6 Best Corner Hay Feeders For Limited Space That Stop Costly Hay Waste
Stop costly hay waste and reclaim stall space. Our review of the 6 best corner hay feeders shows you how to save money with smart, compact designs.
Stepping into the barn to see a fresh flake of hay trampled into the bedding is a uniquely frustrating part of animal ownership. It’s not just messy; it’s money, time, and nutrition literally ground into the dirt. For those of us working with small stalls or tight pens, every square foot counts, and wasting hay is a luxury we can’t afford.
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Why Corner Feeders Maximize Space and Save Hay
The smartest way to manage a small space is to use the corners. A corner feeder tucks neatly out of the way, freeing up precious floor space for animals to move, lie down, and turn around comfortably. This simple placement eliminates a major obstacle from the middle of the stall, reducing the risk of an animal getting cast or caught on equipment.
More importantly, getting hay off the ground is the single biggest step toward reducing waste. When hay is on the floor, it’s quickly contaminated with manure, urine, and mud, making it unpalatable and unsafe. Animals will pick through it, scatter it, and use it as a bed, wasting as much as 50% of a flake.
A good corner feeder contains the hay, keeping it clean and dry from the first bite to the last. This means your animals consume what you feed them, stretching your hay budget significantly further. It’s a small investment that pays for itself surprisingly fast, not just in saved hay but in reduced cleanup time.
High Country Plastics Feeder: Ultra-Durable Pick
When you have an animal that views equipment as a challenge, you need something that can take a beating. The High Country Plastics (HCP) corner feeder is that solution. It’s made from thick, heavy-duty polyethylene, the kind of material that shrugs off kicks, leaning, and the general abuse that comes with housing large animals.
This feeder is essentially a one-piece molded tub, which means there are no seams to crack or break under pressure. The edges are rounded for safety, and the deep basin holds a generous amount of hay, reducing the frequency of refills. Think of it as the "buy it once, cry once" option for powerful horses, pushy cattle, or a herd of destructive goats.
Installation is straightforward with lag bolts, and its robust design holds up well in any weather, resisting cracking in deep freezes and fading in the summer sun. If your top priority is uncompromising durability, the HCP feeder is where you should be looking. It’s built for the long haul.
Tarter Equine Corner Feeder: Chew-Proof Metal
Plastic is tough, but some animals are just determined chewers. For the horse that cribs on every available edge or the goats that can turn a plastic bucket into shavings, a metal feeder is the only answer. The Tarter Equine Corner Feeder is a popular choice for its chew-proof construction.
Typically made from heavy-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, this feeder puts a stop to destructive chewing habits. The v-shaped bars keep hay contained while allowing animals to pull flakes out easily. The solid bottom panel catches smaller pieces, preventing them from falling onto the floor and becoming waste.
The main tradeoff with metal is the installation. You have to be meticulous to ensure there are no sharp edges or gaps where an animal could get a hoof or halter caught. While the coating prevents rust, a deep scratch from a tool or a kick can expose the metal underneath. Still, for an animal that has destroyed every other feeder you’ve tried, the chew-proof nature of steel is non-negotiable.
HayChix Corner Feeder: Top Slow-Feed Option
This isn’t just a hay container; it’s a management tool. The HayChix Corner Feeder is designed around a slow-feed netting system that mimics natural grazing. By forcing animals to pull small bites of hay through the net’s openings, it extends feeding time, reduces boredom, and prevents them from bolting their meal.
This approach is a game-changer for "easy keepers" prone to weight gain, horses with metabolic concerns, or any animal on stall rest. It aids in digestion and can significantly curb stall vices like weaving or wood chewing that stem from boredom. The frame keeps the net securely in the corner, preventing animals from getting tangled or flipping it over.
The HayChix system is incredibly effective at minimizing waste—virtually every stem of hay gets eaten. The primary consideration is the extra minute it takes to fill compared to just dropping a flake in a tub. But for the health benefits and near-zero waste, it’s a tradeoff many hobby farmers are happy to make, especially for animals with specific dietary needs.
Little Giant Corner Feeder: A Reliable Classic
You’ve seen this feeder in barns everywhere for a reason. The Little Giant Corner Feeder is the reliable, affordable workhorse of the group. It’s a straightforward, no-frills feeder that does its job well without breaking the bank.
Made from a durable polyethylene, it’s tough enough for most horses, goats, sheep, and alpacas. While perhaps not as indestructible as the High Country model, it holds up to normal daily use exceptionally well. It features a heavy-duty mounting bracket system and a classic design that holds a decent amount of hay.
This is the perfect choice if you need to outfit several stalls on a budget or if your animals are generally respectful of their equipment. It provides all the core benefits of a corner feeder—saving space and reducing waste—at an accessible price point. It’s the go-to for practical, everyday use.
Behrens Galvanized Feeder: Grain Tray Combo
Efficiency is key on a small farm, and a piece of equipment that serves two purposes is always a win. The Behrens Galvanized Feeder combines a hay rack with a built-in grain trough, solving two feeding challenges with one unit. This is ideal for extremely tight quarters where a separate grain bucket would be in the way.
The hay rack portion keeps hay contained, while the solid trough underneath catches any stray leaves and stems that fall, ensuring they get eaten instead of wasted. The trough is also, of course, perfect for serving grain, pellets, or supplements. Made of galvanized steel, it’s chew-proof and resistant to rust.
This combo design is particularly useful for animals like goats or sheep, who can be notorious for dropping feed. By keeping everything in one compact station, you streamline your chores and keep the pen cleaner. It’s a smart, space-saving design for anyone looking to maximize utility.
Weaver Leather Slow Feed Bag for Tight Corners
Sometimes, a rigid feeder just won’t fit, or you need a more flexible solution. A heavy-duty slow feed hay bag, like those from Weaver Leather, can be an excellent corner-mounted option. When hung tightly in a corner from a secure anchor point, it takes up almost no horizontal space.
These bags are made from incredibly tough webbing with small openings that force animals to eat slowly, providing all the benefits of a dedicated slow feeder. They are fantastic at containing hay, with very little mess ending up on the floor. This makes them perfect for temporary stalls, trailers, or pens where you can’t permanently install hardware.
The most critical consideration here is safety. The bag must be hung high enough and secured tightly so there is absolutely no risk of an animal getting a leg or head caught in the straps. When installed correctly, it’s a supremely efficient and space-saving way to feed.
Choosing the Right Feeder for Your Animals
There is no single "best" feeder; the right choice depends entirely on your specific situation. To make a decision, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Who am I feeding? A 1,200-pound horse that leans on everything needs the durability of a High Country. A goat that chews relentlessly demands the metal Tarter or Behrens. A gentle alpaca will do just fine with a Little Giant.
- Is slow feeding a priority? If you’re managing weight or boredom, your choice narrows immediately to the HayChix system or a slow feed bag. These are specialized tools for a specific health goal.
- What is my budget and setup? For outfitting multiple stalls affordably, the Little Giant is a clear winner. For a temporary or flexible space, a Weaver bag is perfect. If you want a permanent, multi-purpose unit, the Behrens combo feeder is worth the investment.
Think about your primary goal. Are you fighting a destructive animal, trying to improve digestion, or simply trying to stop wasting hay in a small stall? Your answer will point you directly to the right feeder. Matching the tool to the animal and the problem is the surest path to success.
Ultimately, choosing the right corner feeder is a small decision that has a big impact on your daily routine and your bottom line. By reclaiming your space and keeping hay clean, contained, and consumed, you save money, reduce chore time, and support the health of your animals. It’s one of the simplest and most effective upgrades you can make to your barn.
