6 Best Large Round Bale Feeders For Horses That Drastically Cut Waste
The right round bale feeder can drastically cut hay waste and save money. We review the top 6 models designed for safety and maximum forage savings.
Watching a fresh round bale get trampled into the mud is one of the most frustrating sights for any horse owner. You’re not just seeing hay go to waste; you’re watching your hard-earned money turn into expensive bedding. The right round bale feeder is one of the best investments you can make, directly impacting your feed bill and your horses’ health.
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Why Round Bale Feeders Save You Hay and Money
Putting a round bale directly on the ground is a recipe for waste. Horses will pull large mouthfuls out, drop half of it, and then promptly walk, urinate, and defecate on the rest. This creates a spoiled, matted mess that they refuse to eat, forcing you to put out a new bale far sooner than necessary.
A good feeder physically contains the hay. It prevents horses from standing on their food source and keeps the bulk of the bale off the wet, muddy ground. Studies and real-world experience show that using a well-designed feeder can reduce hay waste by 30% to 50%. That’s like getting every third or fourth bale for free.
This isn’t just about money, either. Spoiled, moldy hay is a health risk, potentially causing respiratory issues or colic. By keeping the hay clean and dry, a feeder ensures your horses are eating quality forage, not a contaminated mess. It’s a simple change that pays dividends in both your wallet and your horses’ well-being.
The Hayhut: Ultimate Weather and Waste Protection
The Hayhut is essentially a small barn for your round bale. This fully-enclosed, heavy-duty poly feeder protects hay from rain, snow, and sun, virtually eliminating weather-related spoilage. The large window openings allow multiple horses to eat comfortably at once without competition.
Its biggest advantage is undeniable: complete weather protection. In wet climates, a Hayhut can pay for itself in a single season by preventing bales from turning into moldy compost heaps. The solid walls also keep wind from blowing valuable hay across the pasture. Because it’s made of plastic, it has no sharp edges, making it a very safe option.
The main tradeoff is the loading process. You must lift the entire Hayhut, place it over the bale, and then set it back down, which can be awkward without the right tractor equipment. In very humid climates, the enclosed design can sometimes trap moisture, so good pasture drainage is still important. It’s the premium choice for anyone battling the elements.
Tarter Equine Hay Basket for Natural Grazing
If you prioritize a natural eating position, the Tarter Equine Hay Basket is a fantastic option. Its low-profile, open-basket design encourages horses to eat with their heads down, mimicking natural grazing. This posture can aid in proper digestion and reduce respiratory issues from inhaling hay dust.
The basket’s closely-spaced vertical bars slow down consumption, making the hay last longer and preventing gorging. This is a huge benefit for easy keepers. It’s also an excellent choice for herds with shod horses, as the design minimizes the risk of a shoe getting caught.
Of course, the open-top design means zero protection from rain or snow. This feeder is best suited for arid climates or for use inside a barn or run-in shed. It won’t stop weather spoilage, but it’s one of the best for stopping trampling and overeating waste.
Century Hay-Mizer: Heavy-Duty Durability
When you need a feeder that can stand up to the toughest horses, the Century Hay-Mizer is built like a tank. Constructed from heavy-gauge American steel, this feeder is designed to last a lifetime. It’s a serious piece of equipment that won’t be pushed around, dented, or destroyed by rowdy geldings.
Its key feature is a solid metal pan at the bottom that catches dropped hay. This simple but effective design element saves a significant amount of forage that would otherwise fall to the ground and be wasted. The sloped basket keeps the bale centered and accessible as it’s consumed.
This level of durability comes with a higher price tag and significant weight, making it difficult to move without a tractor. While incredibly tough, the all-metal construction might be a concern for some owners, though its design is generally very safe. This is the buy-it-once, cry-once option for those who prioritize strength above all else.
Big Bale Buddy: The Simple, Affordable Solution
The Big Bale Buddy proves that a feeder doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. This feeder is a simple, tough canvas and nylon bag that wraps around the base of the round bale. It’s surprisingly effective at containing the hay and preventing it from being spread and trampled.
Its main advantages are affordability, safety, and portability. It costs a fraction of what a steel or poly feeder does, making it accessible for almost any budget. With no rigid parts, there’s virtually no risk of injury. It’s also lightweight and can be easily moved and installed by one person.
The downside is durability compared to its rigid counterparts. A determined horse can chew on it, and it won’t stand up to abuse like a steel feeder will. It also offers no weather protection from the top. However, for a small, calm herd or as a starter feeder, it’s an incredibly practical and cost-effective way to immediately reduce waste.
Hay-Saver Feeder: A Solid Poly Construction
The Hay-Saver Feeder from High Country Plastics is a popular all-around choice that balances safety, durability, and effectiveness. Made from a single piece of molded polyethylene, it’s tough enough to handle normal herd behavior but has no sharp edges or rust points to worry about.
This feeder features a deep, solid base that both contains the bale and catches dropped hay. The large openings are well-spaced, allowing several horses to eat peacefully. Because it’s plastic, it’s lighter than steel models, making it easier to flip over and clean out.
While durable, it’s not as heavy as a steel feeder, and a particularly determined group of horses might be able to slide it around the pasture. It’s a fantastic middle-ground option that offers many of the safety benefits of a poly feeder with excellent hay-saving capabilities, making it a reliable workhorse for many small farms.
Sioux Steel Hay Max Feeder for Tough Herds
If your horses treat their feeders like toys, the Sioux Steel Hay Max Feeder is your answer. This unit is engineered for maximum containment and durability. Its vertical bar design and solid sheeting at the bottom keep hay inside the feeder, where it belongs.
The robust, all-welded steel construction is designed to withstand crowding and pushing from the most dominant horses. The mud legs keep the feeder elevated, further protecting the hay from ground moisture. It’s a no-nonsense feeder for herds that are hard on equipment.
This feeder is heavy and represents a significant investment. The vertical slats, while great for saving hay, can sometimes be intimidating for more timid horses if the herd is crowded. It’s an ideal choice for larger herds or operations where durability is the number one priority.
Choosing the Right Feeder for Your Horses
There is no single "best" feeder; there’s only the best feeder for your specific situation. Before you buy, ask yourself a few key questions to narrow down the options:
- What’s my biggest problem? If it’s rain and snow, the Hayhut is your best bet. If it’s horses eating too fast, look at the Tarter Hay Basket. If your horses are just plain destructive, you need the durability of a Century or Sioux Steel.
- What’s my budget? The Big Bale Buddy offers the fastest return on investment and is a great entry-level choice. Steel and enclosed poly feeders are more expensive upfront but offer greater long-term durability and weather protection.
- How is my herd structured? A feeder with many openings, like the Hay-Saver or Hayhut, reduces competition. For a small, calm group, a simpler option may be all you need.
- What are my safety concerns? Poly feeders like the Hay-Saver and Hayhut, or the soft-sided Big Bale Buddy, eliminate the risk of injury from sharp metal edges. If you have shod horses, avoid feeders where a hoof could get trapped.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a feeder that matches your climate, your horses’ temperament, and your budget. Any of these feeders will save you more money in hay than it costs, but picking the right one ensures you also get the best results for safety and ease of use.
An effective round bale feeder isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental tool for managing your feed costs and promoting herd health. By investing in a system that keeps hay clean, dry, and contained, you’ll spend less time forking wasted hay into a manure pile and more time enjoying your horses.
