Hay feeders make hay feeding much more efficient and easier for the goat owner. If you have a small or medium-sized herd of goats, your best bet is to construct a goat hay feeder that is easy to clean and has a large capacity. Hay feeders off the ground are the most convenient because they are easier to store, and the goats cannot help themselves by pulling hay out through the bottom.
There are several different designs for hay feeders. No matter what style you choose, make sure you can attach a ramp to allow goats access to the hay. Your design depends on how much time and money you want to spend building your feeders. If you are using this feeder for more than one type of animal, make sure it is big enough for them all and that plenty of entry holes are available.
Goat Hay Feeder Plans:
In this article, we will show you 20 DIY Goat Hay Feeder Plans that you can easily build at home. These DIY hay feeder plans will help you build a functional hay feeder that will last for years. Just as with any other DIY project, it is important to think about your needs before going out and buying materials. If you need something small and simple, perhaps a smaller hay feeder is best for you.
If you have a bigger operation or larger goats, maybe one of the larger plans will work better for you. Before deciding on one of these DIY goat hay feeder plans, think about how much material you want or need to buy and how much time you want to spend building them. If you’re ready, let’s get started with 20 DIY goat hay feeder plans!
Other Plans
DIY Wall Mounted Pallet Goat Feeder
A simple yet robust solution, the DIY Pallet Goat Feeder makes meal times easier for your goats. Crafted from everyday pallets, this project is easy to make and offers a strong place to hold the hay. It may not look fancy, but it's pocket-friendly and clever.
Start by preparing the pallet, removing slats on one side and any protrusions. Mark and hang the pallet at your desired height in the barn. Attach horizontal support and two vertical sideboards. Create brace arms using scrap wood and fix the arms to the pallet sides. Lift the pallet into place, align it, and secure. Add additional braces as needed. Trim off extra protruding parts. There you have a sturdy homemade goat feeder.
Supplies:
- Wood Screws
- 1 Pallet
- Hammer
- Cordless Drill
- Several pieces of scrap wood (mostly 2x4s)
3. Hay Feeder For Small Livestock
Ideal for smaller livestock, this DIY Hay Feeder is a neatly designed tool that encourages organized feeding. This feeder is easy to assemble, with a rectangular frame as the stable base. Though simple, it's a versatile feeding solution that promotes clean and efficient feeding.
Begin by fastening 17-inch pieces to the inside of 4-foot boards using 3-inch wood screws. Create a rectangular frame by attaching another 4-foot board to the other side of 17-inch sections. Center the plywood onto the frame, ensuring ¾-inch space on both 20-inch ends, and nail it down. Drill water drainage holes in each corner of the plywood using a ¾-inch bit. Fit the feeder into notches of the support beams, and secure with 1-½-inch wood screws in a triangular pattern.
Supplies:
(6) 8-foot-long 2-by-4 boards cut as follows:
- (3) 4′
- (2) 2′
- (2) 17″
- (2) 3’6″
- (2) 4′ 1-½″
- (2) 4’3″
4. DIY Goat Feeder For Square Bales
Are you ready to learn how to build a DIY goat feeder for square bales? The main material you’ll need is 2×4 studs. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to build the roof from pallets, metal sheeting, or plywood. However, the most important thing is that it should be water-resistant to preserve the hay.
Initiate by cutting all wood pieces to desired lengths. Construct two rectangular frames, nailing together the corresponding pieces. Add the 14" legs to each corner of the frames, using bolts, washers, and nuts. Align the two frames and attach them using the remaining pieces as horizontal braces. Add the 25" pieces, then fix the 24" pieces between the braces to create hay bale supports. Lastly, nail the final 24" pieces to close the sides. Finalize with your choice of additional options.
Supplies:
- 8 - 92-½" Studs, economy grade
- 8 - 3" ¼-20 bolts
- 8 - ¼-20 matching nuts
- 16 - ½" ¼-20 washers
- 1 box 2-½" galvanized nails
- 1 box 2-½" regular nails
- 1 box 3-½" to 4" sinker nails
- 1 ¼-20, 4 inch or longer wood drill bit
DIY Goat Hay Feeder With Wheel
Ready for some moving action, this DIY goat feeder is designed to be mobile and versatile. Built with the challenges of pasture rotation in mind, this feeder uses wheels for easy transfer, which can be quite useful in various terrains.
Design a goat feeder according to your requirements: mobility, a roof, a tray for dropped hay, and appropriately sized openings for hay access. Attach wheels for easy transportation and use plastic roofing and spare plywood for the roof and tray. Incorporate a metal shelf and wire fencing for the hay feeder area. Use 2x4s for the frame and cross bracing. Install roof hinges for easy hay loading. Tweak the design as needed, such as protecting the corners with metal to prevent goats from chewing the wood.
Supplies:
- Old wheels
- Bolts and washers
- Spare plastic roofing
- Plywood
- An old metal shelf
- Spare wire fencing
- Zip ties
- New 2x4s for frame and cross-bracing
- Old hinges
Fence Line Connected Goat Feeder
Fence-line feeders are a popular alternative to traditional central feeders. They allow the goats to eat daily without being led in and out of the barn. This is especially important for goats with injuries or poor hooves, but even healthy goats will appreciate getting their own food.
Construct a pressure-treated wood frame along your fence line, ensuring it's elevated and accessible for the goats. Attach a livestock panel with openings large enough for goat heads on one side. Add a tray at the bottom to catch any waste, and fill it with hay or grain. As per the design, goats will be able to pull out amounts of food they can chew, and any dropped pieces fall into the tray for later consumption.
Supplies:
- Pressure treated wood
- Panel with 4-inch openings
- Tape measure
- Screw gun and screws or hammer and nails
- Fence staples
- Clamps
- Heavy-duty cutters
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8. Free Steel 8 Foot Hay Feeder Plans
The simplest way to build this free goat feeder is to use steel tubes as the main components. Not only is it relatively cheap, but also you will be able to make the whole thing lighter. Plus, it includes a roof, decreasing hay wastage due to weather.
Start by cutting out all parts according to the plan direction. Assemble the hay rack sides, securing each joint with screws. Attach the hay rack sides to the hay rack base to form a box-like structure. Connect the hay rack top, ensuring it’s flush with the sides. For the roof, angle the cuts and affix them to the hay rack top. Finally, secure the roof sheets and finish by attaching the base supports.
Supplies:
- 40402mm Square Tube
- Sheet metal
- 65652mm Square Tube
- Galvanized wire mesh
- Weld Mesh
Easy DIY Goat Hay Feeder From Steel Frame
Creating a goat hay feeder from a steel frame is a cheap and eco-friendly method. It's easy to build; you just take apart an old IBC tank. IBC tanks are big plastic bins often used for moving liquids, and you can locate them at local food factories. If you can get hold of one, you get free material for your feeder. While these tanks are inexpensive, they're strong and withstand weather, making them great for outdoor use.
Build A Hay Feeder From Scraps
This eco-friendly DIY project repurposes an old pallet. It's modified into a feeder that hangs at an angle against a wall. This holds the hay in place, allowing your goats to pull it out easily. Adjust the height of the feeder according to your goat's size. Overall, the project helps to reduce hay waste and ensures consistent feeding for your goats.
To build a hay feeder, choose the right pallet with closely spaced slats. Adjust the spacing of the slats if needed. Attach scrap wood pieces to the top side of the pallet to enable it to hang at a 45° angle. Proceed to attach the pallet to a barn wall, ensuring it's at the appropriate height for your livestock. Creating a secure connection is crucial, so it won't fall when animals feed. Lastly, fill up the feeder from the top, compacting the hay till it is full.
Supplies:
- Pallet
- Hammer
- Nails
- Two pieces of smaller scrap wood
12. Goat Hay Feeder With Roof
This plan is perfect if you need a good feeder for your milk goats. The creator cleverly made this feeder mostly from leftover pieces and cheap wood from a house project. With a roof to guard hay from weather and a strong upright design, this feeder helps avoid hay waste well.
You can make this DIY project by constructing panels to support the feeder. Construct the main frame of the feeder, attach these panels, and ensure stability. The back and front of the feeder come next, following the detailed measurements. Then, construct the roof, ensuring it adequately shields the hay from the elements. Lastly, attach the critical slats that prevent hay from slipping through. Placement is strategic to promote easy access for the goats but avoids wastage of hay.
Supplies:
- Scraps of wood
- A few lengths of cull lumber
- Recycled steel
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Large-Size Hay Feeder From Pallet
This feeder shaped like a "V" reminds you of a baby's bed and will help you keep a lot of hay. The shape stops goats from eating from the top and dropping hay on the ground. The goats must sit to eat so they can't scatter hay around. This project is simple, but it'll make sure you keep plenty of hay for your animals.
Take two pallets and remove boards from the side with fewer boards. This creates small openings for the goats to eat from. Place two pallets in an upside-down "V" position. Hold this structure in place, and take another pallet to act as a side. Secure it using screws. Repeat this for the other side. Once everything is secured, flip the structure back over. Your easy and effective goat feeder is ready for use.
Supplies:
- 4 pallets, plus one more for scrap pieces, if needed
- 4 pieces of water line board, approximately 4 feet long. 4-foot pieces of 2×4 will also work.
- 1-inch and 2-inch screws
- An awesome drill
- nails & hammer
Homemade Goat Hay Feeder From Repurposed Crib
Meet the creative, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly DIY Goat Hay Feeder crafted from repurposed crib material. This homemade hack turns an old baby crib into a versatile feeder, ideal for your goats and other farm critters.
Begin by setting the base of an old crib in a fixed and permanent position to prevent any adjustments. Next, reposition the sides at an angle and securely attach them to the frame. This configuration allows animals to comfortably eat the hay. Ensure the base is secured tight so it can catch and hold any hay that drops, enabling the livestock to reach any spillage. After these steps are completed, the homemade hay feeder is ready for use.
Supplies:
- An old baby crib
- 2-inch screws
16. Cattle Panel Goat Hay Feeder
The DIY Goat Hay is a cheap and easy way to reduce waste and let your goats eat hay in a fair manner. The feeder, made from a 38-inch-wide cattle panel, can be used by 10 goats comfortably, helping reduce fights.
Start by cutting a specified length from a panel. Make sure to cut at the end of a section so there's no protruding metal ends. Remove any sharp edges. With help, roll up the panel until its two edges meet. Secure these ends together. Lastly, place your newly made feeder in the desired area, fill it with hay, and let your goats enjoy it.
You will need to prepare:
- A 16-foot section of cattle panel
- Bolt cutters
- A metal file or a grinder
- Heavy wire, fasteners, or zip ties
DIY Cheap Goat Feeder
The Cheap Effective Goat Feeder is a must-have for cold weather care of your goats. This affordable and efficient hay feeder ensures your animals have access to clean and abundant hay, helping them stay warm in the winter months.
Make a cheap and effective goat feeder; first, secure a suitable container and cut out a large opening on one side for the goats to access the hay. Attach a support structure to the container to hold it in place. Ensure the feeder is placed in a well-protected area or sheltered from the wind. This DIY goat feeder will provide your goats with plenty of clean hay and keep them well-fed during cold weather, making them stay warm.
Supplies:
- Scrap wood or similarly sturdy materials for the frame of the feeder
- A weather-resistant material like metal or plastic for the part of the feeder that holds the feed
- Screws, nails, or other fasteners to hold the structure together
Plastic Tub Goat Feeder
The goat feeder made from a plastic tub is easy to use and affordable. It's simple to set up, clean, and keep in good condition. The feeder holds about 5 gallons, making it ideal for smaller enclosures with fewer goats.
Start by cutting out a portion of your chosen container to create the top of the feeder. Prepare a piece of wire to fit the container, taking care to sand off any sharp edges. Attach the cut wire to the edges of the container using re-usable cable ties, then trim off excess cable tie ends. Finally, drill holes in the back of the finished feeder and use large-headed screws to securely attach it to a stall wall. When in use, monitor for signs of wear and tear.
Supplies:
- Multi-purpose plastic mixing tubs
- 2x4 welded wire
- Zip ties
- Sanders
- Large-headed screws
- Drill
Small-Sized Wall-Mounted Hay Feeder
As winter approaches, this useful DIY wall-mounted hay feeder helps save time and money. This project is more than just making a hay feeder; it's a personalized solution based on your needs and resources, making it a satisfying experience for DIY lovers.
To build a wall-mount hay feeder, start by cutting lumber for the frame, which is essential for the feeder's structural integrity. Assemble the frame parts, focusing on the sides, bottom, and back. Attach the garden fencing to the front of the frame using U clips. Frame out the wire with narrower pieces of lumber. The size of the feeder can be adjusted based on need. The purpose of this hay feeder is to slow down the sheep and prevent them from pulling out too much excess hay.
Supplies:
- 1×18 project lumber
- 2x4s lumber
- Garden fencing
- U clips
- 1x2s lumber
Double-Side Hay Feeder
The most popular hay feeder is the double-sided one. This type of feeder is typically made of metal or heavy-weight plastic. It has two compartments, each with a manager that holds a set amount of food. The advantage of these feeders is that they use space and food efficiently. For example, you can fill two levels of trays, giving your goats more space to eat.
Start by choosing between single or double-sided designs for your hay feeder based on your livestock size and dynamics. Customize the feeder's dimensions to suit your specific needs. Cut down a stock panel to fit the feeder's structure. The panel forms a V-shape that holds the hay and reduces waste. Assemble the feeder and place a shelf at the bottom to catch any fallen hay. This will result in a free-standing hay feeder that can be moved easily if required.
Supplies:
- Plywood
- Sheep and Goat Stock Panel
- Screws and/or Nails
