6 Best Goat Mineral Feeders For Deficient Soils That Stop Mineral Waste
For herds on deficient soil, mineral access is key. We review 6 top feeders designed to protect supplements from weather and prevent costly waste.
You’ve seen it happen. You put out a pan of expensive loose minerals, and the next day it’s either a rock-hard cake from a rainstorm or a dirty mess kicked over and mixed with bedding. This isn’t just a waste of money; it’s a direct threat to your herd’s health, especially if your pastures are growing on deficient soils. Choosing the right mineral feeder is one of the most effective, high-impact changes you can make to your goat management program.
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Linking Soil Health to Your Goat Mineral Program
Poor soil means poor forage. It’s a direct link that you can’t ignore. If your land is low in key nutrients like selenium, copper, or zinc, the plants growing on it will be, too. Your goats, in turn, will be deficient.
This is where your mineral program becomes a critical health intervention, not just a supplement. The goal is to fill the specific nutritional gaps left by your pasture. A good feeder ensures your goats can actually consume the minerals you provide, preventing the costly waste that undermines the whole effort.
Wasted minerals are a double loss. First, you lose the money you spent on the product itself. More importantly, you lose the health benefit, leading to bigger problems down the road like poor kidding rates, a weak immune system, or a rough coat. A feeder that protects minerals from weather and contamination is your first line of defense.
Little Giant Mineral Feeder: The All-Weather Champ
The Little Giant feeder is a classic for a reason. It’s a covered, wall-mounted unit, typically made of durable plastic, that shields minerals from the number one enemy: rain. The hooded design or rubber flap keeps precipitation out, preventing that clumpy, unpalatable mess that goats refuse to eat.
This feeder is ideal for permanent setups inside a barn, lean-to, or three-sided shelter. By mounting it to a wall or sturdy post, you keep it off the ground and away from contamination by manure and bedding. Its simple, effective design makes it a workhorse for small to medium-sized herds.
The main tradeoff is its stationary nature. If you practice intensive rotational grazing and move your herd frequently, a wall-mounted feeder isn’t practical. You’d need one at every shelter, or you’d have to accept that they only get mineral access when they return to the main barn.
Tarter Goat Feeder: Ground-Level Waste Prevention
Tarter and similar brands offer heavy-duty ground feeders built to take a beating. These are often made from thick polyethylene or galvanized steel, designed with a low center of gravity that makes them nearly impossible for even the pushiest goats to tip over. Some models include grate systems that further limit the ability to paw or sling minerals out.
Their best use is in a dry lot or a covered loafing area where you need to serve a larger number of goats at once. The open-trough design allows several animals to eat simultaneously without the competition that a single-hole feeder can create. They are also low enough for young kids to access easily, which is a huge plus.
The obvious downside is the lack of weather protection. An uncovered ground feeder is a liability in a wet climate. You must place it under a solid roof to prevent minerals from turning into a puddle. Without that protection, you’re just creating expensive mud.
The DIY PVC Feeder: A Thrifty, Low-Waste Option
For the farmer who values thrift and function, the DIY PVC feeder is a brilliant solution. The most common design involves a vertical 3" or 4" PVC pipe with a cap on top and a T-joint or J-bend at the bottom. You mount it to a post, fill it from the top, and the goats eat from the small opening at the bottom.
This design is a triple win. It’s incredibly cheap to build, it completely protects minerals from rain and wind, and it minimizes waste. Goats can only get a small amount of mineral out at a time, making it nearly impossible for them to sling it everywhere. You can build several and place them throughout your pastures and paddocks.
The main consideration is goat behavior. Some timid goats may be hesitant to stick their nose into the opening at first. It also restricts access to one goat at a time, which can be an issue with a larger herd unless you build multiple feeders. But for a small herd or a rotational system, it’s hard to beat the cost-effectiveness.
RHM Feeder: Multi-Compartment Mineral Choice
Feeders with multiple compartments, like those from RHM, elevate your mineral program to the next level. These units allow you to offer different supplements on a free-choice basis. For example, you can provide a complete mineral mix in one section, kelp in another, and sodium bicarbonate in a third.
This approach is especially powerful when dealing with known soil deficiencies. It empowers the goats to self-regulate and take what their bodies are telling them they need. Instead of forcing a pre-mixed ratio, you provide the building blocks and let their nutritional wisdom guide them. This can be more efficient and prevent over-consumption of certain minerals they don’t require.
However, this system requires more knowledge from you. You need to understand what to offer and monitor consumption to spot trends. It’s a more hands-on management style compared to just filling a single feeder. It’s a great tool, but only if you’re prepared to manage the increased complexity.
Goat Tuff Hanging Feeder for Rotational Grazing
For farmers who move their animals frequently, a portable feeder is non-negotiable. The Goat Tuff hanging feeder, or similar bucket-style feeders, is designed specifically for this purpose. It’s lightweight, has a built-in cover, and can be hung from a T-post, fence wire, or tree branch in seconds.
This feeder’s core strength is its mobility. When you move the herd to a new paddock, the feeder moves with them, ensuring consistent access to minerals. Hanging it also keeps it clean and prevents it from being knocked over or trampled, which is a constant battle with ground feeders in a temporary grazing setup.
The primary tradeoff is its capacity and stability. It holds less than a large stationary feeder, requiring more frequent refills. It can also swing around, which might deter more timid goats from using it, especially on a windy day. Still, for a rotational system, its portability outweighs these minor drawbacks.
Sioux Steel Poly Feeder: Built for Herd Durability
When you need something that can withstand the rough-and-tumble life of a full herd, heavy-duty poly feeders like those from Sioux Steel are the answer. These are ground-based feeders, but they are engineered for durability and waste prevention. They are heavy enough to resist tipping and are made from impact-resistant materials that won’t crack in freezing weather.
The key feature is often a thick, flexible rubber flap or cover that the goats must push aside to access the minerals. This simple mechanism is incredibly effective at keeping out rain, snow, and birds. It also stops contamination from dirt and debris kicked up by hooves.
This is an investment in long-term durability. It costs more upfront than a simple pan or a DIY option, but it will likely outlast them by many years. Its weight makes it less portable, so it’s best suited for a permanent or semi-permanent location where the herd has consistent access.
Feeder Placement and Mineral Management Tips
Where you put your feeder is almost as important as which one you choose. Goats are creatures of habit. Place feeders in high-traffic areas where they naturally congregate, such as near their water source, in their favorite shady spot, or inside their nighttime shelter.
Keep them clean. No goat wants to eat minerals contaminated with manure or moldy feed. Check your feeders regularly and scrub them out as needed. A clean feeder encourages consumption and protects your herd’s health.
When introducing a new feeder or mineral, give them time to adjust. Put a small amount of the new mineral in their old pan next to the new feeder to help them make the connection. Always ensure loose minerals are available free-choice, and never mix them directly into their grain. This allows each goat to consume exactly what its body needs.
Ultimately, the best mineral feeder is the one your goats will use consistently and that you can manage effectively. By linking your feeder choice to your soil’s reality and your management style, you transform it from a simple piece of equipment into a strategic tool. It’s an investment that pays for itself by stopping waste and, more importantly, building a resilient, healthy herd from the ground up.
