Abstract: A directional feeder for fish and game comprising a housing having a gate below an opening in a feed hopper and above a substantially horizontally aligned auger. The gate has a feed opening through which the feed pellets are passed from the feed hopper to the auger. The auger directs the feed pellets to a chute, where the feed pellets are gravity feed to a paddle wheel for dispersion. The paddle wheel has a plurality of radially projecting blades in close proximity to an inside wall of the housing to scoop the entering feed pellets and accelerate the pellets along the inside wall of the housing until an exit port is reached. When the accelerated feed pellets reach the exit port of the direction feeder, the feed pellets' inertia carries them out the exit port for dispersion.

Abstract: A food dispenser for dispensing dry food, the food dispenser comprising: a food receiving module for receiving the food; a metering module for metering a quantity of the food to dispense, the metering module including an impeller having at least one arm defining a vane, the impeller being rotatably mounted in the metering module, the metering module also including a power drive unit operatively coupled to the impeller for selectively rotating the impeller; a discharge module operatively coupled to the output port for receiving the food from the output port and dispensing the food; an impeller rotation detector operatively coupled to the impeller for detecting a rotation of the impeller when the power drive unit is used to rotate the impeller. The metering module is configured and sized to discharge a predetermined quantity of the food when the impeller rotates over a predetermined rotation angle.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder may store at least two different varieties of animal feed and automatically dispense a desired amount of feed at specified times of the day. Feed, stored in storage bins, gravitates to a conveying mechanism which transfers the feed to the feeding station. The conveying mechanism, which comprises almost all of the moving parts of the apparatus, is an integrated unit which is easily removed from the housing of the apparatus for maintenance. The volume of feed may be regulated by adjustable panels which control the volume of feed which is transported to the feeding station.

Abstract: A plant (1) for distributing material with a substantially fluid behaviour for feeding animals, comprising a pipe (2) for conveying the material, elements (3, 4) for dragging the material, which are slidably housed within the conveying pipe (2), motor means (5) associated to the dragging elements (3, 4) to slide them within the conveying pipe (2), a plurality of openings (6) for the outflow of the material, which are obtained in the conveying pipe (2) and to each one of which there is associated a respective conduit (7) for supplying and containing the material and a raceway (10) which is arranged beneath the conveying pipe (2) and the conduits (7) and which is open on the top to allow animal access thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable feeder attachable to a feed hopper includes a base plate that is connected to a motor. A series of recessions are evenly spaced along the outer edge of the base plate, and a plurality of arms are evenly disposed about outer edge of said base plate corresponding to the recessions. Each arm has a proximal end connected to the base plate and a distal end pivotable about the proximal end from a confined position proximate the base plate to an extended position away from the base plate. When the arms are in the confined position, the feeder is easily stored and transported. When the arms are in the extended position, the feeder is connectable to the bottom surface of the feed hopper, with a funnel attached to said base plate being positioned proximate a dispersing aperture in said feed hopper. Feed will travel through the funnel to a spin plate connected to the motor for the spin plate to distribute feed to the area surrounding the feeder.

Abstract: A robotic pet-sitter system comprises a control system and a robotic body, the control system used to wireless launch control instruction signals; a wireless receiver module is defined in the robotic body, used to receive control instruction signals and to process the control instruction signals into control signals, the robotic body further comprises a driving system and a feeding module, the driving system used to drive the robotic body moving according to the control signals, the feeding module used to open the feeding box placed with pet food according to the control signals. The local PC communicates with a remote PC through Internet, and the remote PC long-distance controls the robotic body and monitors pet through Internet. The robotic pet-sitter system of the present invention can care for and monitor the pet when the owner is not at home.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder according to example forms of the invention includes a storage unit, a removable top cap, an internal funnel, a removable feed dispensing drawer, a removable perforated feed/storage drawer, a locking feed valve, a internal feed dispenser, a programmable timer, external wheels, external handle attachment and ground anchor brackets. In another aspect, the wildlife feeder includes an external surface having the texture and/or appearance of a natural tree bark. In yet another aspect, the wildlife feeder includes a dispensing subassembly, the dispensing subassembly comprising a motor, at least one battery for powering the motor, a paddle wheel driven by the motor, and a programmable timer for controlling operation of the motor.

Abstract: Unmanned vehicle to carry out an animal-related action, provided with a frame and a control device to control the vehicle and a locomotion device to move the unmanned vehicle, and with a protective device to protect the vehicle against obstacles, wherein the protective device includes a touchable electrical conductor which extends on the outside of, advantageously around, the vehicle, and a voltage source to supply voltage to the conductor under the control of the control device.

Abstract: A feeder for feeding animals selected from domestic pets, cage birds, chickens, fish and wild birds. A hopper holds feed, an electric motor and a battery holder A chamber receives feed from the hopper, and has a discharge outlet for discharge of feed. An augur is mounted for rotation and receives drive from the electrical motor. As the augur rotates, it moves feed along the chamber towards the discharge outlet. An indexing mechanism indexes individual turns of the augur. The feeder supplies feed to the discharge outlet in metered amounts. The feeder is formed as two units, namely a base unit with a hopper unit mounted on the base unit. The base unit mounts the electric motor and battery holder. The hopper unit includes the hopper itself, the chamber and the augur. The hopper unit is freely separable from the base unit for cleaning or for filling the hopper.

Abstract: A material-shifting system for shifting scattered material, such as livestock feed, closer to a barrier. The system includes at least one traveling unit having an angled push-head which is coupled to a shuttle. Preferably, the shuttle is driven along a rail by a remote driving. As the shuttle travels along the rail, the push head pushes material scattered over a surface towards the barrier.

Abstract: A method for dispersing feed that includes the steps of providing a feed apparatus configured to contain feed, the feed apparatus having a hopper body with a base, a feed sheet mounted below the base, a powered fan blade coupled with the hopper body, and at least one window disposed between an outer edge of the hopper body and an outer edge of the feed sheet. The feed sheet is mounted below the base in order to provide distribution of feed to a predetermined wildlife, such that the at least one window, the base, and the feed sheet are configured to provide a feed stream in all radial directions as the powered fan blade rotates.

Abstract: A feed wagon for feeding animals such as cows comprises an autonomous vehicle, a container for containing feed, wherein the container has at least one aperture for filling and emptying the container, and a connection between the autonomous vehicle and the container. The container is substantially cylindrical and rotatable about its axial axis, the container having an operative position for receiving and/or mixing feed and an unloading position for unloading the feed. The connection between the autonomous vehicle and the container comprises a tilt axis, the cylindrical container being tiltable about the tilt axis between the operative position and the unloading position relative to the autonomous vehicle. The invention further comprises a system for feeding animals such as cows, comprising such a feed wagon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system for the distribution of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility. The present invention also relates to a dosing device of substances, such as solid or liquid feed, which is part of said system, and to the method for dispensing feed implemented by said system. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for automated dispensing of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility.

Abstract: A feed dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper to contain feed and a large sheet of metal adjustably attached below the base of the hopper. The base of the hopper has small openings to allow for feed to fall from the hopper to the sheet of metal below the hopper. The feed dispensing apparatus also comprises a motor and a fan blade which operate to disperse feed through the gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal. The gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal is adjustable in order to ensure that a specific type of varmint cannot gain access to the feed in the hopper.

Abstract: An animal hay and grain feeder may be provided comprising a housing having a central axis and configured to receive feed. A feeding plate having an opening configured to allow a portion of an animal's head to penetrate the feeding plate may be configured to fit within the housing and traverse and rotate about a central axis. In addition, a locking ring may be configured to contain the feeding plate within the housing.

Abstract: A robotic pet-sitter system comprises a control system and a robotic body, the control system used to wireless launch control instruction signals; a wireless receiver module is defined in the robotic body, used to receive control instruction signals and to process the control instruction signals into control signals, the robotic body further comprises a driving system and a feeding module, the driving system used to drive the robotic body moving according to the control signals, the feeding module used to open the feeding box placed with pet food according to the control signals. The local PC communicates with a remote PC through Internet, and the remote PC long-distance controls the robotic body and monitors pet through Internet. The robotic pet-sitter system of the present invention can care for and monitor the pet when the owner is not at home.

Abstract: The invention provides a feed displacement device for picking up, displacing and dispensing material, in particular livestock feed, including a rail system and a trolley with a gripping device, which trolley is movable over the rail system, and is configured to pick up and dispense the material, wherein the rail system includes a fixed rail part and a displaceable rail part which is connectable to the latter, wherein the trolley is movable directly over the fixed and displaceable rail parts, and in such a manner that the trolley can cover a surface area for picking up the material from various positions. The trolley is easily positionable over an area where material, such as feed, is to be picked up. As a result thereof, no robot arm or the like has to swing out sideways and thus no unnecessarily large forces act thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding apparatus (100) used for feeding animals, such as cattle, in an animal shelter (50). The apparatus is arranged in connection with a feeding aperture (110) in the wall of the animal shelter, and it includes an air-permeating first wall (104) and an air-restricting second wall (106) together with a trough (102) for the dispensed feed. The first and second wall can be moved in front of the feeding aperture, in which case the feeding aperture is closed, and away from the feeding aperture, in which case the feeding aperture is open. A feed cover (108) has been placed onto the lower edge of the first wall in such a way that it covers part of the feed in the trough. Preferably the feed cover is a flexible structure made out of rubber, the free edge of which is equipped with an edge reinforcement (116). The first wall is fastened from its upper edge to the upper edge of the feeding aperture with hinges (112).

Abstract: A remotely-controlled reward dispenser for animal training includes: a reward dispenser; a wireless receiver; a power source for the dispenser and the receiver; and an attachment mechanism adapted to position the device in proximity to the recipient; wherein, in response to the receiver receiving a wireless signal, the dispenser dispenses the reward in proximity to the recipient, thereby remotely providing the reward to the recipient. A sound generating mechanism may also be included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed barrier (2) for animals and a locking device for such a feed barrier, comprising a left and a right post (25, 26) bounding a feeding location for an animal, wherein the left and the right post are rotatable about a first and second centre line (27), respectively, between an open and a closed position, and wherein the left and the right post have a curved shape, wherein a part of the left and right post in the open position are bent away from each other in order to form a passage for the animal's head, and in the closed position are bent towards each other according to a shape substantially adapted to the shoulder blades and/or neck of the animal.

Abstract: The Bale-Buddy is an animal feeder with removable adjustable legs, a movable hinged floor powered by suspension or compression springs, weights, elastic bands or other power source variations thereof, a rearward and upward slanted grill and a trough that catches small bits preventing loss of feed on the ground and constructed in various lengths to accommodate group or solo feeding. The powered hinged floor can be fixed in its lowered position for bulk filling the feeder from the rear as well as from the top. When released from its lowered filling position the powered hinged floor raises feed upward and forward to the back slanted grill as feed at the grill is consumed. By raising the feed upward and forward, every bit is reachable by the animal(s) leaving no amount of feed to decay. The feeder can be constructed in various lengths thereby accommodating the simultaneous feeding of multiple animals. To accommodate a different type of animal like sheep, llamas, deer, alpacas, horses, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus which comprises a plurality of containers for animal feed which includes silage, hay, fodder, or a liquid including water or any mixture thereof. The plurality of containers are for different feeds and a plurality of troughs are provided to which feeds from the containers are selectively transferred by robot arms which are computer-controlled based on the identification by an identification sensor of the animal that will next feed at the trough involved. The robot arm may include a gripping element or a bucket or shovel which include closing members. The containers may be disposed above the troughs and a chute may be provided which receives feed from the robot arm which flows through the chute to the trough. The robot arm automatically detaches a portion of the feed from feed stored in one or more of the containers and displaces same either via the chute or directly into the trough.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an apparatus for feeding, amusing, and training animals and pets. Various embodiments of the invention comprise a remote control vehicle that is configured to feature a vessel. The vessel may be loaded with foods or treats in order to reward an animal that successfully completes a chase of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a compartment within an incubator, capable of allowing chicks to feed during the hatching process without reducing hatchability or livability. Thanks to immediate post hatch nutrition, the development during the chicks first days is significantly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in their weight as well. Furthermore, the accessibility of feed for the chicks is enabled and improved immediately after their hatching thanks to suitable lighting and the use of feeding troughs with transparent walls.

Abstract: An animal feeder may be provided comprising a housing having a central axis and configured to receive feed. A feeding plate having an opening configured to allow a portion of an animal's head to penetrate the feeding plate may be configured to fit within the housing and traverse and rotate about the central axis. In addition, a locking ring may be configured to contain the feeding plate within the housing.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and distributing food for aquatic fauna, which can be fitted in aquariums or containers for holding live fish, but also in tanks for turtles and terrariums in general or similar, this device comprising a tank and means for pushing the food towards an outlet, in which the tank (11) is positioned in a substantially horizontal direction and houses a pusher-mixer (12 which occupies the internal space of the tank and consists of a shaft (17), equipped with a plurality of sloping blades (18) all facing in the same direction as the direction in which the food is pushed towards the dispensing outlet (13), and in which this dispensing outlet (13) presents a substantially vertical opening for the discharge of the food in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal exercise device, which is designed to challenge the natural instincts of animals, in particular dogs and cats, when hunting for food or toys. According to the invention, the food and toys are displayed and then disappear before the animal has caught them. The animal finally receives the food, but only after expending a certain amount of energy, thus mirroring nature.

Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of at least one food for animal use into one or more self-propelled mixing units by means of a mechanical shovel, which is mounted to a motor vehicle for collecting the food and unloading the food into the self-propelled unit.

Abstract: A gravity induced wild game feeding device for feeding corn or other particulate feed to desired game by means of dispensing the feed through a restricted opening, wherein the opening is positioned above and substantially removed from the ground surface. The present invention tube shaped main body housing, in the preferred embodiment, is positioned directionally vertical so that the bottom surface and a portion of the main body housing can be buried or embedded below the surface of the ground, thereby securely holding the main body housing in a fixed and rigid position. The feed is inserted into the device by removing the top cap or plug and pouring the feed into the main body housing, disposing the feed directly on top of an interior fixed platform shelf, with the shelf top surface being level with the bottom surface of the front feed access opening, thereby disposing the feed in the portion of the main body housing which is generally above the restricted opening.

Abstract: An exemplary collapsible game feeder and method are provided. In one embodiment, the collapsible game feeder includes a collapsible container and a dispensing device. The collapsible container may receive and store feed and release feed to the dispensing device for dispensing external the collapsible game feeder. In another aspect of the invention, a method for transporting and using a collapsible game feeder. The method includes providing a collapsible game feeder, transporting the collapsible game feeder to a desired location in the collapsed state, filling the collapsible game feeder with feed, and using the collapsible game feeder by having it dispense feed. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relates to systems powered by energy stored in capacitors. The capacitors may be charged using any desired power source. The system does not require batteries, which increases the reliability and life span of the system. In one example, an automatic feeder system uses the combination of solar panels and a capacitive network to power the feeder system indefinitely with minimal required maintenance.

Abstract: An pet food dispensing device includes a dispenser, an outer case, a pet food container, a slant guide, a driving device, and dispensing spouts. The dispenser includes a shaft, a dispensing disc, and a stirrer. The dispensing disc includes a top and bottom layers, which are positioned adjacently. The top layer of the dispensing disc includes one or more bumps on the top surface. The stirrer of the pet food dispenser includes a first flap extended from the first edge of the bottom layer of the dispensing disc, and the first flap is bent downwardly below the horizontal plane. In another embodiment, the stirrer includes an inner case and an elastic string member adjacently below the dispensing disc. The angle of the arc recess defined by the top and bottom layers varies from zero to one hundred eighty degrees. An outer case houses all parts.

Abstract: A utility car for maintenance of a livestock environment is comprised of a container compartment which is supported on wheels and displaceable over a floor surface by a motor drive operated by a conductor person. A front-end loading bucket is provided for loading feed/hay into the container compartment. The container compartment has a discharge trough and a conveyor feeds the feed/hay from the compartment into the discharge trough. The front end loading bucket has a pivotal rear gate in an upper end section of a rear wall thereof for guidingly discharging feed/hay from the loading bucket into an open top end of the front wall of the container compartment and closes the open top end when the loading bucket is at a discharge position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dissemination of food to a first animal when the first animal is disposed proximate the apparatus includes a container for receipt of the food and a transmitter that is attached to the first animal and a receiver that is operatively attached to the apparatus. The transmitter emits a signal continuously according to a preferred embodiment or a signal only when it is proximate the apparatus, according to a modification. The apparatus is adapted to receive and respond to the signal to allow access to the food in the container when the signal is present. When the signal is not received by the apparatus, access to the food in the container is denied.

Abstract: A mobile food dispenser includes a shell, a controller, at least one drive motor for moving the dispenser across a surface in response to direction from the controller, at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an animal, and at least one compartment including a hatch mechanism for controlling an animal's access to the interior of the compartment, wherein the hatch mechanism is actuated by the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to move the dispenser and actuate the hatch mechanism to stimulate an animal, in response to a detected presence of the animal.

Abstract: A trailer mounted automatic livestock feeder for feeding livestock in a field employing a timed feeding mechanism allows for a rancher to fill the feeder storage bin with bulk feed pellets at a bulk feed location and tow the feeder to location where livestock are feed and set a timer located on the feeder to feed livestock at a set time distributing a controlled amount of feed pellets to a perimeter trough located on the feeder trailer for several days, or until the amount of feed pellets are depleted. The feeder is provided with shielding that prohibits the livestock from access to the feeder storage bin, and is also provided with a rechargeable solar battery power supply allowing for use of the feeder in remote rural locations where there is no electrical power.

Abstract: A game feeder utilizes an improved feed dispensing mechanism that allows feed to enter the feed dispensing mechanism from the side. A game feeder utilizing the improved feed dispensing mechanism prevents access to the feed through the feed dispensing mechanism thereby eliminating the need to keep the game feeder out of the reach of wild animals.

Abstract: An animal feeder system comprises a mobile feeder suspended from an overhead track. The track can conveniently be made from pipe bent into a desired configuration. The mobile feeder has an on-board computer controller and a computer-controlled motor which can drive the mobile feeder to feed drops located along the track. The mobile feeder has a number of feed compartments which each hold a feed ingredient. The ingredients are dispensed simultaneously by variable speed augers. A customized blend of feed ingredients is dispensed at each feed drop. The animal feeder system can automatically track the amount of feed consumed at each feed drop and can run unattended. Applications include feeding swine, horses, chickens, fish, cattle and other animals which are reared in captivity.

Abstract: An automated livestock feeder for storing and dispensing food such as hay or granular feed in a feed container, to an animal at predetermined intervals utilizes a tray control flange which releases a feed tray on which feed sets. At a predetermined feeding time a motor rotates the flanged latch thereby releasing the tray to rotate from a storage position to a dispense position. The invention generally comprises a housing containing a feed tray supported by the housing defining a compartment for supporting and protecting feed, and a tray control flange for supporting each feed tray. The activation mechanism includes an electrical power source, a timer relay/mechanical switch, and an electrical motor.

Abstract: An automatic distributor of fish food for aquariums comprising a rotating container (30) for fish food, a cover (40), an electric motor (53) and transmission (54) for transmitting the motion to the rotating container (30). At the bottom (31) of the container (30) there is an housing (14) for the electric motor (53) and the transmission (54), and furthermore the rotation axis of the rotating container (30) is aligned with the motor axis of the electric motor (53).

Abstract: A pet care center with refrigerated automatic feeder. A carousel type food tray is divided into a plurality of pie shaped containers, with an adjacent pair of containers made accessible to a pet, and the others maintained in a refrigerated condition in a refrigerated compartment of the pet care center. A tray for receiving animal waste is attachable to the refrigerated compartment.

Abstract: An animal feeder has a hopper for storing pieces of food. The bottom of the hopper has an opening accessible by an animal. The opening is smaller than a piece of food, but large enough for the animal to gnaw the food through the opening. The hopper has a surface adjacent the opening, to receive fallen gnawed food and hold the fallen gnawed food in a position accessible by the animal for eating. The hopper engages a mounting bracket. The bracket has a lip which partially covers the receiving surface of the hopper to physically limit the animal from leaning on the hopper and to prevent the hopper from tipping back so far that it falls off the conical mount. A conical mount transmits a downward force from the conical bottom surface to a sensor, but does not transmit an upward force or moment to the sensor.

Abstract: A fish feeder having an inner tray sliding within an outer tray. The trays are provided with holes which, when brought into alignment, allow feed to drop from the inner tray through the outer tray and on to a spreader, whereby the food is evenly distributed across the surface of water. The inner tray is driven by pneumatic actuation to reduce noise and precisely control the amount of feed dropped upon each actuation. Means are provided for reducing the ingress of food particulate between the trays, which would otherwise act to increase friction and decrease the efficiency and repeatability associated with food delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing game feed from clogging within a game feed dispenser. The game feed dispenser includes a container for storing the game feed. At a bottom portion of the container is a funnel having an opening. The apparatus includes a rotating plate positioned underneath the container. At least two agitating panels are affixed to the top of the rotating plate and extend through the funnel opening into the interior of the container where the game feed is stored. A motor rotates the rotating plate. Upon rotation of the rotating plate, the agitating panels also rotate. Rotation of the agitating panels within the interior of the container allows the agitating panels to break the game feed into smaller pieces, which allows the game feed to easily exit through the opening of the funnel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a swimming poultry cramming method and an automatic cramming system for rearing geese or duck in a cyclic flow regime where the necessary quantities of water and food are repeatedly changed according to the particular features of the birds, where the ducks or geese of 60 days or more are put to a preliminary feeding regime, and after birds reach 75 days of age a feeding programme for cramming being determined depending on bird's kind and sex, as well as the age and weight of the lot as pre-set in the automatic cramming system and containing cramming mash composition and doses.

Abstract: A livestock feeder including a first cylindrical wall structure having a plurality of head stocks extending upwardly and inwardly therefrom to a cone-shaped hood. A flexible curtain extends downwardly from the hood around the upper ends of the head stocks. A second wall structure is positioned outwardly of the first wall structure and is vertically movable from a lower position to an upper position by means of an electric motor operatively connected thereto. When the second wall structure is in its lower position, the animals may feed from the feeder. When the second wall structure is in its upper position, the animals do not have access to the feed within the feeder.

Abstract: Poultry house equipment include water and/or feed bowls movable in a horizontal direction. The water and/or feed bowls are connected to at least one water and/or feed supply conduit configured to supply water and/or feed to the water and/or feed bowls. The water and/or feed supply conduit and the water and/or feed bowls connected to the water and/or feed supply conduit are movable in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction of the water and/or feed supply conduit via a moving member. Since the drinkers and/or feeders are movable in a horizontal direction within the poultry house, the animals will no longer concentrate around a fixed location in the poultry house, but they will scatter all over the poultry house in order for their excrements to be evenly distributed over the entire poultry house.

Abstract: A device for supplying fodder to animals such as cows which has a plurality of hoppers containing fodder wherein each hopper may have a different type of fodder. A plurality of feeding troughs are provided which are accessible to animals to feed therefrom. Each hopper has a conveyor for conveying fodder from that hopper to a control component that has a receptacle which receives fodder from selected hoppers. Under control of the control component selected conveyors in the hoppers convey predetermined amounts of fodder therefrom to the receptacle. The receptacle has a bottom which can be opened and from which fodder falls through a pipe or chute to a selected trough. The device is provided with a container which may be one of the hoppers edible separating material which may be supplied to the receptacle to form a layer on top of which fodder is received and is wrapped, at least in part, by the edible separating material as it falls through the bottom of the receptacle into the underlying pipe or chute.

Abstract: A bird feeder and method is provided having a collar slidably positioned on an upright mounting post. The collar includes sockets for extending arms therefrom to suspend bird feed containers, wind chimes, flower baskets or the like. The collar is connected to a cord and pulley arrangement whereby the feed containers can be raised and lowered as necessary for replenishment, cleaning and maintenance. In the preferred form of the invention a manual winch is attached to the post for ease in raising and lowering the feed containers.