"Nussomat": ticket machine becomes a feed dispenser for squirrels

Created: 10/02/2022, 12:12 p.m

By: Johanna Werning

The "Nutsomat" is intended to provide squirrels with nuts.

© Kathrin Baumann/Frollein Polly

Automat at the Nußbaumerstraße KVB stop as a feeding paradise for squirrels: the artist Kathrin Baumann is behind it.

Cologne – After KVB stops, the ticket machines of the Cologne transport company are now on their way – misused for animal welfare: now there is a “Nussomat”, suitable for the “Nußbaumerstraße” stop.

The bird houses in the form of the KVB stop "Körnerstraße" were already a real hit in Cologne.

With the new "Nussomat" there are nuts for squirrels instead of tickets for the KVB, reports 24RHEIN.

It was designed by the artist Kathrin Baumann, known as Frollein Polly.

 "Nussomat": feed dispenser as KVB ticket machine - "just wanted to be authentic"

The "Nussomat" is already the second KVB feeding station for squirrels.

“The KVB approached me and wanted something for squirrels again.

It should again have a KVB reference, but not be a stop," says Baumann in an interview with 24RHEIN.

"It wasn't easy," laughs the artist.

But then she had the idea: Instead of a bus stop, there is a ticket machine that is supposed to supply the little animals with nuts.

The name?

Quickly found and obvious: the Nutsomat.

The KVB bird feeder is now available in a ticket machine design © Kathrin Baumann/Frollein Polly

And the right "location" for the Nutsomat was quickly found with the Nußbaumerstraße stop in the Cologne-Ehrenfeld district.

KVB line 5 and KVB line 13 stop here. The food dispenser is reminiscent of the red ticket machines that are located all over Cologne - including the new KVB line network map, graffiti and graffiti.

"I just wanted to be authentic," says Baumann.

Only the color differs: "The machines are actually red, but then no squirrel would go for it." That's why the feed dispensers are designed in wood.

Ultimately, however, everyone can design and paint their nut tomato themselves.

 "Nussomat": Feed dispenser as KVB ticket machine

► The house is made entirely of pine, laminated wood panel and stainless steel screws.

► The dimensions are: 30 x 16 x 16 centimeters

► Food recommendation from the KVB: walnuts, dried corn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, carrots and fresh fruit

KVB automatic feeder Nussomat “Nußbaumerstraße”: costs, buy, set up

Just like the KVB bird feeder, the "Nußbaumerstraße" feed dispenser is a kit.

The Nutsomat consists of nine parts in total.

There are also weatherproof stickers for the graffiti and the screws.

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However, the assembly is not complicated, as the artist promises.

"It's not difficult, really.

It takes ten to 15 minutes to put it together.” People with two left hands need a maximum of 30 minutes, Baumann continues.

You can buy the Nutsomat in the KVB shop.

The feeder kit costs 49.95 euros.