7 Best Homemade Hay Feeders for Small Farms That Slash Feeding Waste

Finding efficient hay feeding solutions without breaking the bank is a constant challenge for small farm owners. Homemade hay feeders offer the perfect balance of functionality, cost-effectiveness, and customization to meet your specific livestock needs. Building your own feeder not only saves money but also reduces waste and can be tailored to your available space and animal requirements.

These DIY solutions range from simple pallet designs to more elaborate covered feeders that protect hay from the elements. With just a few basic tools and materials—many of which you might already have around your property—you can construct a durable hay feeder that will serve your farm for years to come.

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7 Best Homemade Hay Feeders for Small Farms

1. Pallet Hay Feeder

Pallet hay feeders are the ultimate budget-friendly solution for small farms. You’ll need just 2-3 wooden pallets, some screws, and basic tools to create this simple structure. Start by cleaning the pallets thoroughly, removing any loose nails or splinters. Connect two pallets at a 90-degree angle for the classic V-shaped design that prevents excess hay from falling out. Add a third pallet as a back panel for extra stability. This design works exceptionally well for sheep, goats, and smaller cattle breeds.

2. Slow Feed Net Hay Feeder

Slow feed net hay feeders minimize waste by forcing animals to work a bit harder for each mouthful. Grab a heavy-duty cargo net or specialized slow feeder net with 1.5-2 inch holes. Build a simple wooden frame using 2x4s to hang the net from, leaving it suspended about 3 feet off the ground. This design reduces hay consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional feeders while preventing animals from pulling out large amounts they’ll later trample.

3. Round Bale Hay Feeder from Stock Tank

Transform an old metal stock tank into an effective round bale feeder with just a few modifications. Cut out sections along the sides at appropriate heights for your animals to access the hay. Sand down all edges thoroughly to prevent injuries. The tank’s sturdy construction keeps hay contained while allowing multiple animals to feed simultaneously. This design excels with horses and cattle, offering years of service with minimal maintenance.

4. Wall-Mounted Hay Rack

Wall-mounted hay racks save valuable floor space in barns and shelters. Use cattle panels or heavy-duty wire fencing cut to size and bent into a V or U shape. Attach the rack to wall studs using strong brackets or bolts. Mount it at the appropriate height for your livestock—typically 30-36 inches for goats and sheep, 48 inches for horses. Add a simple wooden trough beneath to catch falling hay and minimize waste.

5. Barrel Hay Feeder

Barrel hay feeders offer excellent weather protection and portion control. Start with a food-grade 55-gallon plastic barrel and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut feeding holes along the rounded sides, sized appropriately for your animals’ heads. Mount the barrel halves on wooden frames at proper feeding height. This design works particularly well for goats, sheep, and smaller livestock, keeping hay dry while making it accessible without excessive waste.

6. Corner Hay Feeder

Corner hay feeders maximize limited barn space and prevent animals from pushing each other away during feeding. Construct triangular frames using 2x4s for the corners and base. Attach cattle panels or wire mesh (2×4 inch openings work well) to create the feeding area. The triangular design fits neatly into barn corners and allows multiple animals to access hay simultaneously. Add a simple roof extension to keep hay dry in outdoor settings.

7. Keyhole Hay Feeder

Keyhole hay feeders reduce waste by making animals work for each mouthful. Construct a rectangular frame from treated lumber, then attach plywood with keyhole-shaped cutouts sized for your specific animals. The narrow neck of each keyhole prevents animals from pulling out excessive hay. Space the keyholes about 12-14 inches apart for small ruminants, 18-24 inches for larger livestock. This design can reduce hay waste by up to 40% compared to open feeding methods.

Building a DIY Wooden Pallet Hay Feeder

Wooden pallet hay feeders are popular for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. These feeders are particularly well-suited for sheep, goats, and smaller livestock while utilizing materials you might already have on your farm.

Materials Needed for Construction

• 2-3 wooden pallets (heat-treated, not chemically treated)
• 16-20 screws (3″ deck screws work best)
• Drill with bits
• Saw (circular or reciprocating)
• Hammer
• Measuring tape
• Safety equipment (gloves, eye protection)
• Optional: sandpaper to smooth rough edges

Step-by-Step Building Process

1. Disassemble one pallet for additional boards if needed
2. Stand two pallets in a V-shape at approximately 60-degree angle
3. Secure them at the top with screws
4. Cut boards from the third pallet to create a base
5. Attach the base boards to close the bottom of the V
6. Sand any rough edges to prevent livestock injuries

Creating a Budget-Friendly Barrel Hay Feeder

Converting Plastic Barrels into Efficient Feeders

Transform a standard 55-gallon plastic barrel into a cost-effective hay feeder with just basic tools. Start by thoroughly cleaning a food-grade barrel, then cut it in half lengthwise using a reciprocating saw. Create feeding holes (8-10 inches wide) around the sides, spacing them 12 inches apart. Mount the barrel horizontally on a sturdy wooden frame at proper feeding height for your animals.

Preventing Waste with Strategic Design

Design your barrel feeder with waste reduction in mind by adding a catchment tray beneath feeding holes. Install a simple rain cover using leftover barrel pieces to keep hay dry during wet weather. Add 1-inch hardware cloth around feeding holes to slow consumption and prevent animals from pulling out excessive amounts. Position the feeder against a wall or fence to provide additional stability while limiting access to one side only.

Repurposing Metal Fence Panels for Hay Conservation

Metal fence panels offer an excellent opportunity to create durable, long-lasting hay feeders that minimize waste and stand up to years of use on your small farm.

Materials and Tools Required

• 1-2 livestock or cattle panels (4’x16′ or similar)
• Heavy-duty wire cutters or bolt cutters
• Pliers for bending wire
• Work gloves to protect hands
• 8-10 zip ties or baling wire
• Optional: metal file for smoothing sharp edges

Assembly Instructions for Beginners

1. Cut your panel to desired length using wire cutters (4-6′ sections work well).
2. Bend the panel into a circular or U-shape, securing ends with zip ties.
3. File down any sharp edges to protect your animals.
4. Position against a wall or create a freestanding feeder by connecting multiple panels.
5. Fill with hay, ensuring it’s distributed evenly throughout the feeder.

Designing a Space-Saving Corner Hay Feeder

Maximizing Barn Space with Strategic Placement

Corner hay feeders utilize often-wasted barn space by fitting snugly where walls meet. Their triangular design transforms dead corners into functional feeding stations without taking up valuable walkways or work areas. For small farms with limited space, corner feeders can increase usable square footage by up to 15% compared to traditional free-standing feeders. These space-efficient solutions work particularly well in older barns or converted structures where every inch counts.

Building for Multiple Animal Access

A well-designed corner feeder accommodates 3-5 animals simultaneously, reducing feeding competition and stress. Create feeding stations approximately 18-24 inches wide with adequate height clearance for your specific livestock—lower for sheep and goats, higher for horses and cattle. Incorporate dividers between feeding sections to prevent aggressive behaviors and ensure smaller animals aren’t pushed aside. The triangular shape naturally encourages animals to spread out rather than cluster, minimizing the risk of injury during feeding time.

Constructing a Portable Hay Feeder on Wheels

Mobility Benefits for Rotational Grazing

A portable hay feeder on wheels revolutionizes your rotational grazing system by allowing you to move feed stations without heavy lifting. You’ll reduce pasture damage by preventing concentrated feeding areas that become muddy and overused. This mobility enables you to distribute manure more evenly across your fields, improving soil fertility while extending grazing seasons in areas that would otherwise be underutilized. The flexibility to position feeders away from wet spots also minimizes parasite buildup that typically occurs around stationary feeding zones.

Weatherproofing Your Mobile Feeder

Effective weatherproofing starts with installing a sloped metal roof that extends 6-8 inches beyond the feeder’s edges to direct rainfall away from your hay. You’ll need to seal all wood joints with waterproof silicone and treat lumber with non-toxic sealant safe for livestock. Adding plastic flaps that animals can push through provides additional protection during heavy precipitation while still allowing easy access. Elevating the hay platform 4-6 inches off the ground prevents moisture wicking from below, substantially extending both hay quality and your feeder’s usable lifespan.

Fashioning a Hay-Saving Net Feeder System

Net feeders are among the most efficient systems for reducing hay waste, often cutting waste by 30-40% compared to traditional feeders. This design uses netting to slow down consumption and prevent animals from pulling out excessive amounts of hay.

Selecting the Right Netting Materials

Choose marine-grade netting with 1.5-2 inch openings for most livestock applications. Heavy-duty polyester or nylon materials withstand constant pulling and weather exposure far better than standard hardware cloth. For horses, select nets with smaller 1-inch openings to prevent hooves from getting caught. Avoid cheap fishing nets as they’ll deteriorate within months under daily use.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Mount your net feeder at shoulder height for your specific livestock to encourage natural grazing positions. Secure all edges with UV-resistant zip ties or marine-grade rope threaded through grommets. Inspect nets weekly for fraying or damage, especially at feeding hotspots. During winter months, loosen tensions slightly as frozen netting becomes brittle and more susceptible to tearing when animals push against it.

Building an Elevated Platform Hay Feeder

Keeping Feed Clean and Dry

An elevated platform hay feeder keeps your livestock’s food off the ground, reducing waste by up to 40%. The raised design prevents hay from becoming soiled or trampled, while providing protection from mud and moisture. Install a sloped roof overhang of at least 12 inches to shield hay from rain and snow. Add a 2-inch lip around the platform’s edge to catch falling hay pieces that animals can still reach.

Designs for Different Livestock Types

For horses, build platforms 3-4 feet high with open sides to accommodate their natural grazing position. Cattle prefer lower platforms (24-30 inches) with wider feeding spaces of at least 24 inches per animal. Sheep and goat feeders should stand 18-24 inches tall with smaller 4-6 inch openings to prevent head entrapment. Always round all corners and edges to prevent injuries regardless of livestock type.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right DIY Hay Feeder for Your Farm

Building your own hay feeder is a smart investment for your small farm. With options ranging from simple pallet designs to portable wheeled feeders you’ll find a solution that fits your specific needs and budget.

The right DIY feeder will pay for itself quickly through reduced waste hay consumption and better feeding efficiency. Consider your livestock type weather conditions and available space when selecting which design to build.

Remember that even modest improvements like adding a roof or implementing slow-feed netting can dramatically reduce waste. Your animals will benefit from cleaner more accessible feed while you’ll appreciate the cost savings and reduced daily maintenance.

Take what you’ve learned here and adapt these designs to create the perfect feeding solution for your farm’s unique requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of building a homemade hay feeder?

Building your own hay feeder offers significant cost savings compared to commercial options, reduces hay waste by up to 30-40%, and allows for customization to fit your specific livestock needs. Homemade feeders can be tailored to your available space and adapted as your farm grows. Additionally, DIY feeders can be constructed from readily available materials like wooden pallets, plastic barrels, or metal panels.

How much money can I save with a DIY hay feeder?

You can save between 70-80% of the cost compared to commercial feeders. A homemade pallet hay feeder typically costs $15-30 in materials versus $100-300 for store-bought options. The savings increase with larger feeder designs, with a DIY round bale feeder costing about $50-75 in materials compared to $250-500 for commercial versions. These savings add up significantly over multiple feeding stations.

Which DIY hay feeder design is best for goats and sheep?

The Barrel Hay Feeder and Keyhole Hay Feeder designs work exceptionally well for goats and sheep. The barrel design prevents climbing and contamination, while the keyhole design forces animals to work for their food, reducing waste. Both can be adjusted to appropriate heights (16-24 inches) for smaller livestock. The slow feed net system is also effective, using 1.5-2 inch openings to regulate consumption.

How can I reduce hay waste with homemade feeders?

Implement slow-feeding designs like nets with appropriate-sized openings or keyhole cutouts that make animals work for their food. Add a catchment tray beneath the feeder to collect dropped hay. Ensure proper feeder height for your specific livestock to prevent pulling excessive amounts. Weather protection features like roofs or covers keep hay dry and prevent spoilage. These strategies can reduce waste by 30-40%.

What materials work best for DIY hay feeders?

Heat-treated wooden pallets are excellent for budget options, while plastic 55-gallon barrels provide durability and weather resistance. Livestock panels or cattle panels create sturdy, long-lasting feeders. For outdoor feeders, use pressure-treated lumber or cedar for weather resistance. Metal stock tanks converted into feeders offer exceptional durability. Choose materials based on your climate, budget, and the specific livestock you’re feeding.

How difficult is it to build a pallet hay feeder?

Building a pallet hay feeder is one of the simplest DIY projects, requiring only basic tools and minimal construction skills. The process involves positioning two pallets in a V-shape, securing them together, and adding a base. With common tools like a drill, hammer, and saw, most farmers can complete this project in under 2 hours. Even beginners can successfully build this feeder following the step-by-step instructions.

What are the advantages of a portable hay feeder?

Portable hay feeders enhance rotational grazing systems by allowing easy movement between pastures. They help distribute manure more evenly across fields, improving soil fertility. Mobility reduces concentrated damage to any single area of pasture. Wheeled designs allow one person to relocate feeders without heavy lifting. They’re particularly valuable during wet seasons when moving feeding locations prevents mud buildup and soil compaction.

How do I weatherproof my homemade hay feeder?

Install a sloped metal or plastic roof that extends 6-8 inches beyond the feeder edges to divert rainwater. Seal wooden joints with waterproof silicone caulk. Elevate the hay platform at least 4-6 inches off the ground to prevent moisture wicking. For wooden components, apply a non-toxic sealant safe for livestock. Position feeders with the opening away from prevailing winds to minimize weather exposure.

What size should I make my hay feeder for horses?

For horses, design feeders with feeding heights of 36-48 inches and allow 24-30 inches of feeding space per horse to prevent competition. Ensure openings are at least 12-14 inches wide to accommodate a horse’s muzzle comfortably. Round bale feeders should have a diameter of 6-8 feet to fit standard bales. Add safety features like rounded edges and smooth surfaces to prevent injuries.

How can corner hay feeders save space in my barn?

Corner hay feeders utilize otherwise unused barn space, increasing usable square footage by up to 15%. The triangular design fits into dead corners while accommodating multiple animals simultaneously. They help reduce feeding competition by creating separate feeding stations. Some designs include dividers to prevent aggressive behaviors during feeding time. This space-efficient solution is particularly valuable in smaller barns with limited floor space.