Show me your hatch latch!

[Maligator]

Hello BYC!

I am looking for ideas on a hatch door latch/lock for my coop. I rigged up a DIY hook and eyelet system out of some sturdy wire but I went out one morning to find the hatch door unhooked. Not good! I don't want a critter to be able to pull the door open, so I am looking for ideas, either DIY or store bought that will keep my hatch door secure when open and closed. I don't want anything that can snag their toenails, toes, or feet, though. Anything I can think of has potential to snag a chicken foot. I have already had one chicken get caught up in something and I would feel terrible if a pullet got stuck and I couldn't get to her until later.

In any event, what do you guys use to secure your hatch doors?!

 

[Wrooster]

Our door is hinged at the top and swings up. When it's down I stick a fiberglass arrow shaft through a hole drilled in the frame around the door and a hole in the door itself. The door is inside the wire and I'm outside the wire so I couldn't reach a hook without going in. The arrow shaft was free (found under a tree).

You can get an inexpensive hook that has a spring-loaded sleeve over it that must be pulled back to remove it from the eye. Raccoon-proof (they tell me).

 

[MiaHudy]

I use 2 slide bolts on my door, and tool box type latches on my nest box.

 

[JanetS]

This is the lock we use.

 

[Wrooster]

I use 2 slide bolts on my door....

I've heard that a motivated, street-wise raccoon can open a basic slide bolt. Don't know from my own experience. They aren't going to get past those carabiners, though!!

 

[MiaHudy]

I've heard that a motivated, street-wise raccoon can open a basic slide bolt. Don't know from my own experience. They aren't going to get past those carabiners, though!!

Raccoons hate pink..

I need to improve the small hook latch on the upper part, going to use one of these fold over latches but of course bought the wrong size. Gives me something to do tomorrow.

 

[nikki1]

Raccoons hate pink..

I need to improve the small hook latch on the upper part, going to use one of these fold over latches but of course bought the wrong size. Gives me something to do tomorrow.

I have this same hardware with a padlock to latch it. After looking at all the options, it was the only thing I was SURE was raccoon proof. I got a 4-pack at Home Depot that all work off the same key. One key hangs on a lanyard at the coop, the other is on my keychain. I use the 4 locks to close my "people door," the run door, and both egg hatches.

--Nikki

 

[Maligator]

Raccoons hate pink..

I need to improve the small hook latch on the upper part, going to use one of these fold over latches but of course bought the wrong size. Gives me something to do tomorrow.

Oo, I like this! I was actually thinking of something like this myself but was worried about toes getting stuck in the hinge portion. It would work if I just put the smaller part on the bottom of the door where they step up to get in. I like it!

 

[aart]

Here's one I saw on another thread

 

[MoonShadows]

Everbilt Black Heavy Duty Gate Slide Bolt Latch
Home Depot $7.98