Looking for a feeding device which opens AND closes the lid

[bayareapilot]

Just like the subject line says. I'm looking for a product, like an automatic bowl with a timer. I'd like the bowl lid to open at a certain time and then close tight shut.

Anyone know where I could find such a thing?

 

[ScottyHOMEy]

I'm gonna keep my ideas about it to myself and not ask why.

To your question, I don't know of one off the shelf. If you're handy, how about something like a timed pop-door (cut down to size if needed) on some sort of home-made gravity/magazine-type feeder?

 

[bayareapilot]

Quote:
Mice..... looking for a feeding container that opens and closes (shutting it off from nighttime rodents while the hens are asleep) according to a timed program.

 

[Imp]

Maybe a treadle feeder?

Here's a little info:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=572197

BYC search for it. Lots of little threads about it.

Imp

 

[Nonny]

Treadle feeder would do the trick - calibrated so the weight of the rodents isn't enough to open it. (Unless you have small chooks and gigantic rodents)

 

[bayareapilot]

Quote:
Thanks! I was aware of the treadle feeders but was looking to see if there was something that ran by timer. Problem with treadle feeder is that one has to first train the hens not to be afraid of it. I understand that would only take a few weeks, but why not a method where you get to skip that step, entirely A feeding bowl/trough that opens and closes by timer - skips the need for the training; a more streamlined approach imo.

 

[CrackyMcZap]

When I built my treadle feeder, it took 3 days for my oldest hens to be comfortable using it. First couple days with a weight on the treadle to keep it partially open and they figured it out.

 

[TN_BIRD]

Something like this might work. Maybe you could adjust them so they distribute a tiny portion a few times a day.

They make deer feeders that work on timers. I suspect you could adapt them to be used for chickens by "catching" the feed and funneling it so it doesn't spray everywhere.

This might work, too. Found it on Amazon.

Petmate Le Bistro Portion-Control Automatic Pet Feeder

 

[bogielousa]

Not sure if this would work for ya but maybe leave the 'next' cup empty and set the timer so that it closes when you want it to? http://www.petco.com/product/103940...ated_Dog_2-_-PetSafe 5-Meal Pet Feeder-103940