8 Supplies for Building a Portable Sheep Creep Feeder

Watching fast-growing lambs struggle to compete with aggressive ewes at the feed trough is a common headache on any small-scale farm. Building a mobile creep feeder solves this problem by giving smaller lambs exclusive access to high-value starter feed while keeping the heavy ewes out. With the right materials and a weekend of work, you can construct a durable, portable feeding station that moves easily from paddock to pasture.

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Why Use a Portable Creep Feeder for Lambs?

Lambs grow at an astonishing rate during their first few weeks, requiring concentrated nutrition that adult ewes simply do not need. If left to feed in the main flock, aggressive ewes will quickly crowd out the lambs, consuming expensive starter feed and leaving the young ones undernourished. A creep feeder solves this by using entry slots sized specifically for lambs, allowing them to eat in peace.

Portability is crucial for rotational grazing systems and small pastures. A stationary feeder quickly turns the surrounding ground into a muddy, parasite-ridden hazard. By building a mobile unit, you can easily relocate the feeder to clean ground, matching your pasture rotation schedule and keeping the lambs healthy.

Key Design Features of a Mobile Creep Feeder

A successful DIY creep feeder must balance security, weather protection, and ease of transport. The core design consists of a sturdy wooden frame on wheels, a weatherproof roof to protect feed from rain, and a specialized gate that blocks adult sheep. It must be heavy enough to resist being tipped over by a determined ewe, yet light enough to roll across uneven pasture.

Adjustability is another critical factor to consider before cutting your lumber. Lambs grow rapidly, and an entry slot that fits a three-week-old will eventually need to accommodate a larger lamb while still blocking the smallest ewes. Incorporating adjustable rollers or sliding bars ensures the feeder remains useful throughout the entire lambing season.

Creep Gate – Behlen Country Sheep Creep Panel

The gate is the gatekeeper of your feeder; its sole job is to let lambs in while keeping ewes out. The Behlen Country Sheep Creep Panel features pre-spaced, smooth vertical bars that prevent wool catching and injury. Its heavy-duty steel construction resists bending when large ewes inevitably try to push their way through.

• Dimensions: 4 feet wide by 3 feet high
• Bar Spacing: Fixed 6-inch openings
• Finish: Powder-coated red steel for rust prevention

While the spacing is ideal for most standard sheep breeds, exceptionally small lamb breeds might require temporary inserts to narrow the gaps early in the season. Ensure this panel is mounted securely to the framing lumber, as it will bear the brunt of pushy ewes.

This panel is perfect for farmers raising standard meat breeds like Suffolks or Katahdins. It is not ideal for miniature sheep breeds unless you plan to modify the entry widths manually.

Exterior Plywood – Roseburg ACX Plywood Panel

Exterior plywood forms the walls and floor of the feeder enclosure, protecting the feed trough from wind and rain. The Roseburg ACX Plywood Panel uses exterior-grade waterproof glue, meaning it won’t delaminate when exposed to damp pasture conditions. The sanded AC face means one side is completely smooth, preventing splinters from snagging on delicate lamb wool.

• Thickness: 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch options
• Material: Douglas Fir veneer
• Grade: Exterior exposure 1 (fully waterproof adhesive)

Always seal the edges of the cut plywood with exterior paint or primer before assembly. Water tends to seep into the raw edges first, which can cause premature swelling and splitting over seasons of outdoor use.

This plywood is excellent for builders looking for a balance of durability and weight. It is not meant for direct ground contact, so keep it raised on the frame.

Framing Lumber – Severe Weather Treated Lumber

Framing lumber provides the structural skeleton of the feeder, holding the heavy plywood, gate, and roof together. Severe Weather Treated Lumber is infused with preservatives that protect against rot, fungal decay, and boring insects. Because a portable feeder sits outdoors and close to wet pasture grass, standard untreated pine will rot out within two seasons.

• Dimensions: 2×4 and 2×2 profiles
• Treatment: Ground contact MCA (Micronized Copper Azole)
• Weight: Heavier than untreated wood due to moisture retention

Use hot-dipped galvanized or specialty coated fasteners when working with treated wood to prevent chemical corrosion. Let the lumber dry out for a few weeks if it feels heavy and wet before applying any paint or stain.

This is essential for any outdoor agricultural build exposed to manure and soil. It is not necessary for internal structural components that remain completely dry, though using it throughout ensures maximum longevity.

Feed Trough – Little Giant Hanging Fence Feeder

The feed trough holds the dry starter feed or creep pellets off the ground, keeping it clean and dry. The Little Giant Hanging Fence Feeder is made of high-impact polyethylene plastic that won’t crack in freezing winter temperatures. It features built-in molded brackets that hook directly onto the wooden frame or the creep panel bars without needing complex mounting hardware.

• Capacity: 15-inch or 24-inch lengths available
• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant polyethylene
• Mounting: Fits over standard 2-by lumber or wire panels

Mount the feeder at a height that matches the chest level of your lambs to prevent them from stepping or defecating in the feed. Clean the trough weekly, as dust and saliva can build up and cause feed to spoil.

This trough is ideal for small groups of 5 to 10 lambs. If you are managing a larger flock of 20 or more lambs, you will need to hang multiple troughs side-by-side to prevent crowding.

Swivel Casters – Everbilt Heavy-Duty Caster

Swivel casters allow the entire feeder to be rolled easily across pastures, barns, and gravel paths. The Everbilt Heavy-Duty Caster features a rugged rubber wheel that absorbs shocks from uneven terrain. The swivel mechanism allows for tight turns in cramped barn stalls, and the integrated brake locks the feeder securely in place once positioned.

• Wheel Diameter: 5 inches for clearing pasture debris
• Load Rating: Up to 350 lbs per caster
• Brake Type: Side-locking foot brake

Small wheels will sink into soft mud and stall on gravel. Opt for the 5-inch or larger diameter to ensure you can roll the feeder through pasture grass without breaking your back.

This product is perfect for farmers who need to move their feeder frequently between indoor pens and outdoor paddocks. It is not suitable for extremely muddy, unmanaged fields where a skid-based design would perform better.

Wood Screws – Grip-Rite PrimeGuard Screws

Wood screws bind the framing lumber and plywood panels together into a rigid, cohesive structure. Grip-Rite PrimeGuard Screws feature a specialized polymer coating that resists the corrosive chemicals found in pressure-treated lumber. The star-drive (Torx) head prevents cam-out, allowing you to drive screws quickly without stripping the heads.

• Length: 2-1/2 inch for framing, 1-5/8 inch for plywood
• Drive Type: T-25 Star Drive
• Thread: Coarse thread for maximum holding power in wood

Always pre-drill pilot holes near the ends of your framing lumber to prevent the wood from splitting. Keep a spare T-25 bit handy, as driving these into dense treated wood can wear down cheap driver bits quickly.

This fastener is a must-have for anyone building outdoor structures with treated lumber. They are overkill for simple indoor projects, but indispensable for a durable pasture feeder.

Strap Hinges – National Hardware Strap Hinge

Strap hinges allow the roof or rear access panel to swing open for easy cleaning and feed refilling. The National Hardware Strap Hinge is hot-dipped galvanized, offering superior rust protection against rain and animal waste. Its long strap design distributes the weight of a heavy wooden lid across a larger surface area, preventing the wood from splitting under stress.

• Size: 6-inch or 8-inch straps
• Material: Heavy-gauge steel with WeatherGuard coating
• Mounting: Surface mount with included screws

Install the hinges on the side of the feeder opposite the prevailing wind to prevent the lid from slamming shut unexpectedly while you are refilling the trough. Lubricate the hinge pin annually with silicone spray to prevent squeaking and binding.

This hardware is excellent for heavy-duty lids and access doors on agricultural structures. It is not suitable for lightweight, flush-mount cabinet style doors.

Roofing Panel – Ondura Corrugated Asphalt Panel

The roofing panel provides a waterproof, lightweight roof that keeps rain and snow off the feed and the lambs. The Ondura Corrugated Asphalt Panel is tough, lightweight, and does not have sharp edges like metal roofing, reducing the risk of injury to curious lambs. It absorbs sound, meaning heavy rain won’t create a loud drumming noise that might scare nervous lambs away from the feeder.

• Dimensions: 48 inches by 79 inches (can be cut to size)
• Material: Asphalt-impregnated organic fibers
• Cutting: Easily cut with a standard utility knife or handsaw

Use specialized roofing nails with rubber washers to seal the fastener holes and prevent leaks. Ensure you have a slight slope on your feeder’s roof design so water drains away from the entrance gate.

This panel is great for DIYers who want an easy-to-cut, safe roofing material. It is not ideal for areas prone to extreme, heavy hail, where heavy-gauge metal might be preferred.

Step-by-Step Assembly Tips for Your Feeder

Begin by assembling the base frame using your treated 2×4 lumber. Lay out the perimeter, insert support joists, and secure them with the heavy-duty wood screws. Once the base is assembled, flip it over to mount the swivel casters on the four corners, ensuring they are bolted securely through the framing rather than just screwed into the plywood floor.

Next, build the wall frames and attach the exterior plywood panels to create a three-sided shelter. Leave the front side open for the creep panel. Before mounting the Behlen creep panel, test-fit it to ensure the bottom edge sits high enough to clear pasture debris but low enough to prevent lambs from squeezing underneath the frame.

Finally, attach the sloped roof using the strap hinges. This allows you to lift the roof easily from the back of the feeder to dump in fresh feed without bending down or squeezing through the lamb entrance. Secure the corrugated asphalt panel to the hinged wooden roof frame, ensuring a generous overhang on all sides to keep wind-blown rain out of the trough.

How to Safely Introduce Lambs to the Feeder

Lambs are naturally curious but can be hesitant to enter a new, enclosed space. Start by placing the feeder in a high-traffic area of your pasture where the flock naturally congregates. Keep the entry gate wide open or temporarily remove a bar if possible during the first few days so the bravest lambs can explore the interior without feeling trapped.

Sprinkle a small amount of highly palatable starter feed just outside the entrance and along the path leading into the trough. Once one or two bold lambs figure out that the feeder contains delicious treats, the rest of the lamb crop will quickly follow their lead. Monitor the entry slots daily to ensure no fast-growing lambs are getting stuck or scraping their backs as they enter.

Keep a close eye on the ewes during this introduction phase. A hungry, determined ewe can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, potentially injuring herself or damaging the feeder. If you notice ewes attempting to force their way in, adjust the bar spacing immediately or reinforce the entry panel to maintain a safe, lamb-only zone.

Building your own portable sheep creep feeder is a highly rewarding project that directly translates to heavier, healthier lambs at weaning. By selecting durable, weather-resistant materials and focusing on mobility, you create an asset that will serve your homestead for years. With a little patience during the introduction phase, your young flock will soon be thriving in their secure, custom-built feeding station.