Human-proof locking mechanism

[Remington]

I work with an educational institution and we are going to be acquiring a tarantula to put on display in our reptile room. I have many tarantulas of my own, but I've never encountered the need for a locking enclosure- specifically one that requires a key to open. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks

 

[viper69]

Yes get a lock

 

[The Snark]

Repeat:

Yes get a lock

CYA !!

Do yourself and your institute a favor; don't trifle with or invite attention the animal control people from the California Department of Health and Safety. The laws are subject to interpretation of individual officers some of which are extreme draconian, and possibly very poorly educated. They can enter your property without a warrant and take the place apart, impound animals, hand out fines and even get individuals or entire institutes shut down.

6.16.020 of the Calif. Health and Safety code:
Sub I 2. Any animal, which when unprovoked, bites a person causing a nonsevere injury;

Chapter 6.16 DANGEROUS ANIMALS

 

[Brewser]

You might want to "Lock" Bureaucratic Humans Out.

 

[Tentacle Toast]

In what type of "educational institution" are you employed? Is the lock to keep honest people honest, or does it need to actually protect the animal from malicious intentions?

 

[NMTs]

I believe most models of terrarium enclosure made by Exo Terra have provisions to put a little padlock on the front opening doors. The issue is the top screen cover isn't lockable.

Natural Terrariums - Exo Terra

The terrarium is without doubt the most important aspect of successful reptile and amphibian keeping. Many species have different requirements, so a versatile and easy adaptable terrarium is essential. In order to meet the needs of herpetologists and more importantly, the needs of reptiles and...

exo-terra.com

If you are wanting to lock an enclosure that is on display so that visitors cannot open it and access the animal, I would suggest building a display case that allows you to put the enclosure in backwards so the solid panels are facing the audience and the opening parts are backstage, so to speak, and the top isn't easily accessible. That's how they do it at our local bugarium and it works well - staff can access the back side of the racks to open the enclosures for feeding/maintenance, but the side that is in the display area is unable to be opened.

 

[Kada]

What kind of door do you have? A picture of that would be best.