This is a 3D sketch of a project I'm working on. I want to find a design is reliable.
The cylinder has a v-shaped hole for food. The cylinder closes the opening when it rotates. There is plenty of space in front of the barrel so no plets may be trapped and prevent rotation.
The finished product should be controlled by an Arduino Uno. A servo will turn the cylinder and a photoresist can sense light changes when pelets falls past. If food gets stuck in the container might need an extra servo, and whip around.