Hanging feeder

[Folly's place]

No rats in Alberta? Really? But do you have bears?
Here in the warm south of Michigan, we can have both!
Mary

 

[chickens really]

No rats in Alberta? Really? But do you have bears?
Here in the warm south of Michigan, we can have both!
Mary

Bears yes, but not generally in my location although Cougars , black Bear and Wolves have been spotted..

 

[Folly's place]

I'll admit that while wolves and cougars are beautiful, not having them in my neighborhood is just fine. Also I don't miss grizzly bears!
But rats and mice are a pain...
Mary

 

[chickens really]

I'll admit that while wolves and cougars are beautiful, not having them in my neighborhood is just fine. Also I don't miss grizzly bears!
But rats and mice are a pain...
Mary

I really don't want to deal with any of them.
Merry Christmas too you..

 

[Seaecho]

I priced Grandpa feeders on Amazon. Yikes! $144! We have rodents, squirrels, rabbits and once my dogs caught a coyote, but not possums, raccoons or weasels, etc. That's enough, though. I'll try hanging as you guys suggested, and if mice get in, I'll have to remove it at night. I'm not going to be feeding rodents food that should be going to the chickens!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Removing feeders at night will definitely help lessen the attractiveness of the coop for mice/rats. Don't worry about the chickens starving, I don't get up until 8:30 - 9 AM, and my chickens haven't yet starved!

And yes rats can jump pretty high, so it would be tough to raise the feeder enough to keep them out. When I had pet rats I'd sometimes put them in the bathtub for a little bath (messy boys!) and they could easily pop right out of the tub. Nothing like a wet rat leaping out of a bath and then running up your pant leg...

 

[Folly's place]

Pet (domestic) rats are the best 'pocket pets' by far! Adorable!
Wild rats, not at all.
Mary

 

[chickens really]

Pet (domestic) rats are the best 'pocket pets' by far! Adorable!
Wild rats, not at all.
Mary

Merry Christmas ..

 

[Seaecho]

Rosemary, I had pet rats too when I was younger! Such intelligent, friendly little creatures! And I agree with Folly--not the same case with wild ones! Well, I get up at 8, so I guess the chickens can wait until I get out there to let them out and feed them. Thanks to all in helping me make a decision.

Merry Christmas to all!