6 Best Hay Feeders That Are Chew Proof For Goats That Stop Hay Waste
Stop costly hay waste and damage from chewing. We review 6 durable, chew-proof goat feeders designed to keep feed clean and save you money.
You’ve seen it a hundred times: a fresh flake of hay tossed on the ground, only to be trampled, slept on, and soiled within minutes. Goats are notoriously picky eaters, and once that expensive hay hits the dirt, they consider it garbage. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a direct drain on your wallet and a potential health risk for your herd.
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Why Goat Hay Feeders Reduce Waste and Costs
A good hay feeder is one of the best investments you can make for your goat operation. It’s not about spoiling your animals; it’s about smart resource management. When hay is on the ground, goats pull out long strands, drop half of it, and then refuse to eat what they’ve stepped on. A feeder elevates the hay, keeping it clean and contained.
This simple change has a massive impact. You’ll immediately notice you’re using less hay because more of it is actually being eaten. This directly translates to lower feed bills. Furthermore, clean hay reduces the risk of internal parasites, as goats aren’t ingesting eggs from contaminated bedding or soil. A feeder pays for itself quickly, both in saved hay and in healthier, more resilient animals.
Tarter Hay Basket: For Large Herd Ground Feeding
When you’re feeding a small herd all at once, a ground-level feeder can be the most practical solution. The Tarter Hay Basket is a heavy-duty steel basket that sits low to the ground, allowing multiple goats—even those with large horns—to eat comfortably without competing for a small wall-mounted space. Its wide base makes it nearly impossible for even the pushiest buck to tip over.
The design is simple but effective. The steel bars are spaced to allow access while minimizing the amount of hay that can be pulled out and dropped. Because it’s made of thick, welded steel, it is completely chew-proof and will stand up to years of abuse. The main tradeoff is that being a ground feeder, some hay and chaff will inevitably fall out onto the ground. However, the sheer reduction in waste compared to no feeder at all is significant.
High Country Plastics Feeder: A Durable Wall Mount
Don’t let the word "plastic" fool you. The High Country Plastics Feeder is made from a thick, high-density polyethylene that is incredibly resilient and virtually indestructible. Goats can’t get a grip on it to chew, and it’s tough enough to withstand kicks, headbutts, and the general chaos of a goat pen. This makes it a fantastic option for mounting inside a barn, shed, or individual kidding stall.
The primary advantage of a wall-mounted feeder like this is that it keeps hay completely off the ground, maximizing cleanliness and minimizing contamination. It’s easy to clean and won’t rust like some metal feeders might over time. The main consideration is its size; it holds less hay than a large ground feeder, so it’s better suited for smaller herds or requires more frequent refilling. You also need a sturdy wall or post to mount it securely.
Behrens Steel Manger: Classic Chew-Proof Design
The galvanized steel manger is a classic for a reason: it works. The Behrens Steel Manger is a simple, trough-style feeder that mounts to a wall or fence rail. Its all-steel construction means there is absolutely nothing for a goat to chew on, making it a permanent fixture once installed. The rounded edges are a key safety feature, preventing cuts and scrapes.
This type of feeder is excellent for keeping hay contained and off the ground. The vertical bars encourage goats to pull out small mouthfuls at a time, which is a natural browsing behavior that also cuts down on waste. The biggest factor to watch with any steel manger is the bar spacing. If it’s too wide, goats will pull out entire clumps of hay, defeating the purpose. Behrens generally gets this right, striking a good balance between access and containment.
Rugged Ranch Feeder: Heavy-Duty Steel Option
If you’re looking for a "buy it once, buy it for life" solution, the Rugged Ranch Feeder is a serious contender. These feeders are typically made from heavy-gauge steel with a durable powder-coat finish, designed to withstand not just goats, but larger livestock as well. They are overbuilt in the best way possible, with strong welds and thick bars that won’t bend under pressure.
This feeder is an investment, but it solves the problem permanently. Its weight and construction mean it stays put and resists any attempt by goats to damage it. The design often incorporates a grain trough below the hay rack, making it a versatile all-in-one feeding station. This is the kind of equipment you buy when you’re tired of replacing cheaper options every few years.
Little Giant Hay Rack: Versatile Fence Mounting
The Little Giant Hay Rack is one of the most common and accessible options available. Made from heavy-gauge wire with a powder coating, it’s a simple rack that easily hooks over a fence panel, gate, or stall wall. This versatility is its greatest strength; you can move it around as your herd management needs change without needing any tools.
While the steel wire is chew-proof, it’s important to be realistic about its durability. A large, determined buck might be able to bend the wires over time with persistent head-butting. For does, wethers, and younger goats, however, it’s an excellent and affordable choice that dramatically reduces hay waste. It’s a perfect entry-level feeder that gets the job done effectively.
DIY Cattle Panel Feeder: The Ultimate Tough Build
For the hobby farmer who wants maximum durability on a budget, nothing beats a DIY feeder made from a cattle panel. A cattle panel is a grid of thick, welded steel wire that is impossible for a goat to chew or break. The concept is simple: cut a section of the panel and bend it into a "V" or "U" shape, then mount it to a wall or build a simple wooden frame for it.
This approach gives you complete control over the size and shape of your feeder. You can build a massive one along an entire wall for a large herd or a small one for a single pen. The cost is a fraction of a commercial feeder, and the result is arguably tougher than anything you can buy. The only tradeoff is the time and effort required to build it, but the result is a perfectly customized, bomb-proof feeding solution.
Key Features in a Chew-Proof Goat Hay Feeder
When you’re choosing a feeder, it’s easy to get lost in the options. Focus on a few key features, and you’ll make the right choice for your farm. The goal is to find the intersection of durability, efficiency, and safety.
- Material: Your first line of defense against destruction. Heavy-gauge steel is the undisputed champion of chew-proof. Don’t discount high-density, molded plastics, which are impervious to chewing and rust-proof. Avoid thin metal, wood, and flimsy plastic.
- Bar/Slot Spacing: This is the most critical feature for reducing waste. You want openings that are large enough for a goat to get its muzzle in, but small enough that it can’t pull out huge clumps of hay. Around 2-3 inches is often the sweet spot.
- Safety and Design: Look for smooth, rounded edges with no sharp points or welds. Ensure there are no gaps or openings where a goat, especially a horned one, could get its head stuck. A well-designed feeder prioritizes animal safety above all else.
- Ease of Cleaning: Hay feeders collect dust and chaff, which can mold. Choose a feeder that is easy to sweep out or hose down. Wall-mounted feeders are often easier to clean than large ground feeders.
Ultimately, the best hay feeder is the one that fits your specific setup, herd size, and budget. Whether you buy a heavy-duty steel basket or build your own from a cattle panel, the investment will pay you back every single day. You’ll spend less on feed, have healthier animals, and waste less of your valuable time cleaning up trampled hay.
