How do the top doors open? Easy enough to do one handed? Do they keep out the raccoons?
1487665
The top just lifts off and so far it has kept out the raccoons because with this model ( unlike the older version) the top locks if it is level. The side doors pull up easily. Putting it on top of a layer of chicken wire has also kept anything from digging underneath.
1487666
I have not had any problems with raccoons or rodents at all. The top locks tightly. And yes, I can open it one handed to throw in a small amount of scraps but otherwise, two hands work better to take the entire top off when adding large amounts, leaves or twigs and grass clippings. Remember to turn it at least once a week - I use a pitchfork to do that task. Good luck!
1487667
There are two "plug" inserts in the lid which slide into notches on the side panels to lock the lid in place. Each one is easily maneuverable with one hand. No raccoons where I live but, despite the efforts of my cats to keep the rat population down, we do have some large "tree rats" around but I've never seen them even close to the composter, the lid fits tightly into place and I doubt that a raccoon could even begin to figure out how to unlock it!
1487668
The knobs on top twist and lock into slots on the sides and you pull it off with the top handle. Yes, I open it one handed all the time. It should, I live in rural Kentucky with a property that backs up to a nature preserve and have had zero problems with animals getting into it.
1487669
I agree with the previous answer. There are no top doors. The top comes off. It does require two hands to remove the top.
1487670
You turn the handles on each side and it lifts open. You could do it one handed. Racoons might be able to chew through the plastic, if they are persistent.
894802
yes. The tunnels are easy to squeeze into an opening because they are made with fairly flexible wire circles spaced out along the netting. So I just tilted and squeezed the first wire circle through the kitty door and the netting then squeezes to accommodate the door size. Then the wire circle makes it impossible for anything smaller than a bear to dislodge the wire circle on the other side of the kitty door. Of course the kitty door stays open. I used the window fitted kitty door and cut one side of the wire cage off to fit the tunnel. I made a ramp down to the ground, put a dog pen with netting over the top at the bottom on the grass and arranged 5 tunnels and 3 cat tents along the boarders of the house and yard. My indoor cats can go out whenever they want. We don't have any wildlife bigger than raccoons so I don't fear for their safety. Many outdoor cats in my neighborhood so there's easier game around anyway...
2213672
I have racoons that come and visit the yard. I have had this door for about a year. It works great and the company stands behind the product. If a raccoon makes it through this door, then the cat with the tag is close enough(about 5" I tested it) so that when raccoon tries the door it opens if the door is set to open that way at that time or door must be destroyed to be able to get in. This door locks very quickly after my cats come though. Have not even had a fast stray cats make it in--but my cat did and the door locked. My first door stopped locking and the company replaced the door for me. Hope this helps. I have racoons that come and visit the yard. I have had this door for about a year. It works great and the company stands behind the product. If a raccoon makes it through this door, then the cat with the tag is close enough(about 5" I tested it) so that when raccoon tries the door it opens if the door is set to open that way at that time or door must be destroyed to be able to get in. This door locks very quickly after my cats come though. Have not even had a fast stray cats make it in--but my cat did and the door locked. My first door stopped locking and the company replaced the door... » Read More I have racoons that come and visit the yard. I have had this door for about a year. It works great and the company stands behind the product. If a raccoon makes it through this door, then the cat with the tag is close enough(about 5" I tested it) so that when raccoon tries the door it opens if the door is set to open that way at that time or door must be destroyed to be able to get in. This door locks very quickly after my cats come though. Have not even had a fast stray cats make it in--but my cat did and the door locked. My first door stopped locking and the company replaced the door for me. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1565005
I find it very easy to open, right from the get go. You can even do it one handed. Slide the latch with your thumb and pull up on the gate. Then swing it open in either direction. It closes just as easily. Just put it back in place and let go.
755158
I arrives collapsed but as you raise it up it unfolds into place. There are one or two pins for the release door but I would class this assembly as child's play. One word or warning though. If you are going to release them you need to figure out a plan to open the release. It is on the edge of the cage and they can bite that area. By God Raccoons are fierce when trapped. Relocating them is the most difficult part of this process. Assembly is a breeze.
404221
The doorway is open, but for an additional charge you can purchase the flimsy flap, it just hooks on to the top. I have one of these and also bought a better version from Amazon for less money Van Ness CP7 Enclosed Cat Pan/Litter Box, Extra Large, for $13.00. I found this is a much better box that includes a swinging door, and is a sturdier construction.
1114929
As long as you haven't microchipped your backyard raccoons, they shouldn't be able to enter through this door. The battery-powered scanner releases a small white latch (see pic) when a microchip is within 2-3 inches or so. The is another latch --a round handle that twists and physically blocks the door from opening--and it is located in the lower right corner. It's well designed: twist to the left prevents the door from swinging one way; twist to the right prevents the door from swinging both ways. We really like this door, though the animals needed quite a long time to learn not to fear the sound of the latch opening, and not to fear the idea that they (for the first time in their little lives!) have the freedom to come and go as they please. Please make sure your pets are neutered before letting them out!! There is no need to contribute to the tragic population of millions of unwanted cats and dogs that we face today.
623588
I think it will keep raccoons out, providing that they don't "learn" how to work the mechanisms. It has a two part opening sequence, a little complicated for raccoons.
1909460
You can open it up relatively easy with one hand and close it with one hand as well. Very easy to do but be carefully when you close it with one hand or you could hurt yourself.
1868618
it opens and stays open but doesn't open flat against the other gate panels, it just kinda sticks out a little. It does go back quite far, just not all the way. I will say it is easy to open one-handed and with as far back as it goes it doesn't really get in the way and I have mine in a doorway that when opened it's in front of another doorway and it doesn't get in the way of the flow of traffic with 3 dogs and 4 kids in the house.
729786
It's a great poacher, but tricky to open without breaking. When you open it from the handle, you need to lift the entire top up so that the hinges will "connect" and easily open. I find that, when I lift the handle (when opening), I place my thumb on the inside, in the middle, to lift it and that allows it to open smoothly. Otherwise, you will break the one or both of the hinges off, making the product unusable. Hope that helps.
1538685
Joel, We had two chickens in our Eglu Go. I would not put in more. Raccoons figured out how to open the big door. Omlet now offers a new lock so if you have raccoons buy the lock. Ann
358200
It seems to be raccoon proof so far. Though we weight the run down with paver stones and have the back side (the door to the coop) pushed up against our yard barn so that the raccoons cannot open the handle. We have seen muddy raccoon prints on the side of the coop, so we know they are trying to get in. We like the coop, but you will have to take extra steps to keep raccoons out if you have them around.
194661
The lid is very easy to open, even for a raccoon. So, I would have concerns about keeping it outside. That being said, I have seen raccoons chew through thicker plastic than this (including a heavy duty trash can lid).
263882
I think the lid would open way to easily for a raccoon. Maybe with a brick on to weight it down it would be ok.
889356
I supppose you could go through the doorway, but I always take the top off to scoop out the clumps. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to scrape the bottom well. I took the door off as well. The top snaps off easily, though, and it has been no problem.
397223
It is an opening, no door. I have 2 and both of my cats use them with no problems.