Device for feeding animals

1. A device for feeding animals, comprising a frame with a feed holder for a feeding site for an animal, wherein the frame is provided with a restricting device, above and forms a dwelling space for the animal using the feeding site, wherein the restricting device is U-shaped when viewed from above, wherein the restricting device blocks other animals from approaching from at least two opposite lateral directions, the restricting device is provided with a distancing mechanism for keeping animals located outside the dwelling space at a distance from the restricting device; wherein the restriction device is hingeably connected to the frame and is pivotablv movable about a horizontal axis to adjust a vertical position between an entry and exit position and a use position.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the distancing mechanism is carried by the restricting device.

3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the distancing mechanism forms a physical barrier.

4. The device according to claim 3 , wherein the distancing mechanism forms a physical barrier at a horizontal distance from the restricting device.

5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting device and/or the distancing mechanism comprise one or more rods.

6. The device according to claim 5 , wherein rods of the restricting device and/or the distancing mechanism merge with one another.

7. The device according to claim 1 , the bottom of the U-shape being located at an end of the restricting device situated nearest a feed holder of the feeding site.

8. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the distancing mechanism comprises a startling mechanism.

9. The device according to claim 8 , wherein the startling mechanism is only active in a direction leading away from the restricting device.

10. The device according to claim 8 , wherein the startling mechanism is electrically active for generating a shock on contact.

11. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the startling mechanism is configured to be activated upon occupation of the dwelling space by an animal using the feeding site.

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the startling mechanism is situated at a horizontal distance from the restricting device.

13. The device according to claim 10 , wherein the startling mechanism comprises an electric fence.

14. The device according to claim 10 , wherein the startling mechanism is incorporated in a screen.

15. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the screen comprises a cloth containing therein electrical conductors which are exposed at a side remote from the dwelling space.

16. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the screen is suspended from a bracket.

17. The device according to claim 16 , wherein the bracket extends well above the dwelling site.

18. The device according to claim 17 , wherein the screen extends in a U shape when viewed from above, the bottom of the U-shape being located at an end remote from the feeding site.

19. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the distancing mechanism forms a screen which is non-transparent, at least in a direction toward the dwelling space.

20. The device according to claim 19 , wherein the screen forms a sheet or cloth.

21. The device according to claim 19 , wherein the screen extends from a level above the feeding site to at least substantially the ground surface.

22. The device according to claim 21 , wherein the screen is suspended from a bracket.

23. The device according to claim 22 , wherein the bracket extends well above the dwelling space.

24. The device according to claim 19 , wherein the screen extends in a lateral direction away from the dwelling space.

25. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting device and the distancing mechanism are one unit.

26. The device according to claim 19 , wherein the screen is displaceable between an extended use position and a retracted storage position.