7 Diy Hay Feeders For Goats That Drastically Reduce Waste

You toss a fresh flake of hay into the goat pen, and within minutes, it looks like a disaster zone. Half of it is pulled out, trampled into the mud, and used as a bathroom. If this scene sounds familiar, you know firsthand how much expensive hay goats can waste. It’s not just frustrating; it’s a direct hit to your wallet and your farm’s efficiency.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Reducing Goat Hay Waste Saves You Money

Wasted hay is literally money thrown on the ground. If your goats waste 30% of every bale and a bale costs you $10, you’re losing $3 every single time you feed. That adds up shockingly fast over a season, easily becoming hundreds of dollars that could have been spent on fencing, minerals, or other necessities.

But the cost isn’t just about the hay itself. Trampled, wet, and soiled hay becomes a breeding ground for mold and internal parasites, creating potential health problems that lead to vet bills. You also waste your own valuable time cleaning up the mess. A good feeder pays for itself not just in saved hay, but in saved time and healthier animals.

Build a Sturdy Hay Feeder from Wooden Pallets

Pallets are a classic resource for a reason: they’re rugged and often free. A pallet hay feeder is a straightforward project that creates an incredibly durable feeder that can stand up to the most rambunctious goats. The key is to find heat-treated (HT) pallets, not the chemically-treated (MB) kind, which can be toxic.

The basic design involves standing two pallets on their sides and fastening them together at the bottom to form a "V" shape. You then enclose the ends with plywood. The goats eat by pulling hay through the pallet slats, which naturally slows them down and prevents them from grabbing huge mouthfuls to drop on the ground.

This build is a fantastic use of recycled materials, but it has its tradeoffs. Pallets are heavy and can be awkward to move. You must also be meticulous about removing every single nail and staple to prevent injuries. While the build is simple in concept, it still requires basic cutting and screwing skills to make it secure.

The 55-Gallon Barrel Slow Feeder for Goats

For a feeder that protects hay from rain and snow, a 55-gallon plastic barrel is an excellent solution. This design keeps hay contained and dry, making it a great choice for placing out in a pasture or for smaller herds where a giant feeder is overkill. Always use a food-grade barrel to ensure no harmful chemical residues contaminate the hay.

Construction is simple: using a hole saw bit on a drill, cut several holes around the side of the barrel. A 3-inch or 4-inch hole is usually about right for most goat breeds, allowing them to get their muzzle in but not pull out giant clumps. You can place the barrel on its side in a simple wooden cradle or stand it upright; either way, filling it through a larger opening cut in the top is a breeze.

The main advantage here is weather protection and minimal waste. However, plastic can become brittle over many years of sun exposure. If the barrel isn’t well-secured or weighted down, a determined buck might still manage to knock it around the pen.

A Wall-Mounted Rack Using Cattle Panel Mesh

If you’re feeding inside a barn or a three-sided shelter, a wall-mounted feeder is a brilliant space-saver. It keeps the hay completely off the floor, eliminating the risk of it getting soiled. This design is essentially a simple wooden box frame mounted to the wall, with a sturdy mesh front.

The "slow feed" magic comes from the mesh you choose. A piece of cattle panel or hog panel with 4-inch squares works perfectly. The goats pull the hay through the grid, forcing them to eat more slowly and deliberately. This drastically cuts down on hay being dropped and trampled.

The most critical consideration here is safety. You must ensure the grid openings are not the right size for a goat, especially a kid, to get its head stuck. This design is generally safe for both horned and dehorned goats, but always observe your herd carefully with any new feeder. A well-built wall rack is one of the most efficient designs you can make.

The Keyhole Feeder to Prevent Bullying

In any herd, you’ll have a bossy goat that pushes others away from the food. The keyhole feeder is the ultimate solution to this problem, as it creates individual feeding stations that prevent dominant goats from bullying the more timid ones.

This design is a long trough or box holding the hay, with a front barrier made of plywood. In the plywood, you cut "keyhole" shaped openings. A goat slips its head through the wider part of the hole, then drops its head down to eat, which locks them into place. They can’t easily pull their head out to butt their neighbor.

This is arguably the most effective feeder for herd management, ensuring every animal gets its fair share. However, it’s also a more complex build requiring precise measurements based on the size of your goats’ heads. This design is absolutely not safe for horned goats, as they can become dangerously trapped.

Constructing a Simple PVC Pipe Hay Feeder

For a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-clean option, look no further than large-diameter PVC pipe. This type of feeder is perfect for kidding pens, separating a sick animal for observation, or for a small herd of just two or three goats. It doesn’t hold a ton of hay, but it excels in its simplicity.

The build involves taking a section of 6-inch or 8-inch diameter PVC pipe and using a hole saw to cut feeding ports along one side. You can cap the ends and hang it with chains from a rafter or fasten it directly to a fence post with pipe straps. It’s incredibly easy to wash out and disinfect, a major advantage over wood.

The tradeoff is durability and capacity. A PVC feeder won’t stand up to a big, rowdy buck trying to use it as a scratching post, and it needs to be refilled more often than larger feeders. Think of it as a specialized tool, not an all-purpose solution for the main herd.

Upcycling an Old Tire into a Ground Feeder

It doesn’t get much cheaper or easier than an old tire. Simply placing a large tractor tire in the pasture gives you an instant, indestructible container that keeps hay from being scattered and spread across the ground. It elevates the hay just enough to keep it out of the worst of the mud.

To make it more effective, you can drill drainage holes in the sidewall that will be on the ground. For a slow-feed version, cut a piece of cattle panel to fit snugly inside the tire’s rim. This forces the goats to work for the hay and prevents them from standing in the middle of it.

While this is the pinnacle of resourcefulness, it’s a ground feeder. This means it offers no protection from rain and carries a slightly higher risk of parasite transmission than elevated feeders. Some keepers also have concerns about chemicals from the rubber, though this is a widely debated topic. For a quick, no-cost solution, it’s hard to beat.

Using Slow-Feed Hay Nets to Mimic Grazing

Sometimes the best "feeder" isn’t a structure at all. Slow-feed hay nets are simple mesh bags that you stuff with hay and hang up. The small holes in the mesh (typically 1-2 inches) force goats to nibble and pull strands out slowly, closely mimicking their natural browsing behavior.

This method is fantastic for reducing boredom and is arguably the most effective at eliminating waste, as it’s nearly impossible for a goat to pull out more than a mouthful at a time. They are also portable, inexpensive, and easy to hang almost anywhere.

There is one major, non-negotiable safety rule: hay nets must be hung high enough that a goat cannot get a foot or a horn tangled in them. A tangled goat can panic and cause serious injury. When hung correctly, however, they are a superb tool for promoting healthier eating patterns and making your hay last longer.

There is no single "best" hay feeder; the right choice depends on your herd size, your budget, and the materials you have on hand. The goal is progress, not perfection. Pick one of these designs, build it this weekend, and start turning that wasted hay back into money in your pocket.