What kind of lock on the coop door?

[ColoradoPip]

Haha didn’t see your post .. that’s what I seen a lot of people use, I sure a really determined raccoon could figure it out, but depending on where it is at, high enough off the ground he has to hang on with the hands, I don’t see them getting it open with one hand.

True. I don't put anything past a raccoon, they're so smart. Trash panda ninjas!

If it sat there long enough spinning the lock, it could open it, I figure the odds of that are slim to none. The raccoon doesn't see the goal the same way we do. It will try everything it can, only for a limited time though. They can't spend too long on one thing or they risk not getting a meal that night!

I don't think any of these options are necessarily better than others, it's about balancing ease of our access while making it difficult for predators. Though a raccoon can definitely not take off a padlock!!

 

[Kgbao]

True. I don't put anything past a raccoon, they're so smart. Trash panda ninjas!

If it sat there long enough spinning the lock, it could open it, I figure the odds of that are slim to none. The raccoon doesn't see the goal the same way we do. It will try everything it can, only for a limited time though. They can't spend too long on one thing or they risk not getting a meal that night!

I don't think any of these options are necessarily better than others, it's about balancing ease of our access while making it difficult for predators. Though a raccoon can definitely not take off a padlock!!

This is true padlock is probably the most secure, I don’t think the trash pandas carry around bolt cutters at least not in my area lol

 

[aart]

You've never had a problem with these? Do you know if a raccoon has tried them? Seems like they could figure that one out.

Nope, never. I seriously doubt it. They might.
But have read of them in multiple places where coons do have access
I actually have hasps and caribineers in places where it's highly unlikely any animal will even be.

 

[Folly's place]

In snow country, especially during ice storms, some of the above closure devices are a royal pain to open, because they freeze shut. I'm out there warming them with my cold bare hand, swearing...
Mary

 

[Kgbao]

In snow country, especially during ice storms, some of the above closure devices are a royal pain to open, because they freeze shut. I'm out there warming them with my cold bare hand, swearing...
Mary

I didn’t think about this.

 

[ktomacie]

In snow country, especially during ice storms, some of the above closure devices are a royal pain to open, because they freeze shut. I'm out there warming them with my cold bare hand, swearing...
Mary

I just came here for this reason. I am changing out our coop latches and was dreading winter in Vermont with door latches frozen shut. Trying to find the best ones for the job that are the least likely to freeze on me without being to big and look stupid. I have a super cute coop and I would like to keep it that way..lol

 

[Folly's place]

Big' and 'stupid' are relative, especially when the goal is to keep raccoons from killing your birds!
Mary

 

[ktomacie]

I will make something work, I like the black latches that you can padlock.. They make the freeze free ones and I can keep the key right under the roof line of the coop. The coop is short so it won't be hard at all.

 

[aart]

Trying to find the best ones for the job that are the least likely to freeze on me without being to big and look stupid. I have a super cute coop and I would like to keep it that way..lol

Function over Form.
Keep the latch protected from precipitation and it's not as likely to freeze up.

 

[Rldad1]

Caribeeners work against raccoons. I used them on my daughters chicken coop and they haven't figured them out...yet!