Poultry feeder

Abstract

A unique feeder for birds and animals of the type forming part of a modern automated feeding system used to minimize the operating costs associated with commercial breeding. The feeder assembly comprises feeder tube means, a pan member and may include cone means loosely surrounding the feeder tube for controlling the pattern and amount of feed presented in the pan. Indexing means and visual indication means may also be provided for enabling the preselection of the size of a lower feed gate which automatically results when the feeder is suspended above a feeding surface, and providing constant indication of the size selected, respectively. A brood gate may also be provided which is designed to automatically close upon elevation of the feeder above a feeding surface, but which can also be locked open when so desired. The unique feeder may also include rotatable coupling means to engage and disengage the pan member and a barrier means by simply rotating one with respect to the other. The barrier means is designed to facilitate the egress of birds or animals which might otherwise be trapped inside the feeder and make ingress more difficult than egress. Moreover, the feeder is preferably provided with a hanger means to enable simultaneous suspension of the pan from the barrier means upon disengagement therefrom.