How to Make Goat Hay Feeders

Livestock, including goats, should always be fed off the ground. This prevents the feed waste that occurs when an animal walks and defecates on hay. Keeping the hay off the ground and away from the droppings also prevents the goats from ingesting parasites or their eggs. Goat feeders are obviously smaller than cattle or horse feeders, and the design should also include features that keep the goats horns from becoming entangled in the feeder.

Instructions

1

Design and plan the feeder. Several designs are available from state extension offices. Modify the plans to accommodate the height of the goats in the herd and the number of goats in the herd. The design can be modified depending on the type of hay fed to the goats. Farmers feeding small bales of hay may wish to build a feeder with dimensions to hold one bale.

2

Build the feeder based on your design plan. Most goat hay feeders are built of utility grade 2 in. x 4 in. wood. This type of lumber is available at all lumber yards and is usually the most economical. It can be cut using a circular saw where heavier lumber, such as 4 in. by 4 in. requires larger tools.

Cut each piece according to the plans developed earlier. Construct the perimeter frame of the top and base of the feeder first. Add the legs of the feeder and corner uprights to complete a basic framework of the goat hay feeder.

Use nails or deck screws to fasten the pieces together. Make sure no sharp points of the nails or screws protrude from the backs of the boards. Fasten slats to the sides and bottom. These boards will hold the hay within the feeder and allow the goat to feed through gaps between the boards.

3

Add a roof. A roof over the feeder is optional. Obviously, this helps keep the feed dry and prevents mold and spoilage. The roof's importance depends on the climate and rainfall amounts in the area. Paint is also optional, but will extend the life of the goat hay feeder by slowing the decay of the wood.

4

Place the feeder in the goat pasture and fill it with hay. Watch the animals to make sure the spacing of the slats is not too close or too wide. The gap should allow the goat's access to the hay, but not allow them to climb into the feeder.