Can a possum use an automatic chicken feeder?

[Rachmaginger]

Hi everyone,
This morning I checked inside the feeder and found poop. It looks to be a cross between possum and cat poop. We have a small possum that visits the property every now and then and has been here the past few days. My cat spends quite a bit of time at the coop hunting mice but I have never seen her open the feeder, let alone hold it open to poop in it. I mix cat biscuits in with the layer pellets and these are all gone. But this could be the chickens eating them. Is it possible that the possum has opened the feeder, eaten food then pooped in it?
Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Isaac 0]

If a chicken can learn to eat out of a weight-activated feeder, I'm sure a possum could. I would suggest keeping the feeder, in a secure area at night.

 

[Rachmaginger]

If a chicken can learn to eat out of a weight-activated feeder, I'm sure a possum could. I would suggest keeping the feeder, in a secure area at night.

This is kinda what I was thinking. I don’t mind the possum, just wish it wouldn’t poop in the feeder!

 

[Folly's place]

You have opossums in NZ? The ones we have here will eat feed, eggs, and kill chickens, especially at night. They are not welcome!
Mary

 

[Rachmaginger]

You have opossums in NZ? The ones we have here will eat feed, eggs, and kill chickens, especially at night. They are not welcome!
Mary

We call them possums, they look quite different to the American one. They have been known to eat and egg or two but I don’t think it is very common, if ever that they attack a chicken. They are a pest here though.
Turns out it is a hedgehog getting into the feeder and night and having himself a buffet! Sneaky little critter.

 

[Al Gerhart]

You need a better feeder. Most of the feeders you have down there are easy to push open or easy to lift the lid. I don't have any feeders in the Philippines, shipped them all out last year but on the next batch it might not be too expensive to DHL one into New Zealand. Or see if you can fit a spring on the door of your existing feeder. Post a picture and maybe I can come up with an idea for you. Spring load the door, make the treadle narrow and distant, and that critter will have to earn an honest living on wild feed.