What sort of latches do you use?

[geosheets]

I use these

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=168959-1277-MPB827

 

[La Banan]

We put a three part opener on our door. It has two different pieces of wood that latch it and then a simple nail that goes through two pieces. I have pics on my BYC page so it will make sense. The thing to remember is to make something your average to smart three year old can't figure out how to do. That's the savvy of the racoon! The hen door is impenetrable to those without the ability to understand how to push in a spring loaded screw and push up at the same time. So no fancy hardware but a system that is easy for us and hard for the bandits.

 

[chookchick]

I use both the slide-bolt latch with a caribeaner through the hole (you can find them with holes on the larger ones) and the "flap" type that go over a u-shaped piece, again with a caribeaner through the u-shape (wish I knew the name). The caribeaners are spring type, I keep losing them, wish they were cheaper! My "human" doors have two latches, one in the middle and one by the bottom corner to keep anything from prying open that corner. I had the screw on caribeaners and hated them, I also can't imagine having any kind of lock--would drive me bonkers! If anyone has had a raccoon open a slide bolt secured by a caribeaner, I would love to know....

 

[Beekissed]

I use a small piece of wood with a nail in the middle. Nail this to the building and, when the door is closed, you can rotate the block to cover the lip of the door.

This holds the door closed.

If you have one on the inside, nailed to the door, that rotates to catch the door frame, you can lock it from that side also!

This keeps the sheep out while you are feeding chickens....I'm sure that is why they designed it in this manner.....

My coop is about 50 years old or more and these are the original latches....

 

[osagebill88]

I use a repelling (mountain climber) clip for the lock on the u-bolt hasp. cheap and easy to purchase the clips about any place since people started using them on key chains.