Hello,

Has anyone tried LiPo batteries in their feeders ?

I've been using the standard which I believe are lead acid with a 6V or 12V solar panel for years but I do tire at times with the racoons destroying the solar setups even with metal flexible conduit/shields. I'm wondering if a LiPo battery might have more longevity and thus eliminate the need for solar, or at least last longer post racoon damage.

I've seen comments about the heat /weather being a problem.

1. Can you charge a LiPo battery with a standard feeder charger solar panel ?
2. Do you get enough longevity out of a LiPo to skip the solar panel and perhaps swap it out with a freshly charged one once or twice a year ?

Thanks for your input and happy hunting ! JP

I tried one. Ruined it woth solar, first cold weather. They aren't supposed to be charged when below freezing. The small batteries don't have built in protection.

What type of feeder are you running where they're giving your solar wires that much hell? They'll absolutely get into the metal conduit but I've only found that to be a major problem when they're hanging off of it on the crank up or tripod feeders. The stand n fill feeders I haven't seen this be an issue at all - mostly because the conduit runs inside the cage or internally inside the feeder.

I have 5 Lipo batteries in use for the last 2 1/2 years. Year round feeders. I have had zero problems even when below freezing. Regular solar panels and timers.

Yeah, I've had both types and the problem starts when a panel fails and replacement panel wires aren't mounted in the same spot, against the side of the box and not run through the inside of the feeder. Both of the solar panels on the two short box type feeders I have have failed and I've never found an exact / direct swap out / replacement.

Thanks