Abstract: A feeder bag includes a bag portion formed of a front panel and a rear panel. A lower flap is pivotally coupled to the front panel at a lower flap junction and is disposed proximate a bottom end of the bag portion. An upper flap is pivotally coupled to the front panel at an upper flap junction and is disposed above the lower flap. The upper and lower flaps include slots. A first side brace defines a first upper tab and a first lower tab, and a second side brace defines a second upper tab and a second lower tab. The tabs of the braces are received in the slots of the flaps to create a trough portion. The front panel of the bag portion defines at least one through hole disposed between the upper flap junction and the lower flap junction.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to allow removable attachment of a container to a structure. The apparatus includes a mount, a retainer, and a first fastener. The mount includes a first leg including a first plurality of apertures; and a first latch portion. The retainer is pivotally connected to the mount and includes a second latch portion configured for cooperation with the first latch portion. The first fastener is configured to pass through one of the plurality of apertures and a first portion of the container. A method is described for removably attaching a container to a bracket located at a corner of a stall. The method includes aligning a hole of the container with a peg of the mount, passing the peg through the hole, closing the bracket by moving the retainer relative to the mount, and securing the mount and retainer in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A chick feeding station having an elongate trough for holding poultry feed, a conveyor which is placed in the trough and moves feed in the longitudinal direction of the trough, and deflectors and supports that provide chick safety. The conveyor is a chain conveyor with flights. The deflectors are mounted on the chick feeding station such that they extend from just above the conveyor flights and obliquely upward in the direction of travel of the conveyor, to move a chick to an upper level of the trough. A support for each deflector is also provided in the trough, the supports extending above the flights in the longitudinal direction of the trough, all the way to and through the deflectors.

Abstract: An animal feeder constructed of an open top feed bin with a bumper secured to the top edge of the bin. The bumper has a wide rounded or beveled top edge to discourage animals from chewing on it. A horizontal slot in the side of the bumper is provided to admit an open work panel to be inserted through the slot and into the open top of the bin. Once within the bin, the panel rest on the feed contained within the bin. Openings provided with the panel allow an animal to access the feed. The openings can be custom sized. The panel can be removed from the bin via the slot so that the bin can be refilled with feed. An optional cover can be attached to the top of the bumper to protect the feed from the weather or to prevent access to the feed by animals.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a feeding aperture (240) of an animal shelter (200) comprises at least one first curtain (120) which includes a first edge (122) from which it can be fastened to the upper edge (244) of the feeding aperture, and a second edge (124) which is dimensioned to extend at least close to the lower edge (242) of the feeding aperture when the curtain is hanging freely. The apparatus further comprises a turning mechanism (102, 106, 108, 110, 112) for moving the second edge of the curtain in the first direction towards the interior of the animal shelter and in the second direction away from the interior of the animal shelter. Preferably, the turning mechanism comprises swinging arms (110), that can be arranged to the upper edge of the feeding aperture. The second edge of the first curtain is moved by changing the position of the swinging arms.

Abstract: A cover for a bowl, such as a pet food or water bowl, that comprises a lower cover molded on or affixed to the lower surface of a bowl, and a plastic decorative outer sleeve secured to the outer surface of the bowl and held in place by the lower cover. The outer cover provides aesthetically pleasing exterior features. The lower cover provide skid resistance properties, being fabricated from rubber or plastic secured to the lower outer surface of the metallic bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronous poultry feeding system, wherein a barrier member is configured through the feed conveying trough. The conveying trough comprises a trough and a fence configured above the trough. The fence is configured with a plurality of feeding openings. The outer edge of the barrier member is close to the inner wall of the trough and the fence. The barrier member can be controlled by the control device to be lifted or lowered inside the conveying trough. In this way, when the barrier member is not lifted, it can block the feed inside the trough, so that the poultry cannot stretch into the trough to eat, while when the barrier member is lifted to an appropriate height, the poultry can stretch from their respective feeding openings into the trough to eat.

Abstract: A poultry feeder is provided that may be fully charged with feed. In one embodiment, the feeder includes a feeder tower and a feeder pan assembly that is vertically moveable with respect to the pan. The feeder pan assembly is movable between a first closed position in which a bottom end of the feeder tower engages the feeder pan and a second open position forming a gap between the end of the tower and pan to dispense feed. Feed is precluded from entering the pan when the feeder pan assembly is in the first position. In one embodiment, the feeder pan assembly is operated between the two positions via a cable. An adjusting collar may be provided to regulate the amount of feed dispensed to the feeder pan.

Abstract: The present invention is a feeder for feeding animals such as horses. The feeder generally comprises a feeding container adapted to receive animal feed such as hay. A restriction grate rests on top of feed. The grate comprises a plurality of openings through which the animal can access and eat the feed. The grate floats on top of the feed so that as the animals remove feed from the feeder through the openings in the grate, the grate moves downward in the feeder with the diminishing level of feed.

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 pet nourishment device is disclosed. The pet nourishment device is a novelty pet nourishment device that resembles a portable commode device. The pet nourishment device may include one or more containers of different depths to accommodate pets of different sizes.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: A housing for animal feedstuff including a base, a roof extending over the base, uprights spaced apart from one another and extending between the base and the roof, and a container locatable between the uprights for containing feedstuff. Livestock, such as cattle, access feedstuff within the container by way of spaces between the uprights. In an embodiment, the uprights are telescopic and the roof can be pivoted between raised and lowered positions relative to the uprights.

Abstract: A bird feeder including an enclosure, heat shield and clinging element especially suited for clinging birds. A suspension element allows the bird feeder to hang from an overhead structure and supports a basket within the enclosure. The basket contains bird feed suspended under the protection of the enclosure and heat shield.

Abstract: A barrier for poultry troughs has a ridge bracket, two shutters and a holding device. The ridge bracket has two surfaces, a mounting edge and a connecting edge. The shutters are respectively mounted on the surfaces of the ridge bracket. The holding device is connected securely to the ridge bracket to allow the barrier to be raised and lowered over the poultry trough to prevent poultry from feeding from the trough whilst the troughs are being filled. Once filed the holding device is used to raise the barrier and expose feed to the poultry. When the barrier is lowered, the pivoting of the shutters prevents damage to poultry straddling the trough and automatically closes once the poultry have left the trough.

Abstract: A hay feeder allows a horse to eat from the feeder at a controlled speed in order to help prevent choke as well as overeating. The feeder uses a receptacle that has one or more guide posts extending between a closed bottom and an open top. A plate has first openings that each receive a respective post in order to allow the plate to slide up and down within the receptacle, the plate also having a series of second openings. Hay is placed into the receptacle and the plate is positioned on top of the hay. The horse eats the hay through the series of second openings and the plate gravitationally falls with the depleting stock of hay guided downwardly along the posts.

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: An animal feeder includes a base, a feeding trough supported by the base, the feeding trough having an outer rim. A feed hopper is situated over the feeding trough to deliver feed to the feeding trough. A roof extends laterally at least over the feeding trough outer rim.

Abstract: An automated feeding apparatus for animals includes a compartmented feed storage container provided with an upper hinged access door for charging the feed into the compartments, which are provided with automatically or manually operable discharge doors. The container is so dimensioned that the discharge doors in their closed and open positions are shielded from an animal feeding from the apparatus. A deflector plate is disposed beneath the discharge doors and is so mounted as to allow and accommodate unintended movement thereof, for example movement occasioned by an animal.

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: A barrier for poultry troughs has a ridge bracket, two shutters and a holding device. The ridge bracket has two surfaces, a mounting edge and a connecting edge. The shutters are respectively mounted on the surfaces of the ridge bracket. The holding device is connected securely to the ridge bracket to allow the barrier to be raised and lowered over the poultry trough to prevent poultry from feeding from the trough whilst the troughs are being filled. Once filed the holding device is used to raise the barrier and expose feed to the poultry. When the barrier is lowered, the pivoting of the shutters prevents damage to poultry straddling the trough and automatically closes once the poultry have left the trough.

Abstract: A feeder for providing food to a plurality of animals comprises a generally horizontal base having a periphery. A central conical spreader is located above the base. An outer wall extends upwardly from said periphery of the base to an upper edge and defines a plurality of feeding apertures located to allow an animal to access feed located upon the base. A roof extends outwardly from the upper edge of the peripheral wall and over the feeding apertures. The roof defines a filling aperture located above the conical spreader. A door is adapted to selectively seal the filling aperture. Feed poured through the filling aperture is directed outwardly to the feeding apertures by the spreader to provide feeding animals with access through the feeding apertures to substantially all of the feed filled into the feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a bird feeder with a liquid reservoir is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a shell divided vertically into two halves from top to bottom. A hinge is connected to at least a portion of a first edge of each shell half to allow the shell to open and close. At least one fastening mechanism is connected near a second edge of each shell half for fastening the two shell halves together, wherein an interior space is created when the two shell halves are closed to surround the liquid reservoir of the feeder. A substantially semi-circular opening is provided on the bottom of each shell half at least partially filled with a compressible material, wherein the substantially semi-circular openings create a substantially circular opening when the shell is closed. A hanging device is provided on the top of the shell.

Abstract: Deer and other nocturnal animals may be allowed to feed from a feeding device which also restricts feeding by squirrels, birds, and other diurnal feeders. The apparatus includes a walled enclosure having a sloped bottom for facilitating the gravity flow of animal feed toward an outlet from which the feed can then be accessed by the target animals. The opening is provided with a sliding cover which is controllably movable between a first position aligned over the opening to prevent dispensing of feed, and a second position removed from the opening to allow dispensing of feed. To prevent blockage of the cover by the feed when the cover is moved from the open to the closed position, an internal member is disposed within the enclosure which creates an accumulation chamber or dead space into which feed can be readily moved out of the path of the moving cover.

Abstract: A grill member for use in a poultry feeder assembly has a generally curved rim member having an outward side surface which varies in radial distance relative to a center of the grill member and a top surface which varies in vertical height relative to a generally planar lower edge of the rim member without the need to adjust the grill member. The grill member also is configured to be rotated relative to a rotationally stable drop tube member in order to change both a position of a brood gate defined in the drop tube member relative to a base portion of a pan member and a height of a feed gate provided between a distal end of the drop tube member and the base portion of the pan member in order to control the flow of feed into the pan member through the brood gate and the feed gate.

Abstract: A farrowing crate is defined by a cage having a main central flooring section for the sow and two side sections for the piglets. A feeder is located at the front wall for supplying feed to the sow when standing and includes a hopper mounted on a front gate outside the crate for and a trough for receiving feed discharged from the hopper. The trough is formed by a base plate lying substantially flat on the flooring from the hopper rearwardly to a raised transverse restricting member to restrict the escape of feed formed by an inverted V-shaped rib formed in the base plate spaced from the front wall and extending generally across the base plate to define a trough area of a height which allows the sow to lie with its neck and head over the restricting member without discomfort. The gate panel includes guards each side of the opening to restrict side to side movement of the sow's head. The trough is restricted by sides at the sides of the sow flooring.

Abstract: A portable deer and game feeder includes a tub-like feeder box, a support frame for supporting the feeder box, the support frame including a plurality of removable legs for supporting the feeder box above the ground, and a roof extending over the feeder box and being large enough to overhang the edges of the feeder box. A plurality of removable roof support posts are provided for supporting the roof over the feeder box, and the removable legs and the removable roof supports are sized and configured to be detached and stowed in the feeder box for transport.

Abstract: A weatherproof pet feeder (12) has an enclosure (14) pivotally mounted to a feeder base (16) by a hinge (18). Latches (22) secure the enclosure (14) in a downward position on the feeder base (16). The feeder base (16) as two bowl sockets (34, 36). The bowl socket (34) has an electric heater coil (58) for heating a water bowl (38). The feeder base (16) is raised above a ground surface on support legs (44). The support legs (44) have mounting feet (46), tubular leg sections (72) and insecticide bands (96). The support legs (44) are sealed on lower ends by nipples (48) for containing weighting material which prevents the weatherproof feeder (12) from being overturned. The feeder base (16) has tie down loops (52) and the mounting feet (46) have apertures (86) for receiving stakes (88) for securing the weatherproof pet feeder (12) to the ground surface.

Abstract: A portable deer and game feeder includes a tub-like feeder box, a support frame for supporting the feeder box, the support frame including a plurality of removable legs for supporting the feeder box above the ground, and a roof extending over the feeder box and being large enough to overhang the edges of the feeder box. A plurality of removable roof support posts are provided for supporting the roof over the feeder box, and the removable legs and the removable roof supports are sized and configured to be detached and stowed in the feeder box for transport.

Abstract: A diner for a pet. The diner includes a tray for holding food. The diner includes a housing having a chamber large enough for the pet to stand in, a doorway connected to the chamber through which the pet enters and exits the chamber, and a slot which communicates with the chamber in which the tray removably fits and extends into the chamber so the pet can eat the food while in the chamber. A method of feeding a pet. The method includes the steps of opening a lid over a compartment of a housing.