An item feeder includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path from an upstream loading area through a downstream receiving passage, a drive element for driving the transport element, and a cover element comprising a leading edge. The cover element may be movable between a closed position in which the leading edge is disposed at a first distance from the deck, and an open position in which the leading edge is disposed at a second greater distance from the deck. The leading edge may engage transported items having a thickness greater than the first distance to move the cover element out of the closed position. The item feeder further includes a controller for controlling the drive element, wherein the controller is configured to stop the drive element when the cover element is moved out of the closed position.