feeding receptacles?

[piccololily]

Need some ideas for how to feed grain to the goats. We had been feeding our older, docile does from the kind of buckets that hang on a fence with no problems, but our 4 mo doeling is way too frisky to be able to continue that, as she knocks it off every time. What can I use that I can remove to fill/clean, but can't be tipped by the goats? I know there is probably an easy solution, but being a newbie with a tired brain, I just can't seem to figure it out!

[saanengirl]

Is there any way you can hang the feeders on the outside of the fence so that the goats have to stick their heads through the fence to eat? (only works with disbudded/polled goats).

[Alice In TX/MO]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/livesto...-9-qt--2221814

[mesa123]

I have the feeder mentioned by Alice. It works great as far as letting each goat get their fair share, but I had a hard time keeping it attached to the fence. Most of the time it just moved around on the ground and I would pull it to the fence to dump in the grain. Then it I kept finding it on the other side of the field and I gave up.

[Lada]

I have a few of the "hang over the fence" type feeders, but they instead of just hanging, they have holes on the back and clip to the wire fence. Then I clip the goats to the fence on a short lead so there's less room for them to move around and get stupid with the feeders. I suppose if she's determined to, she could still tip it and spill everything but it would be more difficult.

Am I the only one thinking maybe if she goes hungry she'll learn to stop?

[Alice In TX/MO]

Actually, on mine, I slide a 2 x 4 between the feeder and the fence to correct the angle at which it hangs. Insert three screws through the feeder into the 2 x 4. It still detaches from the fence, as the 2 x 4 is attached to the feeder itself, but it is snug now.

Also, I drilled drain holes in the bottom.

[dm9960]

Alice, I know I sound dumb, but I don't get it. I have these feeders and have the same problem as the previous poster. If you attach the 2 x 4 to the feeder, how do you get it to stay on the fence?

[motdaugrnds]

I feed grain differently depending on where in the barn the herd is at that time. [My main barn can be separated into many parts; and at this time (since I am growing watermelons in their pen) they are enjoying housing in the northern part.] In that area I use 8" x 11" cat litter boxes. Since my herd is small, I have one for each goat. I simply place them on the ground and they rarely spill any of it, even if they move it around. (What is accidentally spilled, the chickens eagerly take care of.)

Another way to feed grain (where it cannot be dumped out) is to take some large sized pvp pipe, cut it in half and bolt it to whatever. Just be sure to place a 2x4 under it for support.

[farmmom]

I have a bunk feeder surrounded by a cattle pannel that is nailed to the wall of the lean-to on both ends. All the bigger goats get clipped to a section so they can't fight and the youngers just jump in between. (I wrapped the cattle panel around because the big does were layin in it and the plastic liner was starting to tear. Besides, I didn't like the goat poop in where I was feeding.)

[Alice In TX/MO]

Here's pics. The 2 x 4 reduces the space just right, and the cattle panel wire is held more snuggly, so that the feeder isn't bumped off the fence.


Other side:

[motdaugrnds]

Alice I really like that. It is just too expensive to buy for 3 does and 2 bucks.

[piccololily]

Thanks for all the ideas. Sometimes we just need to be inspired by what others are doing!

[Alice In TX/MO]

They are only $14 at TSC, and they will last forever. With the clean food issue, and what they will save you on deworming and less wasted feed, they are worth it in the long run for me.

[motdaugrnds]

$14.00 at Tractor Supply? Wow I'm heading into that shop today to pick up some chick starter and other feeds. I will check on those feeders.