My flock would be long dead if they had to rely on me feeding them by hand. I have enough trouble keeping the automatic feeder and watering systems from going empty.I don't use feeders anymore due to the freeloaders (squirrels & birds) eating most of it..... so I just feed them in the morning by tossing in their feed, and later in the afternoon. Save me a ton of money. I'm sure the squirrels and birds hate my guts for that but oh wells.
I have seen no sign of either wild birds or squirrels getting into the hanging feeders inside my fully enclosed run. Mice could get into them if they were on the ground, but I can't see them getting into them hanging from the rafters. If the occasional small bird gets through the chicken wire, power to them.