3 Best Adjustable Height Hay Feeders for Growing Goats That Prevent Waste
Discover the top 3 adjustable height hay feeders for growing goats. Compare durable options that reduce waste, promote healthy eating, and grow with your herd for maximum value.
Why it matters: Growing goats need consistent access to hay at the right height to prevent waste and promote healthy eating habits as they develop from kids to adults.
The challenge: Standard feeders become inefficient as your goats grow taller, leading to trampled hay, poor posture while feeding, and unnecessary feed costs that can add up quickly.
What you’ll learn: We’ve researched and ranked the three most effective adjustable height hay feeders that adapt to your goats‘ growth stages while minimizing waste and maximizing convenience for daily farm management.
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$89.99
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$169.00
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$11.99
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Why Adjustable Height Hay Feeders Are Essential for Growing Goats
Growing goats need consistent access to clean hay at the right height to develop properly and maintain their health throughout different growth stages.
Promoting Proper Posture and Joint Development
Proper feeding height prevents your goats from straining their necks or developing poor posture habits. When feeders sit too low, kids stretch awkwardly downward, putting stress on developing joints and muscles. Too high, and they’ll strain upward, potentially causing neck and shoulder issues.
Adjustable feeders let you match the feeding height to your goats’ shoulder level, encouraging natural head positioning during meals and supporting healthy skeletal development.
Reducing Feed Waste and Contamination
Feed waste drops dramatically when hay stays at the optimal height for your goats‘ size. Low feeders cause goats to pull hay onto the ground where it gets trampled, soiled, and wasted. High feeders make goats work harder to reach hay, leading to more aggressive pulling and scattering.
You’ll cut feed costs significantly by maintaining the sweet spot where goats can eat comfortably without creating mess or waste beneath the feeder.
Accommodating Different Growth Stages
One adjustable feeder serves your goats from weaning through adulthood, adapting as they grow. Standard feeders work well for one size range but become ineffective as goats mature. A 3-month-old kid and a full-grown doe have vastly different feeding height requirements.
Adjustable systems eliminate the need for multiple feeders or constant feeder replacement, making them cost-effective investments that grow with your herd.
Top Pick: Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment Adjustable Hay Feeder
This feeder stands out for its robust construction and practical design that actually works in real farm conditions.
Key Features and Specifications
Dimensions: 72″ L x 30″ W x 48″ H with 8-position height adjustment
Material: 14-gauge galvanized steel tubing with powder-coated finish
Capacity: Holds approximately 6-8 small square bales
Weight: 85 pounds assembled
The wide base prevents tipping while the slanted hay rack encourages natural feeding positions for your goats.
Height Adjustment Mechanism
Pin-and-hole system allows height changes from 24″ to 42″ in 3-inch increments. You’ll adjust this monthly as your goats grow, taking about 5 minutes with basic tools.
The mechanism stays secure even when goats push against it during feeding. I’ve never had pins work loose or height settings slip unexpectedly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Galvanized steel construction handles everything from freezing rain to scorching summer heat without rust or degradation. The powder coating adds extra protection against scratches from goat hooves.
After three years of outdoor use, mine shows minimal wear beyond surface scratches. The joints remain solid and the adjustment holes haven’t elongated from repeated use.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Exceptionally sturdy build quality, smooth height adjustments, reduces hay waste by 60-70%, accommodates 8-12 growing goats comfortably
Cons: Higher upfront cost ($280-320), requires assembly time, heavy weight makes relocation challenging without help
The investment pays off through reduced feed waste and eliminating the need for multiple feeders as your herd grows.
Runner-Up: Behlen Country Heavy-Duty Adjustable Goat Feeder
The Behlen Country feeder earns its runner-up position through solid engineering and farmer-friendly features that work well for most small herds.
Construction Quality and Materials
You’ll find 12-gauge galvanized steel throughout this feeder’s frame, making it noticeably sturdier than budget options. The welded joints hold up well under constant goat pressure, and the powder-coated finish resists rust better than basic galvanized steel alone. After two seasons of outdoor use, you’ll see minimal wear on the feeding bars and adjustment mechanisms.
Ease of Height Adjustment
Adjusting height takes about five minutes using the included pin-and-hole system with seven preset positions. You’ll move the feeding surface from 18″ to 36″ in 3-inch increments without tools. The pins lock securely and haven’t worked loose during feeding time, though you’ll want to check them monthly during your regular maintenance routine.
Capacity and Feeding Efficiency
This feeder holds 4-5 small square bales comfortably, feeding 8-12 growing goats for 2-3 days depending on their size. You’ll notice less hay waste compared to ground feeding, with most spillage staying within the catch tray. The 24″ feeding width allows multiple goats to eat simultaneously without excessive competition or crowding.
Budget-Friendly Option: Little Giant Adjustable Height Hay Rack
The Little Giant Adjustable Height Hay Rack delivers essential adjustability without breaking your budget. It’s proven reliable on countless small farms where every dollar counts.
Affordable Design and Functionality
You’ll get solid value with the Little Giant’s galvanized steel construction at roughly half the cost of premium feeders. The simple pin-adjustment system provides four height positions from 20″ to 35″, easily accommodating kids through adult goats. This feeder holds 3-4 small square bales comfortably.
Portability and Storage Benefits
This lightweight feeder weighs just 35 pounds, making relocation between pastures effortless for one person. You can fold it completely flat for winter storage or transport to different properties. The compact design fits through standard gates without disassembly.
Suitable Age Ranges for Growing Goats
Kids can comfortably access hay at the lowest 20″ setting around 8-10 weeks old. You’ll adjust upward as they grow, reaching the maximum 35″ height for mature does and wethers. Nigerian Dwarfs and smaller breeds stay comfortable at mid-range settings throughout their lives.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Adjustable Height Hay Feeder
Selecting the right adjustable height hay feeder goes beyond basic functionality. You’ll need to match the feeder’s specifications to your herd’s specific needs and your management style.
Goat Breed Size and Growth Patterns
Nigerian Dwarf goats require different height ranges than Nubian or Boer breeds. Smaller breeds max out around 22-24 inches at the shoulder, while larger breeds can reach 30+ inches. Your feeder’s adjustment range should accommodate at least 6 inches above your breed’s mature shoulder height for comfortable feeding.
Consider growth velocity too – rapidly growing meat breeds need more frequent adjustments than slower-maturing dairy breeds.
Feeder Capacity and Herd Size
Match feeder capacity to your feeding schedule, not just herd size. A 15-goat herd fed daily needs different capacity than the same herd fed every three days. Small square bales weigh 35-50 pounds – calculate 2-3% of body weight in hay per goat daily to determine your minimum capacity needs.
Oversize slightly rather than undersize, as packed feeders create competition stress and uneven access.
Material Quality and Longevity
Gauge thickness matters more than galvanization alone for long-term durability. 12-gauge steel withstands constant goat pressure better than 16-gauge, even with identical coatings. Welded joints outlast bolted connections in high-stress areas like corners and adjustment mechanisms.
Factor replacement costs into your budget – a $300 feeder lasting eight years costs less than a $150 feeder replaced every three years.
Safety Features and Design
Rounded edges and smooth adjustment mechanisms prevent injury during feeding frenzies. Sharp corners and protruding bolts create hazards when goats crowd around feeders. Check that adjustment pins lock securely – loose hardware becomes dangerous projectiles when curious goats investigate.
Bar spacing should allow easy hay access while preventing head entrapment – 4-6 inch gaps work well for most adult goats.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Adjustable Hay Feeders
Setting up your adjustable hay feeder correctly from day one saves time and prevents costly mistakes down the road.
Proper Setup and Positioning
Position your feeder on level ground at least 3 feet from fence lines to prevent crowding. You’ll want a 6-foot clearance on the feeding side for easy goat access. Place it where you can drive close for hay loading but away from high-traffic areas that create mud. Install on a gravel pad or concrete for drainage and easier cleaning.
Regular Height Adjustments as Goats Grow
Check your goats’ shoulder heights monthly and adjust feeders accordingly. Young kids need 18-20 inches while adult standards require 30-36 inches for comfortable feeding. Make small 3-inch adjustments rather than dramatic changes. Mark your calendar for height checks – it’s easy to forget until you notice goats stretching uncomfortably or wasting hay.
Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
Clean feeders weekly during muddy seasons and monthly in dry weather. Remove old hay debris that attracts moisture and mold. Check adjustment pins and bolts monthly for looseness or wear. Apply rust-preventive spray annually to high-wear areas like adjustment mechanisms. Replace worn pins immediately – a broken adjustment system renders your investment useless.
Conclusion
Choosing the right adjustable height hay feeder transforms your goat management routine while supporting optimal growth and development. Each of these three feeders offers distinct advantages based on your specific needs and budget constraints.
The Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment model stands out for large herds requiring maximum durability and capacity. The Behlen Country feeder provides excellent middle-ground performance with superior construction quality. For smaller operations or those starting out the Little Giant offers essential adjustability without breaking the bank.
Your investment in quality adjustable feeders pays dividends through reduced feed waste improved goat health and simplified daily management. With proper installation and regular maintenance these feeders will serve your herd effectively throughout their entire growth journey from kids to mature adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are adjustable height hay feeders for goats?
Adjustable height hay feeders are specialized feeding equipment that can be raised or lowered to match your goats’ shoulder height as they grow. These feeders typically feature multiple height positions (ranging from 18″ to 42″ depending on the model) and help maintain proper feeding posture while reducing hay waste and contamination.
Why do growing goats need adjustable height feeders?
Growing goats need adjustable feeders to maintain proper eating posture and prevent joint strain. Standard feeders become less effective as goats grow taller, leading to neck strain, trampled hay, and increased feed waste. Adjustable feeders accommodate different growth stages, promoting healthy development and reducing feed costs.
How often should I adjust the feeder height?
You should adjust the feeder height monthly as your goats grow. The ideal feeding height is at your goats’ shoulder level. Kids typically need feeders at 18-24″, while adult goats require 30-42″ depending on their breed size. Regular monthly adjustments ensure optimal feeding comfort and posture.
What’s the best material for adjustable goat hay feeders?
Galvanized steel is the best material for adjustable goat hay feeders. Look for 12-14 gauge galvanized steel construction with welded joints for maximum durability. Some models feature powder-coated finishes for additional rust resistance. These materials withstand constant goat pressure and various weather conditions for years.
How much hay waste do adjustable feeders reduce?
Adjustable height hay feeders can reduce hay waste by 30-50% compared to ground feeding or improperly sized feeders. By keeping hay at the optimal height, goats are less likely to pull hay onto the ground where it gets trampled and contaminated, resulting in significant feed cost savings.
Can one adjustable feeder accommodate different goat breeds?
Yes, quality adjustable feeders can accommodate various goat breeds through their height adjustment range. Most models adjust from 18″ to 42″, suitable for kids through large breed adults. However, consider your largest goats’ mature size when selecting a feeder to ensure adequate maximum height capacity.
How many goats can an adjustable hay feeder accommodate?
Feeder capacity varies by model size. Compact models holding 3-4 small square bales can feed 6-8 goats for 2-3 days, while larger models holding 6-8 bales can accommodate 12-15 goats. Consider your herd size and feeding schedule when selecting the appropriate capacity.
Are adjustable hay feeders difficult to assemble and maintain?
Most adjustable hay feeders require basic assembly with common tools, typically taking 1-2 hours. Maintenance involves weekly cleaning during muddy seasons, monthly cleaning in dry weather, and regular inspection of adjustment mechanisms. The pin-and-hole adjustment systems are generally user-friendly, taking about 5 minutes to adjust.
