Squirrel & rat-proof feeders - another newbie question

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Icemaiden

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Our garden is home to Mensa-accredited squirrels, as well as being visited by the odd fox & rat from the field next door. I'd like to be able to leave enough food out for a weekend if we go away (for 3 - 4 hens), & be sure that the hens will get fed rather than the uninvited guests.

Can anyone recommend a vermin-proof feeder suitable for 4 birds for a weekend, that'll also keep the food dry in the rain? (Or should I keep it dry by putting the feeder on the floor under the coop?) I'm planning on getting a battery-operated pop-hole opener, so the hens will be able to get out when I'm not there (as once the clocks change, I won't be home in time to shut them in at night anyway...).

Any advice welcome, thanks.
 
There are damp proof feeders on the market, but they will not deter squirrels or rats, just keep food dry and palatable for the girls.
I live in an area overrun by squirrels, but all my girls are behind bars!
I worry more about what the slugs from the garden carry with them when they slime uninvited all over the feeders and food in the runs, not a pretty sight and not nice to the touch.
 
As I've said in my post on your second thread, the answer is to make a vermin- proof run. Presumably you wouldn't be happy to go away and leave the girls out in the garden unattended, so a good run will be needed for their protection. Remember to plan for a minimum of 2 square metres of floor space per bird, more is good. Within the run, you need to roof at least one end and cover the sides if you can to prevent rain blowing in sideways, and then keep the feeder under there so it never gets wet. You can also add a dust-bath in the dry end and maybe a perch for them to hang out on in wet weather..
If you have a strong safe run and can provide some shelter from the wind on the sudes if the run where the pophole is pointing, there is no need to shut the pophole at night. The chickens will benefit from the ventilation, even in cold weather, and will be able to come and go as they please. No worries about whether its working when you are away either.
Well, you'll have saved quite a lot on the fancy feeder and the automatic pophole, to put towards your run mesh!
 
Thanks Marigold, that'll cheer my husband up! Will the greenhouse be OK to put the feeder & dustbath in, if I build the run around it? Should I hang up the feeder & drinker to discourage slugs?
 
I use a low-tech approach and simply use an old saucepan for the chicken pellets. It has an oversized lid so any rain doesn't get into the saucepan. I've replace the handle on the lid with a long stick with a hook on the end so I can take the lid on and off without entering the run. I just take the lid off three or four times a day. Simple and effective and it keeps out rodents, magpies, sparrows and even the neighbours cat!
 
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