A fodder machine. The fodder machine includes one or more beds. The one or more beds are vertical relative to one another and each of one or more beds is offset to every other bed in both horizontal directions. Each of one or more beds is tilted approximately two degrees from horizontal. The fodder machine also includes one or more belts, where the one or more belts are configured to be a surface for the growth of fodder

A cutting and threshing blade for a bush hog, wherein the blade has a trailing edge and a leading edge. At least a third of the leading edge of the upper-side of an elongate distal portion of the blade has a knife edge with a knife length that thickens toward the trailing edge. The trailing edge can have an upward air deflector. The bottom-side of the elongate distal portion has a threshing element, which includes a threshing block, which is a steel block having a block length that is comparable to the knife length and projects downward and substantially parallel to the knife edge. The rotating blades pummel growth carriers (i.e.; cob, husk) bearing seeds, grains, and kernels with enough force that they are released. The synergistic rotating knife edge and threshing block transform the bush hogging process from a cutting process to a cutting and threshing process.

A cutting and threshing blade for a bush hog, wherein the blade has a trailing edge and a leading edge. At least a third of the leading edge of the upper-side of an elongate distal portion of the blade has a knife edge with a knife length that thickens toward the trailing edge. The trailing edge can have an upward air deflector. The bottom-side of the elongate distal portion has a threshing element, which includes a threshing block, which is a steel block having a block length that is comparable to the knife length and projects downward and substantially parallel to the knife edge. The rotating blades pummel growth carriers (i.e.; cob, husk) bearing seeds, grains, and kernels with enough force that they are released. The synergistic rotating knife edge and threshing block transform the bush hogging process from a cutting process to a cutting and threshing process.

A hummingbird feeder having the unique features of an umbrella-shaped member containing insect repellent on a retaining post to repel insects from entering the nectar retaining basin. Also included is a multiplicity of shaped openings that are made of silicone and which are removably affixed to the cover of the nectar retaining basin to facilitate easy cleaning of the shaped openings.

A bird feeding device is provided. The device comprises the ability to house food for attracting and feeding birds and other animals. The device is further capable of being provided in various modes of operation including a stationary mode of operation and a portable mode of operation. The portable mode comprises a support or attachment member for connecting the feeding device to a user, and wherein the bird feeding device is conveyed along with a user and operable to attract birds to the user even when the user is mobile.

A system for treating wild birds includes an enclosure formed of a mesh material large enough to accommodate a plurality of wild coveying birds targeted for treatment. A call bird box is positioned within the enclosure. A call bird of the same species as the targeted birds is housed in the call box and makes calls for attracting the targeted birds. At least one ground level entrance is provided, sized and located to permit the entry of targeted birds into the enclosure while excluding non-targeted animals. A feeder containing medicated feed is provided within the enclosure for feeding the targeted birds entering the enclosure in order to treat the targeted wild coveying birds for parasites or disease. A cover is provided for protecting the medicated feed in the feeder from the environment. Methods for installing such a treatment system and treating wild birds using a treatment system are disclosed.

A system for treating wild birds includes an enclosure formed of a mesh material large enough to accommodate a plurality of wild coveying birds targeted for treatment. A call bird box is positioned within the enclosure. A call bird of the same species as the targeted birds is housed in the call box and makes calls for attracting the targeted birds. At least one ground level entrance is provided, sized and located to permit the entry of targeted birds into the enclosure while excluding non-targeted animals. A feeder containing medicated feed is provided within the enclosure for feeding the targeted birds entering the enclosure in order to treat the targeted wild coveying birds for parasites or disease. A cover is provided for protecting the medicated feed in the feeder from the environment. Methods for installing such a treatment system and treating wild birds using a treatment system are disclosed.

A mechanism for lowering a pole, such as a light pole, is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base arranged to rotate about a vertical axis of a pole portion, and an engaging portion arranged to rotate about an operating axis. The operating axis is in the order of 115 relative to the vertical axis. A pole member is fixed to an arm of the engaging portion.

A feed hopper with two chute members is provided. The chutes are movable with respect to one another and one chute has an extending lip to engage the inner surface of the other chute to prevent feed from escaping the hopper.

A bird feeder cable lid lock is provided for a bird feeder having a feed reservoir body with a removable lid having an aperture therein, and a wire or cable threaded through the aperture by which the feeder is suspended in use. The cable lid lock includes a threaded bolt having an axial hole through which the hanging cable is fed and an internally threaded base element in abutment with the lid and having a stepped or tapered bore with a diminishing diameter that receives the bolt. The bolt has a relief cut in the shank to form at least two arms on different sides of the cable. The arms are pressed toward one another as the bolt is tightened into the diminishing diameter base element bore, squeezing the cable where it extends through the bolt and exerting a significant force normal to the cable that, with the coefficient of friction, creates a very effective locking action on the cable to secure the lid against the feed reservoir body.