6 Best Wall Mount Feeders for Goats
Reduce mineral waste and keep your goats healthy. We review the 6 best wall-mount feeders designed to prevent contamination and protect your investment.
You’ve just refilled the mineral feeder, and within an hour, half of it is on the ground, mixed with bedding and manure. It’s a frustratingly common scene for any goat owner and a literal waste of money. Choosing the right wall-mount feeder isn’t just about convenience; it’s a critical step in protecting your investment and ensuring your herd gets the nutrition it needs.
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Why Wall-Mount Feeders Reduce Mineral Waste
Goats are notoriously messy eaters. They will stand in, sleep in, and defecate in any ground-level trough or bowl you provide. This not only wastes expensive minerals but also creates a significant health hazard from contamination.
Mounting a feeder on the wall or a sturdy post immediately solves this problem. By elevating the minerals, you keep them clean, dry, and out of the path of hooves and waste. This simple change drastically reduces the amount of supplement lost to spoilage and trampling.
The benefits extend beyond your budget. Clean minerals are more palatable, so your goats are more likely to consume what they need for proper health, growth, and reproduction. A good wall-mount feeder is a direct investment in the well-being of your herd by ensuring the supplements you provide are actually consumed.
Little Giant 2-Hole Feeder for Durability
When you need something that can take a beating, the Little Giant feeder is a solid contender. It’s typically made from a single, thick piece of heavy-duty polyethylene. This isn’t flimsy plastic; it’s designed to withstand the constant head-butting, rubbing, and general abuse that goats dish out daily.
The two-hole design is practical for offering a primary goat mineral in one side and free-choice baking soda in the other. Some keepers also use it to offer two different mineral components separately. Its simple, rugged construction means there are no moving parts to break and it’s incredibly easy to hose out and clean.
The main tradeoff is the size of the openings. For goats with wide horns, like mature Boer bucks, the holes might be a tight squeeze. Always consider the head size and horn spread of your largest animals before committing to this style.
Brower 2-Compartment Feeder for Mineral Choice
The Brower feeder is an excellent choice for anyone practicing a cafeteria-style or free-choice mineral program. Its distinct, separate compartments allow you to offer different minerals simultaneously, letting the goats self-select what their bodies need. This is a more advanced approach to herd nutrition that many find effective.
Goats have a surprising nutritional wisdom. By providing a primary mineral mix in one side and a secondary supplement like kelp or sulfur in the other, you empower them to balance their own intake. This feeder makes that management style clean and simple.
Made from durable, rust-proof polyethylene, it’s built to last in a barn environment. The design often includes a sloped top, which is a small but brilliant feature that discourages birds and goats from perching on it and soiling the contents. It’s a well-thought-out feeder for the detail-oriented farmer.
High Country Plastics Feeder for Weather Protection
If your mineral station is in a three-sided shelter or an area exposed to blowing rain and snow, a feeder with a built-in hood is essential. The High Country Plastics feeder, and others like it, are specifically designed to protect minerals from the elements. The integrated cover or flap keeps the contents dry and prevents them from turning into a hard, useless brick.
This feature is a game-changer for pasture-based setups. Leaving minerals exposed to moisture doesn’t just waste them; it can also lead to mold and spoilage. A protective hood ensures your investment is safe and the minerals remain palatable and safe for your herd, rain or shine.
The trade-off for this protection is often a single, large compartment. This makes it perfect for offering one complete mineral mix but less suitable for free-choice programs with multiple components. It’s a specialized tool that excels at its primary job: keeping minerals dry.
Sydell Poly Feeder: A Safe, Rounded-Edge Option
Safety should always be a top priority in any animal enclosure, and the Sydell feeder is designed with this in mind. Its most notable feature is its smooth, fully rounded edges. There are no sharp corners or hard angles where a goat could catch an eye, ear, or tag.
This might seem like a small detail, but injuries from equipment are more common than you’d think. A frantic goat bumping into a sharp-cornered feeder can lead to cuts and potential infections. The Sydell’s design significantly minimizes this risk, making it a fantastic choice for kidding pens or herds with boisterous personalities.
Beyond its safety-first design, it’s a tough, no-nonsense feeder made from durable poly. It mounts securely, holds a decent amount of mineral, and is easy to clean. For those who prioritize herd safety as much as durability, this feeder is a top-tier option.
Tarter Equine Pro Feeder: A Tough Crossover Pick
Don’t let the "equine" label fool you; some of the toughest feeders are made for horses, and they work brilliantly for goats. The Tarter Equine Pro Feeder is a prime example. It’s built from thick, impact-resistant plastic designed to withstand a 1,000-pound animal, so a goat’s head-butt is no challenge at all.
The deep basin of many horse feeders is another advantage. It helps contain the minerals and reduces the amount of spillage from goats nudging and sorting through the feed. This ruggedness makes it an excellent choice for buck pens or large, active herds where equipment takes a lot of abuse.
The key consideration is proper placement. Since it’s designed for a taller animal, you must be mindful to mount it low enough for your smallest goats and kids to reach comfortably. It’s a perfect example of looking outside your specific niche to find a more durable, effective solution.
Behlen Country Poly Feeder for Easy Installation
Sometimes, the best piece of equipment is the one that causes the least amount of hassle. The Behlen Country feeder often shines in this regard. It’s a straightforward, practical feeder that is designed for quick and easy mounting, often with pre-drilled holes that line up with standard lumber.
On a hobby farm where time is your most valuable resource, this simplicity is a huge plus. You don’t want to spend an hour modifying a feeder or searching for the right hardware. A feeder that can be securely mounted in minutes means you can get the job done and move on to the next task.
This feeder is a reliable workhorse. It’s made of the same tough poly material as its competitors and does its job of holding minerals effectively. It may not have fancy features like a weather hood or specialized compartments, but it delivers on the core requirements of durability and function with minimal fuss.
Proper Feeder Placement and Mineral Selection
Buying the perfect feeder is only half the battle. Where and how you install it is just as important. Mount the feeder at a height that is comfortable for the average goat in your herd—low enough for kids to reach, but high enough that they can’t easily step in it or urinate into the basin. A good starting point is shoulder height for your adult does.
Place the feeder in a sheltered, dry location that is easily accessible. Near a water source can be a good spot, as goats often like to drink after eating minerals, but ensure the area doesn’t become a muddy pit. Avoid high-traffic "highways" where goats are likely to bump into it constantly while running and playing.
Finally, remember that the feeder is just the delivery system. You must fill it with a high-quality, loose mineral mix formulated specifically for goats. Never use a sheep-and-goat mineral, as these are designed for sheep and will be dangerously low in copper for a goat’s needs. The right feeder filled with the right mineral is the combination that truly supports herd health.
Ultimately, switching to a quality wall-mount feeder is a small, one-time investment that pays dividends in reduced waste, lower costs, and better herd health for years to come. By keeping minerals clean, dry, and accessible, you give your goats the best possible chance to thrive.
