Hay feeder?

Wayne02 · #1 07/15/08, 09:38 PM

Do they make a hay feeder box type thingy that one could put in the field for use in feeding the cows instead of just throwing the bale of hay on the ground? I've seem them for round bales but we need one that would work for regular rectangular bales. I'm thinking some sort of open top box that you toss the bale in and maybe a triangle shaped wedge in the middle that serves to split the hay from the bale and distribute it to open slots on each side of the box.

Thanks

Farmerwilly2 · #2 07/15/08, 09:51 PM

Yea, it's called a hay rack. (not to be confused with a hay rack on a running gear)

http://www.barnworld.com/sa/p/Cattle...ack_Trough.htm

The older ones were made of wood, had a metal roof to keep the rain off, but didn't have the trough (at least the ones I'm familiar with didn't). There was a big enough gap between the roof and the rack for a bale to fit through. Make sure you pull the twine off AFTER you drop the bale in. You shouldn't have any problem making one after checking out the link. Make sure you use a STURDY set of posts in the ground cause it will take some abuse.

Old Vet · #3 07/15/08, 11:27 PM

Don't know how many cows you feed but Tractor supply has one that is used for horses. One bale at a time for one horse of cow. You just hang it in a place on the fence and you can have a roof or not. It also comes with a trough so that you can feed some feed with the hay at times when they need more than just hay. Also Northern tool has one along with many stock stores. Tractor Supply will have one that will meet your size.

**clovis** · #4 07/16/08, 12:15 AM

Wayne,
If you opt not to buy one, I think it would be pretty easy to build. Make sure you build the base wide enough that it isn't pushed over easily. Of course, you could always sink the posts in the ground to make it permanent.
There are lots of these type feeders in our area, and most of them have small sheet metal roofs on them to protect the structure and feed.
I would paint any exposed areas. Wood just doesn't last that long in the elements.

Clove

rambler · #5 07/16/08, 12:16 AM

The round bale feeder works well for small squares. Just toss the bales in, your cattle will reach them. Did that for many years.

They do make smaller rectangular feeders as well.

I just got 4 panels that go together with 4 rods, make a rectangular bale feeder. It will collapse itself into a diamand shape as the cattle push on it, works very well for small squares; or can open one panel up and back a round bale in, don't have to dump over the top. SI Feeders is the brand.

Or as mentioned, a bale feeder hay rack, these are on wheels.

--->Paul

Windy in Kansas · #6 07/16/08, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farmerwilly2

http://www.barnworld.com/sa/p/Cattle...ack_Trough.htm

I hadn't seen this site before but they have some nice appearing and unique items. Too bad they don't tell where they are in case one lives close enough to tell in person, and also tell a little about the company/themselves.

Is area code 303 Colorado? I see that they list mountain time zone hours.

Farmerwilly2 · #7 07/16/08, 04:29 PM

I'm not sure where the 303 code is. I just did a search for hay racks and posted a link to one of them. Around here I'd just build one with poplar (hard, not soft poplar) as it weathers really well and is sold as rough cut full dimension lumber.

Alice In TX/MO · #8 07/16/08, 06:10 PM

Feed stores around here have those, and often the school's ag students build them.

Windy in Kansas · #9 07/16/08, 06:48 PM

Yup, close in Denver area.

Amylb999 · #10 07/17/08, 06:21 AM

How about something like this: http://www.goatworld.com/articles/feeders/feeder.shtml

Topaz Farm · #11 07/17/08, 06:36 AM

We use the 100 gallon water troughs for the horses' hay. It doesn't do much good, they sometimes throw it out on the ground anyway.

shagerman · #12 07/17/08, 07:27 AM

we made ours. i have 13 cattle. i can put round or square bales in. it is a old hay rack running gear then we redone the floor. so i can pull the bottom out and clean it well. i can pull it anywhere i want it. also i take the bars out so they can clean it up inside better. if ya want a picture of this one p.m and ill get a picture out and explain how we made it, i am about to do the same thing on a little 4 wheel drive so i can just park it in the winter.and drive off to refill then park again,. works great. and not as much mess as a round bale feeder.