How do I secure this kennel/run door?

[HerdAndHome]

A couple more steps to a secure run, but this has me stumped. Door only opens out, and the latch has to be accessible from inside so I don't get trapped. I don't want it to look all patched together like a 12 year old did it - which would be what happens is I come up with something myself. Any tips are appreciated. Picture of Dot with her mohawk and her bestie Lacey for inspiration. They're so cute and I don't want anything to get them!

 

[GodLovesU]

I have this same kennel as my run and it won’t open from the inside from all the chicken poop.I just reach my tiny fingers through the latch

 

[HerdAndHome]

I figured out how to best secure the door to my Retriever dog lot run:

• I used a 1x8 on each side and a 1x6 at the top on the inside of the run.

• I used lag bolts and some small pieces of the leftover 1x's as anchors for the lags outside the run.

• To keep night creepers out from the latch area I hinged the cutaway piece and use a slide bolt to close shut it at night.

I use a locking carabiner on the latch on the outside at all times.

So far so good!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Seems like a silly suggestion/question now that you've sleuthed a solution, but mine came with this......

 

[HerdAndHome]

Seems like a silly suggestion/question now that you've sleuthed a solution, but mine came with this......

I was having critters come in through the frame and lock openings. Mainly rats. Now they have to find another way in.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I was having critters come in through the frame and lock openings. Mainly rats. Now they have to find another way in.

Sorry to say, and they will! Why do they want in? Solve for that. Don't leave any feed out at night.

 

[HerdAndHome]

Sorry to say, and they will! Why do they want in? Solve for that. Don't leave any feed out at night.

Yes, I never have left it out. I'm still on starter/grower crumbles so there's always snacks for critters.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I figured out how to best secure the door to my Retriever dog lot run:

• I used a 1x8 on each side and a 1x6 at the top on the inside of the run.

View attachment 3924660

• I used lag bolts and some small pieces of the leftover 1x's as anchors for the lags outside the run.

View attachment 3924662

• To keep night creepers out from the latch area I hinged the cutaway piece and use a slide bolt to close shut it at night.

View attachment 3924664

I use a locking carabiner on the latch on the outside at all times.

So far so good!

Wow what a great job you did covering up gaps, and nice clear photos! I wouldn't have thought of making hinged covers for access of the latch.

 

[HerdAndHome]

Wow what a great job you did covering up gaps, and nice clear photos! I wouldn't have thought of making hinged covers for access of the latch.

Thanks! I had everything covered up with a clear, corrugated Palruf panel like I used on the roof, but the slot for the latch was the rat portal.