Keeping feeder clean suggestions

[kcult]

I'm trying to avoid having to build something to cover the feeder, so I'm hoping for a low cost, safe and effective (where have I heard that before) way of keeping the top of my feeder clean.

I know chickens tend to poop on everything, and it normally doesn't bother me that they do, but we had a storm come through last night, and it wet the poop. Now, there were puddles of poop water on the feeder and I caught one of the chickens drinking it. And I had just put three gallons of clean water in the coop.

Picture of my feeder.

Is there anything I could put on lid that would perhaps persuade the birds from getting on top? Or at least make it uncomfortable or tricky enough to not want to stay up there. I thought about filling it with some of the landscaping rocks I have around the A/C, but some of them could have sharp edges.

Thanks!

 

[Silexian]

A hip roof made of sheet metal over the top of the feeder. It would be light enough to remove easily. Even if it does not keep them from pooping on it. It will not hold water and prevent them from indulging in manure tea.

 

[Folly's place]

It needs a top of some sort, and a sloped top would keep rain from staying on it. Wood, metal, or something. Have it under a tent?
Would that top work if it's upside down? At least water wouldn't accumulate there.
Mary