Feeder that Doesn't Feed Squirrels?

[the.whole.crew]

We live near some woods, in a place full of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. Needless to say, these little dudes take advantage of the easy food access. I'm looking for a feeder that would make it easy for our chickens and ducks to eat, and hard for the wild ones to. Maybe something that hangs and has a thin area of open food? I was looking through other similar threads, and before you tell me to, no I'm not going to shoot them. It's fine if they're in the coop for a little bit of scratch, but they're sitting IN the food bowls and eating everything. Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[eggbert420]

Good luck

 

[Patinas]

That's a big challenge! The only thing that came to mind is to look into a feeder like "Grandpa's Feeder". That particular one is on Amazon and there are some similar to it. They work by the chicken stepping on a platform and then the top opens and then closes when the bird steps off. I have one of these feeders and they are not cheap but it keeps the feed contained and covered. I don't think a squirrel would be heavy enough to step on it and open the lid but can't guarantee it although it is made to keep small rodents from getting access to the feed and not allowing the chickens to throw it all over the floor.

Only other suggestion is to fortify the coop to not allow them access to the feeder.