Abstract: A gate within a gate within a barrier. A first, relatively small gate is engaged within a second, relatively large gate, which is engaged in the barrier for extending across a passageway of a residence. The relatively large gate can be closed to, for example, minimize access of toddlers to the passageway, while the relatively small gate can be opened to, for example, maximize access of small dogs to the passageway. One example of a passageway is the head or bottom of a stairway. The relatively large gate, when closed, minimizes toddlers from falling down or climbing up stairs. The relatively small gate, when open, permits small dogs to walk down or climb up the stairs.

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 feeding device for feeding poultry comprising a dish-shaped dispensing pan with an outer circumferential edge, a feed drop tube opening out above a central part of the pan such that a volume of feed transported to the drop tube is distributed over the bottom surface of the pan, and bars connecting the pan with the drop tube, in which openings are present between the bars for the poultry to have access to feed distributed in the pan, which openings are delimited by sides of parts of the device facing said openings. At least part of said sides of the parts facing said openings, in particular said bars, have a non-sharp-edged cross-section which is constructed circumferentially closed. The circumferentially closed parts are at least partly made out of a foam plastic.

Abstract: A method and system that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A cat feeder assembly and method of providing a cat feeder assembly having at least three walls defining a food placement zone with a food container, with each wall having a top end and a bottom end, and a protective awning coupled to the housing structure and having a selectively adjustable height. The protective awning having a leading edge defining a primary height barrier and at least one secondary height barrier, with the secondary height barrier being located between the primary height barrier and the at least two walls. Both height barriers projecting a first and second imaginary plane substantially parallel to each other and defining a keep-out zone directly under the awning and substantially adjacent to the food container. The method further includes selectively adjusting the protective awning to the shoulder area of a cat the user desires to feed from the food placement zone.

Abstract: A feeding trough which is accessible to livestock animals is disclosed, and is defined at the bottom and laterally by a bottom wall and side walls, respectively, wherein one of the side walls demarcates the trough interior for an access side from which the animals take up feed from the trough interior. The side wall on the access side has an upper side wall edge over which an animal's head must reach at least partly so that the animal can take up feed from the trough interior and a trough frame to which the feeding trough is fixed. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the height of the side wall edge on the access side relative to the trough frame.

Abstract: A pet feeder for feeding pets that provides an enclosure that the pet accesses through an entryway having dimensions under the control of the pet owner. The owner sizes the entryway to exclude a pet with allowing a relatively smaller pet to enter.

Abstract: The device comprises a first food-receiving portion provided within an upper side of a main body The first portion comprises independent first food compartments disposed in axisymmetrical positions with reference to a central vertical axis A first cover having at least one access aperture is positioned over the first portion and is supported for free rotation upon actuation by the animal being fed Independent second food-receiving portions, each comprising two second food compartments separated from one another by a transversal wall, are provided adjacent to the first portion Each second portion has a corresponding second cover that is in sliding engagement therewith and freely movable upon actuation by the animal being fed The combination of rotating and sliding covers create stimulating challenges for the animal.

Abstract: A protective pet dish apparatus that provides protection from birds and insects of food or water in a pet dish by a protective pet dish cover that is supported by a rod extending from the pet dish to the cover. The protective pet dish cover swivels away from the pet dish on the rod when a pet pushes its head against it and swivels back to cover the pet dish after the pet removes its head from the pet dish. The protective pet dish cover uses gravity or a combination of gravity and magnetic force along with the support and swiveling of the support rod to cover the food after a pet removes its head from the pet dish.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder with a control box assembly for engaging a bottom wall of a hopper of a wildlife feeder is provided, the bottom wall having a hopper feed dispensing opening. The hopper is supported on a multiplicity of legs above the ground. The assembly includes a motor with a drive shaft, and a spinner mounted near a removed end of the drive shaft. A control box having a control box housing is provided with an upper wall, the upper wall having an opening to allow the drive shaft to project substantially vertically therethrough. A hopper engagement plate is provided for engaging the bottom wall of the hopper adjacent the hopper feed dispensing opening. The hopper engagement plate has a base with a feed opening therethrough. The hopper engagement plate has walls with a multiplicity of legs depending therefrom. The feed opening of the base is located substantially below the hopper feed dispensing opening.

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: The present invention is a novel device having two primary components. The first component is a specialized collar and the second component is a feeder. The specialized collar has a pendant from which an activation magnet hangs. The feeder has a magnetic sensor which is placed in a location so as to sense the magnet from the collar. The feeder is in the open condition except when an animal wearing a specific magnet approaches a feeder, an activation mechanism causes a restriction mechanism to be placed over the food access so that the animal wearing the collar cannot have access to the food. When the animal goes away from the feeder, the restriction is removed so that other animals who do not have the collar will have access to the food.

Abstract: A restricted animal access feeder which includes the concept of having vibratory means and noise emitting means which will scare an animal away from eating food in a desired dish. The vibratory means and noise emitting means are generated by closing of a magnetic circuit so that the vibratory mechanism and noise activating mechanism is activated. An animal who is desired not to eat from a specific food dish will wear a specific magnetic collar that will close the activation circuit. An animal that does not have such collar will not close the activation circuit and therefore, will have access to the food. The invention also includes means to enable the magnet to detach from a magnetic object so that the animal will not be permanently attached to a magnetic object such as a refrigerator.

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 pet feeder for feeding pets that provides an enclosure that the pet accesses through an entryway having dimensions under the control of the pet owner. The owner sizes the entryway to exclude a pet with allowing a relatively smaller pet to enter.

Abstract: A liquid bird feed is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening.

Abstract: An elevated feeder or framework holds the round bales of feedstock off the ground while providing a convenient height for the livestock to feed from. The bale feeder is made by rigidly connecting tubular elements, of the same or different diameters together, at any angle, without the use of special fasteners. The elevated feeder holds the bales with the flat ends in a position that is the most convenient for the livestock to consume the feedstock. The elevated feeder keeps the feedstock bales off the ground by supporting the feedstock on an adjustable, flexible mesh bale support, with openings to permit rain and water to drain away from the feedstock. The mesh bale support length is adjusted by moving the mesh support clamping bars closer to or farther away from the ends of the mesh raises or lowers the bale to accommodate the feeding height of the livestock being fed.

Abstract: A pet feeding containment system adapted to hold food and water bowls comprises a base with at least one wall defining an interior space. The front section comprises a low portion and at least one high portion. The low portion provides a pet with access to food and water bowls, while the close proximity of the high portion to the pet's head and shoulders deters the pet from moving its head outside of the containment system while feeding. The containment system inhibits spills and contains those that occur, thus minimizing messes outside of the system. Another embodiment uses a filtering tray which is disposed above the base. The filtering tray has interstitial spaces that are sufficiently small to retain spilled food on the filtering tray but allow spilled water to pass through onto the base, thus enabling a pet owner to collect and re-use spilled food.

Abstract: A portable bale feeder comprises a semicircular barrier having a pair of terminal ends and a center frame section, a pair of wheels attached adjacent to the terminal ends, and an anchoring stake. The semicircular barrier further includes a plurality of semicircular horizontal bars joined by a plurality of cross links. A plurality of slant bars is attached between two or more or the horizontal bars to create a plurality of feeder openings. In one embodiment, a flexible cover deployment and retrieval system is attached to the feeder. In another embodiment, the flexible cover deployment and retrieval system is attached to an inverted U frame member that is attached to the terminal ends of the semicircular barrier. The flexible cover deployment and retrieval system includes a boom for holding a spool of plastic sheeting, or a reel mechanism pivotally attached to the inverted U frame member.

Abstract: A bird feeder provides a feed container extending downwardly, a limited support surface positioned around the feed container at a lower end thereof and having one or more feeding ports, the limited support surface being adapted for supporting a feeding animal in proximity to the one or more feeding ports, a biasing mechanism adapted for supporting the limited support surface at a lower end of the feed container and for allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the limited support surface, and one or more portal shields affixed to the biasing mechanism and adapted to open and close the feeding ports, wherein the biasing mechanism is further adapted to open and close the feeding ports with the portal shields in response to the limited amount of vertical movement upwardly and downwardly, respectively, of the limited support surface.

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: An automated feeding system for pets with special diets includes a feeder dish which is made accessible to a pet only when an ID tag on the pet is recognized as authorized by a receiver on the device and only for a certain time period. The appropriate amount of food is thereby made available at appropriate time intervals. If a plurality of tags is pre-programmed as authorized, each animal's tag can sequentially activate the feeding device to feed each animal, respectively. However, if more than one authorized tag is present in the feeding time set for one animal, the drawer closes.

Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both as feed to animals in metered portions. The metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing the feed. An entrance door provides access to the feed unit. A feed supplying device supplies a predetermined amount of feed to the feed unit for the animal which is to be fed at the feed unit as determined by an animal identification device which is disposed at the feed unit and detects an identifying transponder on the relevant animal. The feed unit and therefore the feed therein is measured by its angular displacement relative to the device otherwise. Specifically, rolls are provided to measure the amount of pivoting or rotation relative to the device otherwise.

Abstract: A bird feeder perch assembly for removable attachment to a bird feeder, the assembly having a locating member for locating and removably engaging a body of the bird feeder, a perch and pivoting mechanism for allowing the perch to pivot relative to the locating member, such that in use when attached to a bird feeder body the perch may pivot from a retracted position in which it is substantially flush with the bird feeder body to an extended position in which the perch projects outwardly from the bird feeder body such that a bird may rest upon the perch.

Abstract: An antiperch device for deterring birds from perching on undesired perch locations. The device includes various embodiments which are constructed of wires forming arcs and/or wires that are parallel to and spaced above an object such as a light fixture to be protected. The wires are sufficiently flexible and have a small enough diameter to prevent the birds from getting a secure footing thereon but are sufficiently stiff to keep the birds from reaching the object.

Abstract: The first skirt portion has an outward extension in the form of a substantially smooth upper circumferential edge, wherein the upper edge itself has an extension in the form of a second skirt portion extending downwardly and outwardly to a lower circumferential edge. The bottom portion has on its lower face an adhesive member such as a two-sided adhesive. The ratio of the average inner diameter of the first skirt portion to the inner height of the bowl is at least about 3, and advantageously ranges from about 3.5 to 7.5, and preferably, from 4 to 6.

Abstract: An animal feeder that protects food contained therein from ants and other crawling insects. The feeder includes a support having a post extending upwardly from a base. A food bowl is suspended from the post above the base. An insect trap is secured to the post between the base and the food bowl. The insect trap has a top wall that is affixed to, and sealed about, the post. A side wall extends downwardly from the periphery of the top wall. A bottom wall is secured to the base of the side wall. The bottom wall has a central opening that encircles the post at a distance and that provides a passageway through which insects may enter the trap. A liquid-retaining wall extends upwardly from the periphery of the opening so as to serve as a dam for a liquid, insect attractant placed in the bottom of the trap.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile bird feeder which is resistant to invasion and destruction by squirrels. The feeder relies upon a combination of slippery side panels made of polished methylmethacrylate (Lucite™) and a simple geometric configuration to prevent scaling by squirrels or similar small rodents. The transparent Lucite™ guard element provides protection from the weather elements, allows viewing of birds while approaching and feeding, presents an aesthetic appearance while presenting a movable target for the approaching birds.

Abstract: A livestock feeder has a trough having a downwardly sloping section of a feeding surface ending in a lowermost portion disposed below a suspended horizontal bottom hay bale stop bar. The horizontal bottom hay bale stop bar is positioned above and not in contact with the feeding surface of the trough. The animals may feed directly from the hay bale by reaching below the bottom stop bar or may feed through the inner frame, by reaching above the stop bar. The outer cage and inner frame define a livestock feeding region which functions such that when the livestock are feeding, loosened and dropped seed and hay flow down the downwardly sloping feeding surface, towards the front wall of the trough and into the lowermost portion where they are retained until they are consumed by the livestock without wastage. The feeder has access for feeding by the livestock limited to the front wall side of the feeder, resulting in easy, safe accessibility by vehicles used for loading the feeder or transporting the feeder.

Abstract: A multiple-compartmented cat food serving system for simultaneously introducing at least two differently flavored cat food products in a manner which allows the cat owner to determine which foods appeal to the cat and which foods do not. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the inventive system, different flavors of cat food products are supplied at the point of purchase in respective compartments of a sealed, multiple-compartmented receptacle. If desired, one of the receptacle compartments may be supplied empty so that the cat owner may fill it with a small quantity of water for consumption with the meal. In order to allow the cat owner to ascertain whether a particular flavor is not being eaten by his or her cat, each compartment of the receptacle has associated therewith indicia to identify the flavor of the food product contained therein. If one or more newly introduced flavors of cat food do not appeal to the cat, then the owner may avoid purchasing and serving those flavors in the future.

Abstract: A squirrel-proof post is composed of a post, supporting a bird feeder or bird house, an annular sleeve, a set of springs, and a means of securing the springs to both the platform supporting the bird feeder or house and to the sleeve. The set of springs will be naturally somewhat elongated due to the weight of the sleeve. When the squirrel climbs up the post and onto the sleeve or else jumps from the ground onto the sleeve, the additional weight will cause the sleeve to begin to slide down the post at a rate approximating free fall. This sudden and rapid acceleration induces the squirrel to immediately jump off the sleeve, returning to the ground unharmed. The reduction in weight acting in opposition to the restoring force of the springs will rapidly result in the return of the sleeve toward its equilibrium position.

Abstract: A feed enclosure for birds and small creatures such as squirrels, raccoons or the like. A internal floor to ceiling enclosure partition prevents feeders from one side of the enclosure from entering into the feeding area entered from the other side. Small birds may enter from one side of the enclosure while larger birds and small creatures can feed from the other side. The larger birds may feed through an elevated opening by stretching their necks over a lower apron while the small creatures can enter into one of the two enclosed areas by one or more lower openings. Smaller birds enter the enclosure's other side through smaller spaced vertical partitions located over a lower wire mesh fence through which the small creatures are prevented from entering.

Abstract: The improved pet feeding apparatus is comprised of a pair of container portions adapted to receive food or water which are connected by a living hinge for folding the pet feeding apparatus into a compact package for travel. The container portions are threaded on their inner upper edge to accept a lid which seals the container portion when installed. The container portions includes a bowl shaped section with a skirt extending downwardly and outwardly to a lower rim which is below the lowest extent of the container portion. These lower rims provide a stable base for the container portions. The lower rims are connected by the living hinge which facilitates folding the container portions for transport and allows the lower rims of the container portions to lie flat on the floor when the pet is using the pet feeding apparatus. The lower rims also include a handle positioned opposite the living hinge.

Abstract: A livestock feeder gate is described for removable mounting to an existing livestock feeder. The gate includes a closure having a peripheral wall enclosure extending between open top and bottom ends. The closure is shaped to be slidably received over the livestock feeder and is moveable thereon between an open position to permit livestock access to the livestock feeder, and a closed position blocking livestock access to the livestock feeder. A lift is mounted to the closure and is connectable to the feeder, for moving the closure between the open and closed positions. A timer controls operation of the lift.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for controlling animal access to a location, comprising a generator for generating a field and a sensor for sensing the presence of the field near the location. One of the generator and the sensor is removably secured on an animal. A buzzer or other output signal unit is responsive to the sensor for generating an output signal in the presence of the field, the output signal being of sufficient magnitude to deter the animal from the location. Also disclosed is a technique for deterring an animal from a location.

Abstract: A stall for an animal comprises a substantially closed frame for surrounding the animal while feeding and a pivot arrangement for allowing the frame to be lifted out of the way when not in use. The stall is provided with a trough pivotally mounted on a support whereby the trough opening moves between positions which are accessible and inaccessible to the animal as the stall is moved from the use to the out of use positions.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided for use in a bird cage. The feeder includes a cup having a bottom surface and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a top edge defining an inner region for holding bird feed therein. The feeder also includes a partition or other suitable structure coupled to the outer wall of the cup for blocking lateral movement of a bird's beak within the inner region of the cup, thereby reducing the amount of bird feed that is thrown out of the cup by the bird.

Abstract: A male only grill and poultry feeder combination. A first barrier is connected to the feeder and extends radially outward therefrom for holding birds in a predetermined spaced relation from the feeder to restrain female birds from the feeder. A second barrier is connected to the feeder and positioned above the first barrier for preventing female birds from reaching the feeder by standing on the first barrier. A third barrier is connected to the feeder and spaced laterally outward from the feeder and is positioned between the first and second barrier for preventing female birds from reaching the feeder by forcing their chest portions between the first and second barriers.

Abstract: A pet food container having a dish member with a concavity formed therein and a base member having a liquid-receiving moat formed therein. The dish member has a connector formed on a bottom surface of the concavity which is detachably engagable with a central member formed on the base member. The base member has a raised rim extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the bottom surface. The dish member includes an upper surface above the concavity with a configuration which is nestable within the moat of the base member. The central member of the base member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The flat bottom surface of the base member includes an interior recess which is selectively engagable with the connector of the dish member. A copper strip extends circumferentially around the exterior surface of the rim. A clamp is provided in resilient relationship with the base member so as to extend through a hole in the base member between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A feeding tray construction and method that prevents the escape of strong beaked birds during feeding comprises (i) a central stationary box closed along side and back panels, partially open at a top panel but fully open along its front entrance, (ii) an inverted drawer slidable within the central box, partially open or fully open along its top and bottom and closed along front, sides and back panels, and (iii) removable dishes or dish residing within the drawer.

Abstract: A cattle feeding trough consisting of a frame having a pocket with underlying ribs to support a container and at least one substantially vertical support. A container is positioned in the container support pocket of the frame. The container has opposed end walls. Each of the end walls has a concave peripheral edge. A closure lid is pivotally mounted to the vertical support with the closure lid positioned over the container. The closure lid has opposed end walls. Each of the end walls has a convex peripheral edge. The convex end walls of the closure lid can be positioned in close proximity with the concave end walls of the container to protect the contents of the container from the weather while still permitting the closure lid to be pivotally moved aside by cattle seeking access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A combination feeding bowl and wall mounting apparatus by which the bowl can be elevated above the surface of a floor, while at the same time the bowl is displaced from the wall. A mount fixture is attached to the wall structure and a rod is slidably received through the mount fixture by a handle attached to the upper end of the rod. The rod has a support member at the lower end that holds a bowl. A trigger is attached to a brake device which is enclosed within the mount fixture by which the friction of the rod can be increased to hold the bowl at a specific elevation respective to the mount fixture or the floor. The food contained within the bowl is positioned away from crawling insects and a cover protects the contents of the bowl from flying insects.

Abstract: The automatic distributor of sequential rations of solid food for domestic animals comprises a tank (3) for solid food and a bin (6) receiving the rations as well as a control device enabling to program the number of rations delivered within 24 hours and the time interval separating them. The tank (3) for solid food and the bin (6) are both parts of a casing (1) and are rigidly fast the one to the other. The tank (3) comprises a lower aperture giving access to the bin (6) and an obturator (8), actuated by an electric motor (16) is displaceable between a rest position for which the tank (3) is separated from the bin (6), and a feeding position for which the tank (3) is connected to the bin (6) and feeds it with solid food by gravity. The upper face of the bin (6) is closed during the filling phase limiting thus the quantity of food delivered.

Abstract: A multistation bird feeder support is disclosed which may be inventoried and shipped in a disassembled, compact condition, and easily assembled by the user. The feeder provides a two-piece center pole adapted to be mounted at its lower end in the ground. The upper end of the center pole is provided with four longitudinally extending slots sized to receive flattened portions of two interfitting support beams and to maintain the support beams perpendicular to the center pole. A bird feeder or the like can be mounted on each end of each beam. A lock member is positioned in the upper end of the pole above the cross beams, and a bolt is threaded through the lock member into engagement with the upper surfaces of the beams to hold them in a perpendicular position and assist the beams in supporting end loads. A cap is mounted on the upper end of the center pole and provides a skirt extending around the lock member to prevent it from spreading the upper end of the pole.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a feed reservoir provided with a feed access opening, a perch, a roof for covering the reservoir, a roof extension hingedly mounted on the roof and biased to normally extend in a coplanar relationship therewith, so as to overlie the access opening and an auxiliary perch fixed to depend from the roof extension, wherein the roof extension is movable to cover the access opening and the auxiliary perch is moved into a position below the perch in response to the application to the auxiliary perch of the weight of an animal or bird above a desired weight.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder has a cylindrical, transparent feed container located inside a concentric, coaxial, transparent shroud. The shroud is supported on the container by a spring for movement between a bird feeding position and a position in which heavier birds or animals cause the shroud to block access to the feed. Perches are supported on the shroud adjacent access openings in the shroud and container. Light birds can obtain feed through the openings while heavier ones or animals cannot.

Abstract: A squirrel-proof selective bird feeder includes a metallic hopper having integral side walls and a back wall defining an open front face, an open top, and a feed portal, a translucent window fastened in water-resistant sealing engagement to the open front face, a top having a sandwiched metallic plate slidably mounted in and frictionally retained by the confronting walls of the open top of the hopper, and a spring-loaded perch having an adjustable tension pivotally mounted to the bottom of the hopper and adjacent the feed portal. In the case of a light bird alighting on the perch having a weight less than that needed to overcome the spring force, the perch remains in at least a partially open state allowing access to the feed portal. In the case of a squirrel or heavy bird having a weight that overcomes the spring force, the perch pivots to a closed state that prevents access to the feed portal.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder has a cylindrical, transparent feed container located inside a concentric, coaxial, transparent shroud. The shroud is supported on the container by a spring for movement between a bird feeding position and a position in which heavier birds or animals cause the shroud to block access to the feed. Perches are supported on the shroud adjacent access openings in the shroud and container. Light birds can obtain feed through the openings while heavier ones or animals cannot.