Treadle feeder vs: PVC bucket for rat problem

[petalumapaul]

I have a little problem with the rodents.

I use a standard galvanized poultry feeder, but my chickens spray the food a bit and I see rats at night.
I travel three days a week.
When I'm home, I put the chicken feeder in a galvanized can at night.
But when I'm away it stays out, and I fear feeds the rats.

I'm considering either a PVC bucket feeder, or a Treadle Feeder from the Carpenter Shop.
Any advice?
Would a $10 DIY PVC bucket feeder prevent rats from getting the food?
Or do I need to spend $65 on a Treadle feeder?

 

[pdirt]

I cannot see how the PVC feeder would prevent rats at all. Whether the feeder is on the ground, blocks or hung, the rats will find a way to inside the feeder (they can jump a long ways).

We use a treadle feeder and with a special insert I made for it, and it keeps the "feed spray" to a minimum, but we still do end up with some mice. I place snap-traps out for the mice and have caught perhaps 30 over time, but they keep coming. I cannot imagine how bad our mouse problem would be if we had an open feeder like the PVC bucket feeder.