Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the condition of animals provides for current height and weight measurements taken from an animal in order to automatically derive a height-to-weight ratio. The height-to-weight ratio thus obtained may be used to determine whether or not an animal's overall physical condition lies inside tolerance limits in relation to its predetermined expected development. An apparatus for implementing the method of the invention may include a control system configured to determine the height-to-weight ratio and may within a control system of an animal installation. The supply of feed to an animal may be adjusted in response to a deviation of its measured height weight ratio from a target or benchmark value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding livestock is presented. The method includes feeding livestock using a mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) comprising a processor (410) and a first non-transitory computer readable medium (420) in communication with the processor (410), wherein the mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) can dispense a plurality of feed rations, each feed ration comprising a base feed and at least one of a plurality of feed additives. The method includes dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a first feed ration comprising the base feed and a first feed additive, wherein the dispensed first feed ration comprises a dispensed amount of the first feed additive.

Abstract: Feeding dishes and methods of feeding a subject are provided. One aspect of the invention provides a feeding dish including: a freezable dish adapted to receive food and a base adapted to receive the freezable dish. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for feeding a subject. The method includes: providing a feeding dish including a freezable dish adapted to receive food and a base adapted to receive the freezable dish, cooling the freezable dish, placing the food in the freezable dish, and placing the freezable dish in the base.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.

Abstract: Described is a gravity-induced automatic animal watering/feeding device that promotes increased sanitation and minimizes the amount of water/food spilled from the device in the event the device is overturned. More specifically, the animal watering/feeding device presents consumables, including water and animal food, to the animal using a receptacle that is removable from the remainder of the device. Because the receptacle is removable, it is easily replaced and/or removed for cleaning such that sanitation of the animal watering/feeding device is easily maintained. Additionally, selected components of the animal water/feeding device are releasably locked to one another such that the device minimizes the amount of water/food that is spilled from the device in the event it is overturned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feed carrier receptacle for use in a rotary feed dispensing mechanism, which includes a box, a feed loading opening, and separation partitions. The feed loading opening is formed in the box. The separation partitions are arranged inside the box and every adjacent separation partitions and an inside surface of the box form a feed compartment, which communicates the feed loading opening and is provided with a feed discharge opening and a brush adjacent to the feed discharge opening. When put into rotation, the feed loaded in the receptacle is generally rotated in unison therewith to move toward the feed discharge openings and is subject to a frictional force as contacting the brush so that the feed, when passing through the brush, is caused to rotate by itself and thus may fly over a long distance. This increases the distribution range of feed.

Abstract: A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.

Abstract: The patent relates to pet food container holders. In one example the pet food container holder includes a sidewall that extends from a base to a top. The sidewall approximates a portion of a cone or a portion of a pyramid and defines a generally vertical passageway that extends from the base to the top. In this example the top includes a receiver that is configured to receive a single serving pet food container from a user. The receiver is further configured to retain the single serving pet food container. The top further includes a rim and an angled surface extending from the rim to the receiver. The angled surface is configured to direct pet food that is dropped by the pet back into the single serving pet food container.

Abstract: A squirrel proof bird feeder includes a hanger device, a bird feeder container attached to the hanger device, and a shield attached to the hanger device and located above the bird feeder container, and the shield includes two shielding members each having one or more latching members, and the latching members of the shielding members are engageable with each other for securing the shielding members together and for attaching the shield to the hanger device directly without disassembling or disengaging the hanger device or the bird feeder container from the hanging cable. The shield includes an opening for engaging with the hanger device, and the latching members are selected from a lock tab, or a latch.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining, based on one or more variables, the appropriate amount of food to dispense in order to implement weight management individually tailored to one or more pets. Based on the one or more variables, a predefined weight of food is determined that should be dispensed in a container during a given time interval. If the current weight of the food within the container has reached a threshold weight, then no additional food is added to the container during the given time interval. However, if it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, then more food is added to the container. The process is repeated during the given time interval until the threshold is reached, and then optionally again for additional given time intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus is for removably receiving a container of nutrient material for dispensing the nutrient material to birds. The apparatus has a frame and a body. The body has a receptacle for removably receiving a rim of the container. The body is mounted to the frame for pivoting relative to the frame between a first configuration in which the receptacle is downwardly oriented, and a second configuration in the receptacle is upwardly oriented.

Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.

Abstract: The feeder toy is designed for cats and small dogs. The device is formed from a non-toxic, eco-friendly food grade plastic. The rounded, weighted profile provides a self-propelled motion, eliminating the need for any batteries. The innovative design wobbles and moves about the floor, forcing a pet to move and interact with the toy in order to eat. The unique food-dispensing hole adjusts by rotating the two ends; allowing for different sized dry food and dispensing rates. Holes at the bottom allow trapped bits to escape. The two ends come apart for easy filling and cleaning.

Abstract: A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the emission of methane, and possible other carbonaceous gasses being produced during processing of feed in the bowel of livestock, into the atmosphere. The method comprises feeding the livestock with feed comprising solid carbonaceous matter, the livestock digesting the feed, methane and possible other carbonaceous gasses being encapsulated within the structure of said carbonaceous matter, the livestock moving bowels with faeces, the methane and possible other carbonaceous gasses being encapsulated in the voids of the solid carbonaceous matter also after the livestock have made bowels with the faeces. The invention further relates to an animal feed composition comprising solid carbonaceous matter having voids within the structure of the matter, and to a method and an apparatus for producing such animal feed composition.

Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: The animal feeding reminder includes a food handling apparatus which comprises a food scoop, a food bowl, or a food container for the transportation, selling, or purchasing of animal food. Date or time indicia are associated with the food handling apparatus. A marker is associated with the food handling apparatus and moveable relative to the indicia. The marker selectively identifies a distinct date or time from the date or time indicia. A marker positioning mechanism is associated with the marker, the apparatus, or both. The marker positioning mechanism securely holds the marker so as to identify the distinct date or time and prevent accidental or unintended movement of the marker to another date or time. Therefore, the marker can be selectively moved to identify the distinct date or time after each use of the food handling apparatus to remind a user of a last time an animal was fed.

Abstract: A bird feeding apparatus for providing nutritious feed material to birds includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled with the first member. The second member includes a base member and a lip member. The lip member extends upwardly from a first set of edges of the base member. The lip member is circumscribingly received around the first member, when the first member and the second member align with each other.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a tubular main body having at least one opening in a wall of the main body, and at least one feeder port assembly mounted within the respective opening. Each feeder port assembly comprises a main body part projecting into the tubular main body through the opening, and is magnetically secured directly or indirectly by at least one magnet to the tubular main body. Preferably there are at least two feeder port assemblies mountable within the respective opposing openings, and the opposing feeder port assemblies are magnetically interconnected together by the magnet to hold them in place. There is also described an improved cap assembly with a lid magnetically secured in place. In addition there is further described an improved dual perch arrangement including integral first and second perch members that are spaced laterally and longitudinally from each other.

Abstract: A Game Or Livestock Or Other Farm/Wildlife Animal Feeder With DVR's/Cameras/Routers/Batteries/Solar Panels In Which Live And Recorded Video Can Be Transmitted By Aircard/Satellite/Or Other Wireless Connection To Be Viewed Via Internet Or Smart Phone. Cameras/Components Hidden And Or Exposed To Be Used With Or Without External Power. Able To View Live Or Recorded Video/Pictures/Audio From Other Location As Well As Locally Router To Allow WiFi Service To Devices Within Range. Multiple Users Simultaneously. Can Be For Entertainment, Hunting, Surveillance, Security, Weather, Spying, Anti-Terrorist , Activity, Nature Observing, Climate, Monitoring, Construction Activities, Poaching, ETC.

Abstract: An on-demand animal feed apparatus is provided comprising a receiving chamber, base tube and actuator. The receiving chamber comprises an upper section to connect to a feed supply, a lower section, and an intermediate section disposed between the upper and lower sections. A base tube is connected to the lower section of the receiving chamber and cooperates with the receiving chamber to define the feed reservoir. A lower portion of the base tube defines a discharge opening for dispensing animal feed. An actuator is disposed at least partially within the base tube and is configured to raise and lower in an axial direction in response to movement by an animal, thereby allowing the transfer of animal feed from the feed reservoir through the discharge opening. The lower section of the receiving chamber defines a relief area for the temporary displacement of animal feed when the actuator is raised or lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally friendly housing for laying hens. A preferred embodiment includes a covered structure having perching area having a porous floor, a worm bed under the perching area in which worms feed upon the manure that falls through the porous floor, a back door for access to the worm bed, and nesting boxes for laying eggs. Some embodiments are modular and can be readily expanded in sections, with each section including the parts described above. Some embodiments include an enclosed yard area in which the hens can go outside the structure and still be safe from predators. Grain can be grown in a part of the enclosed yard, with irrigation for the grain being provided by a rainwater collection system on the roof of the structure.

Abstract: A method and installation for automatically determining the readiness of an animal for being weaned off liquid feed and onto dry feed. The height of an animal in an animal installation is automatically measured using a height measurement system at a selected location within the installation. A suitable location within an installation for providing a height gauge may include a feeding station, a cleaning station or other treatment station of an animal. Additional parameters may be used for the determination of readiness to wean in combination with dry feed consumption rate, such as animal age, weight or other animal dimensions. In determining the height, the method may include making a determination of the overall physical condition of the animal and may include a determination of the height-to-weight-ratio of an animal. The installation may include an automatic animal weighing system. Measured values may be stored in a control system memory for monitoring the growth of individual animals.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an animal treat dispenser includes a treat container having an aperture, an aperture adjustment mechanism that is capable of varying an effective size of the aperture to regulate passage of animal treats through the aperture, and a plush toy at least partially covering the treat container.

Abstract: A treat dispenser for a pet animal enclosure, the treat dispenser allowing a user to selectively release a treat into the enclosure without having to open the enclosure. The treat dispenser may include a top with an opening into which a user may place a treat for the pet animal. The treat dispenser may include a user actuated mechanism to release a treat into a tube extending from the top to a bottom, the bottom including an opening to deliver the treat to the pet animal within the enclosure.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or other type of device that transmits data in response to a broadcast of energy, may have a switch. The switch may allow an operator to signal whether the device will transmit data when energized. The switch could also allow an operator to select a particular item of data, or a combination of items of data, to be transmitted. Receiving data reflected from the device may signify an action to be performed, or may signify the fact that some physical action (e.g., pressing, by a human finger) has occurred with respect to the device. Thus, device that transmit data when energized may be used to direct the operation of other devices (e.g., by turning such other devices on or off), to implement tactilely-sensitive displays, or as part of other applications.

Abstract: A pet food dispenser has a container, a bottom lid and a receiving plate. The bottom lid is covered on a bottom opening of the container and has multiple through holes. The receiving plate is connected to the bottom lid. A gap is formed between the receiving plate and the bottom lid. The pet foods in the container drop out from the through holes of the bottom lid. Because the receiving plate collects dropped pet food, only some pet food is released for the pets to eat. The pets need to push the pet food dispenser to topple and roll so that more and more pet food is released. Therefore, the pet food dispenser efficiently leads the pets to move more by using food to attract the pets.

Abstract: A dispenser for a toy and treats and a method for using the dispenser are disclosed. The dispenser contains an enclosure having a funnel at the top, an opening at the bottom of one of the enclosure walls, a treat dispenser containing treats having at least one hole from which the treats can exit, a ramp that directs the toy and treats to exit the enclosure and a support for the funnel and treat dispenser. The pet is encouraged to drop the toy into the enclosure through the funnel. The toy bounces off the treat dispenser causing it to release treats through the hole at the bottom of the dispenser. The toy and the treats roll out the opening encouraging the pet to further interact with the dispenser for fun and exercise.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for use by an animal to selectively dispense treats from the device. The device includes a body having an interior opening to receive treats, and an opening is formed in the body to allow dispensing of the treats. A base of the device includes a weighted material therein causing the device to reside in a normally upright position. Contact by the animal causes the device to tip, thereby allowing treats to fall through the opening in the body. Changing the amount and type of material used for the weighted material changes the characteristics of how the device moves when contacted by the animal that in turn, changes the rate and amount of treats that are dispensed.

Abstract: A combination pet food tray and activity device has a plurality of columns removably or fixedly attached to a base. Each column having a top opening into which a pet insert its paw to take the food in the columns. In a preferred embodiment, some of the columns comprise at least one aperture. The length of some of the columns is preferably of different length.

Abstract: A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative.

Abstract: An insect feeder that allows membrane feeding with a membrane above a feeding medium.

Abstract: An animal food/water dispensing apparatus provides a base that is invertible for alternative use as a water bowl or a feed bowl in conjunction with a single reservoir container design that is adapted to supply either water or feed to the base, so that a minimum of components are required to assemble an animal waterer or animal feeder. Each face of the base has a container mounting ring and a water trough or feed basin for presenting the flowable material from the reservoir container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and system that applies powder-based food additives for feeder insects that are used to feed reptiles. The apparatus takes the form of a cube-shaped box with a side dimension of approximately six (6) inches. A screen-shaped barrier is provided about two-thirds (?) from the top which has a hinged opening side. Directly below the screen is a sliding barrier that is removed and replaced from the side of the box. Insects, such as crickets, are coated and released into the container holding the reptile for feeding purposes. The use of this system allows one (1) to easily ensure that their pet reptile is provided with adequate levels of proteins, vitamins and minerals without the necessity of handling or touching feeder insects in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Described is a consumption monitoring device for monitoring the amount of consumables consumed by an animal during a monitoring period. More specifically, the consumption monitoring device measures the weight of the consumables, which are contained within a receptacle, and detects any change in the weight, such as when additional consumables are placed within the receptacle or when the animal consumes all or some of the consumables. The device calculates various values based on these changes in weight, at least one of which indicates the amount of consumables consumed by the animal. The device displays this calculated value such that the user is informed of the amount of consumables consumed by the animal within the monitoring period. This information assists the user in maintaining the animal on a desired feeding program.

Abstract: The removable multipurpose adapter can be used to facilitate the refilling process of large wildlife feeders. A bag of feed is dropped onto an elongate blade positioned in the adapter accomplishing two tasks almost simultaneously. First the elongate blade instantly opens the bag and the feed promptly falls from the bag if properly manipulated, without spillage. The adapter may be formed from a truncated funnel defining an inlet and an outlet. An elongate slot may be formed in the adapter to allow placement of the adapter on wildlife feeders that are raised and lowered with a wire rope which is not detached during the refilling process. The elongate blade may be offset from the center of the adapter to avoid tearing pieces of the bag which can jam the distribution assembly if allowed to fall into the feeder. The removable multipurpose adapter may be formed from a single piece or it may be formed from multiple parts.

Abstract: A wild bird feeder comprising a container and a base. A cable extends through the container and base and is provided with a hanging loop at one end and a bottom cover at the other end for retaining the components of the bird feeder between them and suspending the bird feeder in a hanging position when hung from a tree or otherwise. The container comprises and is formed by a cover, a dome, a collar, and a hopper. In use, the cover can be detached from the dome to expose a first opening and/or the cover and dome can be detached from the hopper to expose a second opening to pour bird seed into the bird feeder, the star shaped opening of the cover frictionally engaging the cable to retain the cover and/or the cover and dome in their respective open positions during re-filling of the bird feeder.

Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus that comprises an outside body that is made of a durable material and an inside unit attached to the outside body but located inside of it. The inside unit is made of disposable material. The outside body has grooves at the bottom. The inside unit has notches at the bottom wherein those notches fit into grooves to prevent inside unit from moving while animal is eating from the feeding apparatus. The apparatus of this invention solves the hygiene issue and does not require continuous cleaning.

Abstract: A game feeder system is disclosed. Specifically, a game feeder system is disclosed comprising a lever having a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum point. Further, said game feeder system comprises one or more legs each having a first end and second end. The game feeder system also comprises a core attached to said fulcrum point and to said legs.

Abstract: A pet feeding and weighing system for efficiently providing a weighing platform having one or more feeding bowls therein to allow for a pet to be weighed in a consistent manner when the pet returns for food or drink. The pet feeding and weighing system generally includes a platform having a feeding portion and a weighing portion extending therefrom, wherein the feeding portion includes at least one opening extending therethrough and at least one feeding container is positioned within the opening. A plurality of weight sensors are in communicative contact with the weighing portion and a local digital display responsive to the weight sensor indicates a weight applied upon the weighing portion of the platform over the weight sensor. The present invention may also include a controller having memory for storing and allowing the retrieval of past weight measurements along with their respective date and time taken.

Abstract: A livestock feeding station includes an entrance raceway, an exit raceway arranged at an angle relative to the entrance raceway, and a feeder located at an intersection between the entrance and exit raceways. A feed dispensing mechanism selectively dispenses an allotted amount of feed into the feeder. A scale assembly having a platform located in the entrance raceway is used to individually weigh animals within the feeding station. The scale assembly includes a hinged scale platform to allow for easy cleaning, and a cantilevered scale platform extension that extends past an end of the entrance raceway and the feeder to provide a weighing platform assembly that continues to hold an entire animal during normal feeding functions. The scale assembly also includes a basket assembly construction to ensure that an accurate weight measurement can be made even if an animal is leaning against a back or front side of the station.

Abstract: A gravity poultry feeder includes feeding ports designed to eliminate feed waste and contamination. In addition, the present invention provides a gravity poultry feeder that prevents bird droppings from being deposited in either the feeding area or feed reservoir. The feeder for poultry includes a reservoir, a plurality of feeding ports placed near the bottom end of the reservoir, and a baffled feed port connected to each feeding port. The bottom end of the reservoir includes a raised center.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and related method for feeding bulk food items to deer or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and related method for feeding bulk food items to deer or the like that includes a vertically-oriented, linearly-actuated feeding mechanism that is operated in conjunction with a timing mechanism, as well as an environmentally-protected housing. The present invention finds particular applicability in hunting and naturalist activities, for example, in which it may be desirable to attract deer or other wildlife via the feeding of apples, corn, pellets, or the like in a controlled manner over a period of time, such that the habits of these animals may be affected. Other suitable applications are certainly contemplated herein.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed bin configured to hold feed stock. The feed bin has a first feed port. The animal feeder also includes an outer housing positioned around at least a portion of the feed bin. The outer housing has a second feed port. The animal feeder further includes a magnet supported by one of the feed bin and the outer housing. The magnet magnetically couples the outer housing to the feed bin. The outer housing is movable relative to the feed bin between a first position, in which the outer housing is magnetically coupled to the feed bin such that the first feed port and the second feed port are at least partially aligned, and a second position, in which the outer housing is not magnetically coupled to the feed bin and the first feed port and the second feed port are out of alignment.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding station includes a vertically-adjustable shelf or feeding tray having the feeding and water bowls. The shelf or feeding tray is configured to slide in and out from the cabinet to provide easy access to the bowls of the feeding station. The feeding station shelf or tray is configured to be elevated or lowered vertically to adjust to the stature (e.g. height) of the animal. The elevation of the feeding station is configured to be adjusted to one of a plurality of levels (vertically aligned) based on an animal's height. An advantage of the adjustable height is to accommodate different heights as an animal grows from a young animal to an older animal or to accommodate different heights when the animal has a need to change heights (e.g., surgical procedure, etc.).

Abstract: A bird feeder has a body member, a base, and at least one feed port member. The body member is used for storing bird food having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall with the sidewall of the body member defining at least one feeding aperture. A base is attached to the bottom end of the body member to prevent bird food from exiting the body member. The at least one feed port member is interfittingly engaged within at least one feeding aperture. The port member includes a frame member and a mesh insert attached to the frame member. The feed port member is releasably secured within the feeding aperture of the body member. In operation, the feed port member can be easily removed from the body member for easy cleaning or adapting to a particular bird feeder construction.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain body conformation types by categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended as a robust or athletic body conformation type and formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients beneficial for the categorized dog. Typically, the protein and fat content of the food composition will be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type.

Abstract: A pet feeding systems for slowing the eating process of a pet, e.g., a dog, and simultaneously entertain the pet. The pet feeding system includes a floor, retaining walls, and obstacles which form a food maze. The obstacles may vary, for example, in shape (e.g., as letters, words, geometric shapes, etc.), form (e.g., rigid structure, flexible fingers, etc.), size, height, etc. In addition, the obstacles may include structures to further slow a pets eating, such as tunnels, slides, ramps, etc. The pet feeding system may be fabricated of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, natural rubber, metal, and ceramic.

Abstract: Monogastric digestion animals, such as pigs and chickens, are raised in a completely environmentally sound and effective manner that has numerous other advantages over conventional feed lot confinement. The animals are allowed to roam and feed freely in a confined and managed at least one acre fodder tree orchard with pasture base (20-40% swine-compatible legumes, 80-55% grasses). The fodder trees are at least primarily honey locust, mulberry, chestnut, and persimmon, about 30-45 mature trees per acre. Swine may first be raised on primarily pasture alone, and the pasture base from the orchard harvested to produce hay, which is removed for use at a later time and/or place. A hog may be raised having a weight of about 250-340 pounds, and a lean weight of at least about 38%, and at least 5% leaner and heavier on average than if raised in feed lot confinement.

Abstract: A height adjustable container system which includes a container through which at least one elongated, inner supporting member extends. The supporting member is secured at one end to a mounting system consisting of a ceiling mount and corresponding U-bracket/bolt combination. In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated inner supporting member is telescopically located within an elongated outer supporting member. A spring biased press button or mechanical stop component extending from the inner supporting member allows the outer supporting member on which the container is mounted to be vertically lowered, so that when the container is used as a planter, the plants in the container can be watered and when the container is a bird feeder, bird food can be added to the feeder. By simply pushing the container upward along the supporting member, the container is again elevated and locked in its elevated, suspended position.