Hay Feeder for Goats

[bigredfeather]

I am wanting to build a type of free standing hay feeder for my goats that will help to eliminate wasting hay. Anyone build one that has proven to be effective? Pics would be great. I can figure out the size I need, looking more for designs.

Thanks.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I have been thinking about the same thing. Hope to get some replies. Great topic!

 

[AuroraSprings]

About halfway down this page is a really good example of one made out of cattle panels. Just put a top on it and it'll stay dry.

Maggidan's Minis

 

[arabianequine]

I have one my husband has started making. I am using it as is it is not finished yet. I will see if I can get a pic of it tonight when I go out. It is dark now.

It is a big blue tank we cut in half and will make 2 feeders. He put frame/legs on it and some tubing on the edge around it cause the metal is sharp where he cut it in half. It works great but we will but wire in it elevated eventually and the hay inside that so they have to pull the hay out the holes to eat it and can't whip it out of the feeder with there head onto the ground or stand or sleep in it.

then of course you can put on a top if you wish. We did not plan to do that but we may.

 

[elevan]

Check out this post over on BYC's sister site BYH: http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=124016#p124016 Look at the second picture - 20kids built a hay feeder / grain feeder combo and claims it's pretty much eliminated waste.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I dont own goats but I set aside some old tennis ball hoppers (they are made to pick up tennis balls). I got them from a local tennis club who were throwing them out.
You can see a picture of something similiar here: http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/rjlerich/rjlerich0509/rjlerich050900167/247397-tennis-balls-in-the-hopper-picker-upper.jpg
I set these aside so that when I get goats, I can maybe use them to hold the hay.

 

[elevan]

Sunny - I don't know how big those baskets are but they certainly look like they'd work. You'll have some waste if you've got a fine hay...you probably want to look for a coarse hay if you use them.

 

[arabianequine]

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
This is THE BEST hay feeder that I have seen EVER.

WOW !!! Who knew! I never would have thought of this. I hope you don't mind if I use your idea.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Does this feeder require the animal lay in it?