7 Best Galvanized Sheep Feeders For Small Farms Old Farmers Swear By
Explore the 7 best galvanized sheep feeders trusted by veteran farmers. These durable, rust-resistant tools reduce waste and improve efficiency on small farms.
You walk out to the paddock on a rainy Tuesday only to find your wooden trough has finally rotted through, spilling expensive grain into the mud. Choosing the right feeder isn’t just about containment; it’s about protecting your narrow profit margins and keeping your flock healthy. Old-timers swear by galvanized steel because it survives the elements and the constant abuse of hungry ewes without requiring a yearly replacement.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why Old Farmers Prefer Behlen Country Equipment
Reliability is the currency of a successful small farm. Behlen Country has earned its spot in barns across the country because their galvanizing process actually holds up against the corrosive nature of sheep urine and wet silage. It is the kind of gear you buy once and expect to see in the field a decade later.
Old-timers know that cheap plastic or thin-gauge metal eventually cracks under the summer sun or buckles under a heavy winter snow. Behlen uses a hot-dipped process that bonds the zinc to the steel, creating a barrier that resists rust even when the metal gets scratched by hooves.
When you are juggling a full-time job and a small flock, you don’t have time for equipment failure. Choosing a brand with a long-standing reputation means you are investing in a design that has already been "field-tested" by generations of shepherds.
Behlen Country 2-Sided Galvanized Bunk Feeder
This bunk is a staple for a reason. Its V-bottom design ensures every last bit of grain slides to the center where the sheep can reach it easily. This prevents feed from getting stuck in corners where it can mold and cause health issues like listeriosis.
By allowing access from both sides, you significantly reduce the "boss ewe" problem. In a single-sided feeder, one dominant animal can block the whole line, but a two-sided design forces the flock to spread out. This ensures your shyest sheep still get their fair share of the ration.
The legs are reinforced to prevent tipping, which is a common frustration with lighter equipment. Even when a rowdy ram decides to use the feeder as a scratching post, it stays firmly planted in the soil.
Tarter 10-Foot Galvanized Sheep and Goat Feeder
When your flock expands beyond five or six head, short feeders lead to fighting and wasted feed. This 10-foot stretch gives everyone a seat at the table. It provides enough linear space to prevent the crowding that often leads to trampled lambs or spilled grain.
Despite its length, the feeder remains surprisingly manageable for a single person to move. You can drag it to a fresh patch of grass to prevent mud pits from forming around the feeding station. This mobility is crucial for maintaining pasture health and reducing parasite loads.
- Key Consideration: Ensure you have a flat area for a feeder this long to prevent the frame from twisting.
- Best For: Growing flocks that need consistent access to supplemental minerals or grain.
CountyLine Galvanized Steel Sheep Bale Feeder
Hay waste is the silent killer of a small farm budget. This feeder keeps the bale off the ground and forces the sheep to pull out only what they can chew. Without a feeder, sheep will pull down half a bale, use it as bedding, and refuse to eat it once it’s soiled.
The galvanized slats are spaced specifically to prevent lambs from getting their heads stuck. This is a common nightmare for new owners using cattle-sized equipment. The narrow openings allow for safe feeding while keeping the bulk of the hay protected from the wind.
It is built to handle standard round or square bales, giving you flexibility in how you source your winter forage. If you find a good deal on round bales, you won’t be held back by equipment that only fits small squares.
Miller Little Giant Galvanized Sheep Creep Feeder
Feed multiple animals at once with this durable, hook-over trough. Its galvanized steel grid provides six feeding slots and easily mounts on standard boards or wire panels.
Lambs need a head start, and this feeder lets them eat without the adults stealing their high-protein rations. It is compact and portable, making it perfect for a corner of the lambing jug or a dedicated creep area in the barn.
The adjustable bars are a lifesaver as your crop of lambs grows throughout the season. You can set the width to let the youngsters in while keeping the ewes out. This ensures your investment in expensive "starter" feed actually goes to the animals that need it most.
- Durability Factor: The galvanized finish prevents the feed from reacting with the metal, which can sometimes happen with specialized mineral mixes.
- Mounting Options: It can be hung on a fence or set on the ground, depending on your pen configuration.
Sioux Steel Heavy-Duty Galvanized Sheep Feeder
If you have aggressive eaters or a larger breed like Suffolks, you need something that won’t buckle. Sioux Steel uses a heavier gauge than the big-box store alternatives. It handles the "shove" of a hungry flock without bending the legs or popping the welds.
The finish on these feeders is particularly smooth, which protects the wool. For farmers raising sheep for fiber, preventing "fleece rot" or physical damage to the coat is a major priority. A well-made galvanized feeder shouldn’t have any sharp burrs or rough edges.
This is a "set it and forget it" piece of equipment. While it might cost a bit more upfront, the lack of maintenance and the extended lifespan make it the more economical choice over a five-year period.
Hastings Black Label Galvanized Sheep Feed Bunk
This is the gold standard for rust resistance in humid climates. The "Black Label" line features a thicker zinc coating that shrugs off the morning dew and acidic feed additives. It is a smart choice if your feeders spend all winter out in the snow or in damp, poorly ventilated barns.
The bunk depth is calibrated to prevent "sorting," where sheep toss feed out of the trough while looking for the tastiest bits. By keeping the feed contained, you ensure the flock eats the entire balanced ration you’ve provided.
The legs are often designed with a wider footprint. This prevents the feeder from sinking into soft ground during the spring thaw, a common issue that leads to lopsided equipment and spilled grain.
Priefert Galvanized Sheep and Goat Bunk Feeder
Safety is the priority here, with rounded edges that won’t snag wool or scrape hides. The bunk is deep enough to hold a significant amount of forage while keeping the center of gravity low. It is nearly impossible for a rowdy ram to tip this one over during a feeding frenzy.
The architectural design focuses on structural integrity. Instead of relying on thin bolts, Priefert often uses robust welds that can withstand the vibrations and impacts of daily use. It feels solid because it is solid.
- Pro Tip: Use these for dry hay or grain, but avoid leaving wet beet pulp in them for weeks, as even the best galvanization has limits.
- Maintenance: A quick spray with a hose once a month is all it takes to keep this feeder in top condition.
Investing in high-quality galvanized equipment saves you from the cycle of constant repairs and replacements. Start with one solid bunk that fits your current flock size and build your infrastructure slowly as your experience grows. Your future self will thank you when your feeders are still standing strong and rust-free a decade from now.
