Smooth Operation Ideas?

[ButtermilkMama]

Here is my coop and run made mostly of reclaimed materials. My four Buff Orp girls moved in last night at eight weeks old. Now that the premises are occupied, I need your help with ideas.

1. What type of latches do you recommend for the doors? (One in front, one in back) The doors are not flush with the coop walls, so a slide latch cannot be attached, for example.

2. How can I arrange to open and close the inside-run coop door without actually entering the run? The run is completely enclosed by chicken wire, including the top.

 

[ColoradoMike]

I use hasps and caribiners to secure my coop doors. Some have cautioned that raccoons can manipulate caribiners, though we've had no problems...

Regarding the pop-door, can you fashion a pulley system? That has worked for us...

 

[Grungybones]

This is what I have on my egg doors, I use tractor cotter pins to secure everything. I was going to use combo locks, but we have the neighbors check on the birds every now and then.

 

[patandchickens]

You *can* use a sliding-type latch (if you want to), just firmly bolt another piece of wood, same thickness as the door, to the wall next to it, so the surfaces are flush when the door is closed, and screw the latch (firmly) into THAT

I would recommend using some form of latch that can be clipped closed with something else, though, not just the bayonet type that is the upper one in the previous post's photo.

Or, use a hasp-type latch. I would use something more secure than a carabiner if you're really worried about raccoons, though - raccoons sometimes open carabiners (and snaps, and cotter pins)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[CityChook]

I use the same thing as Colorado Mike, although I use a keyed luggage lock through the hasp in the summertime when the predator population is active. Can't use one in the winter as it freezes up. I use the caribiner on the run door, but locks on the pop door and human door.

I don't have an answer for your run door dilemma. You'll probably need to cut some wire and frame in a door.

 

[patandchickens]

I can't see the pics well enough on my computer to tell details, but in general the usual ways of arranging outside-the-run operation of a popdoor are something like:

-- if it's a sliding door, rig up a pulley system, preferably with a latch of some sort e.g. a stick you push thru matching fittings on frame and door when it is closed

-- if it's a hinged door, either pulley system or just attach a long stick e.g. broomhandle to the door and have the end of the stick protrude thru the run wire so you can manipulate the door that way. Again recommend some means of barring/latching it closed.

Be aware chickenwire is not particularly predator-resistant, dogs and racoons can rip it apart.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[urbanfarmer101]

I took a piece of wood 3x5 and 1/2 inch thick. Wood fence post, metal washer, block of wood, metal washer and screwed it all together. So it is a twist lock. I have a wood edge and a metal gate. Works good. The kids can run it alone. I used this to keep my windows closed too.