I have several of the cheap Moultrie directional feeders that attach to 5 gallon buckets. One has survived three seasons, including a swim in the pond from hurricane force winds. I did have to replace the timer on that one. The other has gone two complete seasons, and the newest was in use this season from mid-May through October. Depending on season, and other factors, they are set to go off anywhere from one to four times a day.
I added cheap solar panels, used for charging solar flood lights (about $10 each, including the light), to keep them charged. I have never run out of battery. I use the flat 4-pin waterproof trailer wiring connectors for easy and reliable connecting between the panel and battery.
I use translucent 5 gallon mixing buckets, and water tight screw-off lids from Lowes/HomeDepot. I use the translucent buckets so I can easily tell how much feed is in the container.
The feeder assemblies have all come from Cabellas when they have been on sale for $39.95. The rechargeable batteries have been $12-$15 each. The bucket/lid combo is about $10, and the solar panel is about $10.
One hangs on a bracket I welded/fabricated, from a post on my dock. The other two hang from hangers I made with 7' T-posts, where I welded some rebar near the top of the post, and welded chain link fence clips to the rebar for hooks.
I fully agree with all that has been said by Greg Grimes and others about cheap vs. DYI vs. high quality feeders. I'm willing to take a chance on cheap feeder assemblies. I'm at my ponds most every day, and it wouldn't be a disaster if one of the feeders died. I figure I'm pretty handy when it comes to fabricating and repairing things. I also take mine in for the winter, fully clean them, and lubricate them.
But, my kind of feeders ain't for everybody. If I was in the pond management business, there is no way I would ever sell or recommend one of my contraptions to a valued client.
