What kind of latches are raccoon safe?

[happymom99]

We are going to start building our first coop and I know that raccoons can be crafty and open latches and things. What kinds of door and windows latches are safe from raccoons?

Thank you,
CJ

 

[CoyoteMagic]

best thing to keep raccoons out is a lock. Honest. I used to have pet raccoon and they would over time foil every type of latch I came up with EXCEPT a lock that needed a key to open.







Don't leave the key out by the coop either because I swear if given enough time, they will figure out how to use it too!!

 

[kstaven]

I have to agree on this one.

 

[DancingHen]

We have ons of racoons here and we decided the only way to be sure they won't break into the coop is a padlock. We hung the key next to the lock on a string to make it easy for people to go in and out, so we are good until the racoons learn how to use keys.

Seriously, though, racoons are VERY smart, and we figure better safe than sorry.

 

[#1California Chick]

Racoons do have "thumbs" and can open any latch that a human toddler can handle!!! They also are EXCEEDLING PATIENCE!! They will work at a latch for a LONG time to get a chicken dinner!!!

On some of my "doors", I have TWO latches - one high and one lower. They can't open them both at the same time. I also do this to keep children out of my coop and run.

Cindy

 

[georgiagail]

I picked up a package of four small padlocks w/two keys at Lowes over where the padlocks are sold. Sometimes they are called "luggage locks". They fit nicely on the small latches we've added to the nest boxes, the coop door and the door to the run.

Gail

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

A key lock would be effective. Would not risk a combination lock with those clever beasts....