I had to modify my feeder to solve the "coon" problem. I have an On Time feeder bought at my local feed supplier. It is a relatively inexpensive feeder as feeders go($185). It is a spin type with aluminum deflector plate powered by 10 AA alkaline batteries. The motor is suspended below a 30 gallon plastic drum. I fabricated a feeder mounting post of 2" steel pipe with a swing arm using the two, two-piece farm gate hinges welded to the pipe with extensions welded to the hinges. The whole assembly is bolted to the end of my dock. The swing arm suspends the drum approximately 20-24" beyond the end of the dock. I removed the steel wire handle from a 5 gallon plastic bucket then cut the top ring off the bucket just above the handle mounting ring. Next I cut the bottom from the bucket then cut the bucket in half. Using sheet metal screws, I mounted the half bucket to the bottom of the drum. The half bucket extends downward below the motor. The pockets in the bottom of the handle attachment ring provided attachment points for the screws. Now, the coons cannot get to the spin plate from the dock as the half bucket blocks them. They can climb on the drum but the plastic is too slick for them to grasp to climb down to access the feed plate. To fill the feeder, set timer, change batteries, etc. I merely swing the feeder back over the dock. I can simply lift the whole swing arm drum assembly off the post if I want when not feeding. I realize this won't work for all types of feeders but it has eliminated my coon problems. As for the feeder itself, I have no complaints other than the spin plate and lack of a manual external motor disconnect switch. I modified the plate by beating it flat then brazing on metal fins (like a fertilizer spreader). This greatly increased the radius of the semi-circle spread pattern. I purchased a small toggle switch at Radio Shack, drilled an appropriate sized hole in the bottom of the motor housing plate and wired the switch between the timer assembly and the motor. I can now isolate the motor from the timer to prevent feed discharge (in my face as well I might add) when desired without affecting the timer. Sorry for the long post but it might help someone with their feeder.

F.A. Walker