BOX WITH A LID THAT LIFTS OPEN TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE COOP. ALL SIX OF THE HENS SLEEP IN THE 2 NEST BOX, ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. i'M AFRAID THEY MIGHT SMOTHER EACH OTHER. I'VE USED 5/8 IN PLYWOOD TO BUILD THE COOP AND USE PINE SHAVINGS IN THE NEST BOXES.

 

[staceyj]

When you get a chance please update your profile to include a general location. You'll noticethat lots of BYC folks do that. Tap on a person's avatar and generally it'll say a location.
It's really helpful, especially in an emergency because often answers given are based on weather conditions.
I don't think it's likely that they would smother each other , do you have room for more nesting boxes? At least they could spread out a bit until the cold spell passes.