How to keep wild birds off feed

[wrenhen]

With bird flu going around I want to keep wild birds off my feed. I have a flock of juncos and starlings that assault the feed anytime Im not there. I currently feed in the morning in open containers like this:

I have considered to switching back to a covered feeder like this:


My only problem, is if I free feed like this at night the opossums come and eat out of it, which is why I switched to once a day feeding.

Any thoughts on keeping everyone out except the chickens? Can I keep the feeder inside the coop? I should mention I dont have a mouse/rat problem that im aware of between my barn cats and the snakes.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Sounds like you have the feed outside, for sure bring it in away from the possums. That feeder in the picture isn't bird proof, even rats can jump into the ports, and it is quite expensive.

If all you have to worry about is wild birds almost any treadle feeder will fix the problem. But I'd check my feed use first, quarter pound per laying hen per day, ignore the roosters. Anything past means those cats and snakes aren't getting all the rodents. Snakes have to eat something so if they are hanging about you likely have more rodents than you think.

Kudos for being concerned about the wild birds.