We just do containers on the deck.
Last year the chipmunks destroyed everything, this year a stray cat showed up and took care of that problem. The cat follows me everywhere, even fishing in the boat, it likes to eat the fish I catch.

I can catch dozens of crawdads a day right out front, so thats a nice treat.

A pig showed up right after the cat, it was very friendly. It stayed for a few weeks. The dogs, cat chickens and ducks all got along great. Walking around the yard having this group follow you was interesting.

The pig wandered away one day, I assume one of the predators got it.