I'm trying to decide on the best varmint cages to use on 55 gal barrel feeders. What do you use and where to buy them? I want something that works (keeps coons and squirrels out), is strong, and easy to access. Do they make such a thing?

Academy sells some, they require some beefing up, but are cheap and work.

I would buy some 1"x1" or 1"x2" welded wire and make my own. Google varmint cages and see what kind and size are out there. I have seen an American Hunter round one that is larger but may not be deep enough. I would make one the same size as the bottom of the 55 gallon barrel and then deep enough to keep a coon from reaching up from the bottom.

If I have a varmint problem I just put pvc pipe around the legs. I feel like a varmint cage just gives the coons something to grab on to.

If all they can do is grab onto it it wont take them long and they will quit if they cant get anything out.

If your feeder is away from trees and is out in the open, then this is what I do. I assume that your feeder has 6 foot legs or longer. I put petroleum jelly really heavy (spread it thick) on the upper parts of the legs. You will only have to do this about twice a year. The rain won't wash it off; its cheap (inexpensive); and easy to do. If a coon or squirrel climbs up the legs and gets the "vaseline" on the paws, it sticks to their paws and they don't like it. It will cause them to slide off the pole and the stuff is just so sticky. I put it on starting about 4 foot off the ground and put it on all the way around each leg. I've done this for the past several years on all my deer feeders and have never had a coon get to my timer. Vaseline won't spook the deer because it has no smell. I've set up cameras around my feeders and have seen coons climb up till they get to the vaseline then climb right back down. It works!!!

I build my varmint cages using 1"x2" welded wire. It is easy to make a circle, then tie with baling wire or use "J" cage clips. I put wire bottoms on the cages by clipping the bottom wire to the cage one one side with rings, then "lock" with dog leash clips. I use small fencing staples to fasten the wire to a plywood ring that bolts to the bottom of the barrel.

This is one. Sometimes, depending on the feeder motor, I may make the cage shorter.

Where do you buy that wire? I looked but have never found any

Mummes or TSC have it.

Wire shelving at Home depot works awesome. 6'x16" with 1" spacing. measure out 14" and cut then form into a square and use the left over end as the lid. Will post a pic when I get home.

All good stuff guys - keep it coming!

Here is a link to show you design.
http://www.gsmoutdoors.com/shopping/american-hunter/accessories/varmint-guard-for-55-gal-barrel.aspx
Here is a link for a better price. Scroll down.
http://www.texashuntingnews.com/Products.htm

I ordered some online pretty cheap

The Monarch #1218 is the best solution I have found. It's deep enough that squirrels or coons can't reach through.

I buy the wire at Tractor Supply.

Here are mine. Again use wiring shelving from Home Depot for around $12. Measure every 14 inches and cut then bend to shape into square. You will end up cutting the last 14" or so off. After you have it shaped into a square using bailing wire to wrap around the edges and then attach the lid.

about 7-8 years ago I made 10 for our 55 gallon feeders very similar to all the photos on here. I bought the roll wire at Lowes. Very easy to do and will save you money if you need to do several. We run spintech feeders that close up when not running, but even though they can not get corn out of them it keeps them off of the units, cam gear, wiring etc... and all the damage they can do. Keeps the units clean as well from mud and stuff they get on the units. Make a hinge out of a small piece if sheet metal folder over in half for one side and attach with a self tap screw. On the other opposite side do the same thing but drill a hole in the hinge and install a bolt in the bottom of the barrel sticking down and use a wing nut to open and close the cage. Install it inline were when you remove the wing nut it falls open and back out of the way of the front door of the unit. It will hang there until ready to close up. They have worked very good with no issues to date.

I make the round ones like shown above made from 1x1" welded wire from TSC and crimps, a little larger around that the one shown, nearly to the edge of the barrel, so coons can't reach in and spin the plate. I wish I had a pic of it, but the first varmint cage I used was a wire birdcage I bought for $3.00 at a yard sale. I replaced the plastic bottom with a piece of scrap plywood, cut a hole for the feeder mechanism, and screwed it to the bottom of the drum.

edited: I just looked at one of my cages and the wire is 1x1", not 1x2" as I originally stated.

Academy sells an Everlast brand that works well.

this is what I use as well... ive been using monarch varmit cages and feeder tops for 10 years... I bought 6 of them at show price for 22 or 23 dollars. I don't have the time to sit around and put these things together. they are great...

We use welded wire, and make them the same diameter as the barrel to keep the coons away from the spinner plate.