5 Best Food Grade Molasses Feeders For Pigs for Beginners

You’ve watched your pigs root around their paddock, turning over the same patch of dirt for the tenth time. You know they’re getting good feed, but you want to give them something extra—a boost of energy and a way to break up the boredom. This is where a molasses feeder comes in, turning a simple supplement into a tool for better animal husbandry.

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Why Use Molasses Feeders for Your Pigs?

Molasses is more than just a sweet treat for your pigs. It’s a dense source of quick energy, packed with minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. This can be especially useful during colder months when pigs burn more calories to stay warm, or for sows after farrowing to help them recover their strength.

A lick feeder also provides crucial enrichment. Pigs are incredibly intelligent and can get bored easily, which sometimes leads to destructive behavior or aggression. A molasses feeder gives them a job to do, engaging their minds and natural foraging instincts. It’s a simple way to improve their quality of life.

Think of it as a management tool. A well-placed molasses lick can encourage pigs to move to different areas of their pasture. It can also make them more docile and easier to handle, as they associate you with this highly prized resource.

Tarter Poly Lick Feeder: A Durable Choice

When you first look at the Tarter Poly Lick Feeder, you notice its simplicity. It’s a rugged, single-piece unit made from corrosion-resistant polyethylene. This matters because pigs are tough on equipment, and you don’t want to be replacing a feeder that’s been cracked or rusted out after one season.

This feeder is a great middle-ground option. Its capacity is usually enough for a small group of pigs for several days, meaning you aren’t refilling it constantly. The plastic construction also makes it surprisingly lightweight and easy to move for pasture rotation or cleaning.

The main tradeoff is its open-top design. While simple, it can collect rainwater, which will dilute the molasses and may require you to dump and refill it after a heavy storm. Positioning it in a sheltered spot is a good strategy.

Sioux Steel Poly Lick Tank: High Capacity

If you have more than a handful of pigs or simply want to minimize chores, the Sioux Steel Poly Lick Tank is worth a look. Its standout feature is its large capacity, often holding 30 gallons or more. This is a game-changer if you’re away for a weekend or just want to reduce your refill frequency.

Despite the "steel" in the name, these tanks are typically made of heavy-duty molded poly, just like the Tarter. They are built to withstand abuse from larger animals and harsh weather. The design usually includes one or two lick wheels that pigs spin to get the molasses, which helps regulate consumption.

The sheer size is its biggest consideration. It takes up more space and is harder to move once filled. It’s an investment, but if you value capacity and durability for a growing herd, it quickly pays for itself in saved time and labor.

Little Giant Lick Tank for Small Pig Herds

Just starting with a couple of Kunekunes or a pair of feeder pigs? The Little Giant Lick Tank is your entry point. It’s small, affordable, and perfect for anyone who isn’t ready to commit to a larger, more expensive piece of equipment.

This feeder is all about accessibility. It’s light enough for one person to handle easily, even when full, and its small footprint means it can fit inside a small shelter or farrowing pen without getting in the way. Its low capacity means you’ll be refilling it more often, but for one or two pigs, that’s rarely a burden.

Don’t let the smaller size fool you; it’s typically made from the same durable, impact-resistant plastic as its larger cousins. It’s the ideal choice for testing the waters to see how your pigs take to molasses without a significant upfront cost.

Brower Ball-Style Feeder for Less Waste

The Brower Ball-Style Feeder operates on a clever principle. Instead of an open trough or wheel, pigs must nudge and lick a floating ball to get to the molasses underneath. This simple mechanism dramatically reduces waste from sloshing, rain, and debris.

This design is perfect for the farmer focused on efficiency. You’ll find your molasses lasts longer, which saves money over time. It also keeps the supplement cleaner, as dirt and bedding are less likely to contaminate the supply.

The only potential hiccup is the learning curve. While most pigs figure it out quickly, you might have a few that need encouragement. Smearing a little molasses directly on the ball is usually all it takes to teach them how it works.

Behlen Country Super Licker: Heavy-Duty Use

For those with large, powerful breeds like Berkshires or anyone who is simply tired of replacing broken equipment, the Behlen Country Super Licker is the answer. This feeder is often built with a heavy-gauge steel frame and a poly tank, designed for maximum durability. It’s the kind of equipment you buy once.

The design prioritizes stability and strength. It’s heavy, which means pigs can’t easily knock it over or push it around their pen. This is a crucial feature for preventing waste and damage, especially with boars or large groups of finishers.

Of course, this heavy-duty construction comes at a higher price and with more weight. It’s not a feeder you’ll move around casually. But if your primary concern is finding a solution that will withstand absolutely anything your pigs can throw at it, this is your best bet.

Choosing Your First Pig Molasses Feeder

Picking the right feeder isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the best one for your farm. There is no single right answer. Instead, weigh your decision against a few key factors.

Start by thinking realistically about your needs. A feeder that’s too large for two pigs is a waste of money and molasses, while one that’s too small for ten pigs will just create another daily chore for you.

Consider these points to guide your choice:

• Herd Size: How many pigs will use it? For 1-3 pigs, a small model like the Little Giant is perfect. For 5-10, a mid-size Tarter or Brower works well. For more, you’ll appreciate the capacity of a Sioux Steel.
• Pig Temperament: Are your pigs generally calm, or are they equipment-destroyers? For tough pigs, the steel-framed Behlen is a wise investment.
• Your Time: How often are you willing to refill the feeder? If you have a busy schedule, a high-capacity model is a huge convenience.
• Location: Will the feeder be out in the open pasture or inside a barn? An open-top feeder is fine in a shelter, but a ball-style or wheeled feeder is better for reducing rainwater contamination outdoors.

Tips for Introducing Molasses to Your Pigs

Pigs are usually quick to catch on, but a little strategy helps ensure a smooth introduction. Don’t just fill a new feeder and walk away. A few simple steps will get them interested and prevent them from overindulging.

First, dilute the molasses. A 50/50 mix with warm water makes it less sticky and easier for them to lick, especially when they’re first learning. You can gradually reduce the amount of water as they get used to it. Also, only put a small amount in the feeder for the first day or two to gauge their interest and prevent any digestive upset.

Make sure they know it’s food. Smear a bit of the molasses on the lick wheel or ball, or even on their snouts. Once one pig figures it out, the others will quickly follow. Always ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean water is nearby, as the sugary supplement will make them thirsty.

Ultimately, a molasses feeder is a simple piece of gear that offers outsized benefits in animal health and happiness. By choosing one that fits your herd and your management style, you’re not just adding a supplement; you’re making a small, smart investment in the well-being of your animals and the efficiency of your farm.