8 Supplies for Installing an Overhead Hay Feeder System

Walking into the barn only to find half of yesterday’s expensive orchard grass trampled into the bedding is a frustration every small-scale livestock keeper knows too well. Elevating the feeding station keeps forage clean, dry, and off the ground, significantly reducing waste and barn cleanup time. Installing a reliable overhead hay feeder system requires a few specific, heavy-duty components to ensure it operates smoothly and remains safe for your animals.

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Planning Your Overhead Hay Feeder Layout

Before driving a single screw, take a close look at the layout of your barn stalls and the habits of your animals. You must identify structural ceiling joists or wall studs that can support not just the weight of the feeder, but the downward force of hungry animals pulling on the hay. Avoid placing the system directly over water buckets or in tight corners where dominant animals might corner submissive herd members.

Consider the path the hoisting rope will take from the ceiling down to your tie-off point. This pathway must be completely out of reach of curious noses and hooves to prevent dangerous entanglements. Planning a clear, accessible route for yourself to raise and lower the feeder without entering the animal pen makes daily chores much safer and faster.

Hay Rack – Tough 1 Folding Metal Hay Rack

An overhead hay rack acts as the sturdy skeleton of your feeding station, holding the bulk of the forage securely in place above the ground. It prevents the hay from falling in clumps and getting trampled into the bedding.

The Tough 1 Folding Metal Hay Rack is built from heavy-duty tubular steel that stands up to the daily abuse of eager livestock. Its unique folding design allows you to collapse the rack flat against the wall when it is empty, preventing animals from bumping into it in tight stalls.

• Dimensions: 20 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches
• Material: Powder-coated steel to resist rust
• Mounting: Pre-drilled holes for wall or frame attachment

Note: Ensure the mounting surface is completely flat to prevent the folding hinges from binding during operation.

This rack is perfect for hobbyists with limited space who need a rugged, collapsible solution for goats, sheep, or small ponies. It is not suitable for large-scale cattle operations that require massive, non-folding round bale feeders.

Swivel Pulley – National Hardware V132 Pulley

A swivel pulley is the mechanical heart of the overhead system, allowing you to hoist heavy loads of hay to the ceiling with minimal physical effort. It redirects the pulling force so you can operate the system safely from ground level.

The National Hardware V132 Swivel Pulley is highly reliable due to its rust-resistant zinc plating and smooth-spinning sheave. The swivel eye rotates freely, which prevents the utility rope from twisting, knotting, or binding during daily raises and lowers.

• Weight limit: Safe working load of 420 lbs
• Rope compatibility: Fits ropes up to 3/8-inch diameter
• Finish: Zinc-plated steel for damp barn environments

Note: Apply a drop of light machine oil to the axle occasionally to ensure silent, smooth operation.

This pulley is ideal for solo farmers who need reliable mechanical advantage to lift heavy feeders without assistance. It is not the right choice if you plan to use thick, heavy-duty farm ropes larger than 3/8 inches in diameter.

Utility Rope – SGT KNOTS Double Braid Rope

The utility rope connects your hands to the overhead pulley and the feeder, carrying the entire weight of the system. It must be strong enough to handle constant tension without snapping or stretching over time.

The SGT KNOTS Double Braid Polyester Rope is the ideal choice because it offers incredible strength with almost zero stretch under load. It is highly resistant to rot, mildew, and UV damage, which is essential for surviving the harsh, damp environment of an unheated barn.

• Diameter: 3/8-inch, matching the V132 pulley perfectly
• Tensile strength: Approximately 3,700 lbs
• Material: 100% polyester double braid

Note: Always melt the cut ends with a lighter immediately to prevent the braid from unraveling during installation.

This rope is perfect for livestock owners who want a smooth, easy-to-grip line that won’t cause rope burn when lowering heavy feeders. It is overkill for lightweight, temporary setups that only hold a single flake of hay.

Locking Carabiner – Petzl William Ball-Lock

The carabiner serves as the quick-release link between your utility rope and the hay feeder itself. It allows you to quickly detach the feeder for cleaning, refilling, or swapping out nets without untying complex knots.

The Petzl William Ball-Lock Carabiner features an automatic locking gate that prevents clever animals from nudging it open. Its large, pear-shaped design provides ample room to clip into thick ropes, metal rings, or webbing loops simultaneously.

• Locking mechanism: Ball-Lock automatic triple-action system
• Material: High-strength aluminum
• Gate opening: Extra-large clearance for easy attachment

Note: Fine hay dust and chaff can occasionally get trapped in the locking sleeve, requiring a quick blast of compressed air to keep it moving freely.

This is the ultimate connector for farmers keeping curious goats or horses that love to fiddle with gate latches. It is not necessary for those who prefer simple, manual screw-gate links and do not mind the extra time it takes to lock them.

Finding the Right Height for Safe Feeding

Finding the sweet spot for your feeder height is critical for both animal safety and health. If the feeder hangs too low, animals can easily catch their hooves or legs in the framing, leading to panic and severe injury. Conversely, hanging the feeder too high forces animals to eat with their heads tilted back, which allows dust and hay particles to fall directly into their eyes and sensitive airways.

For sheep and goats, aim to have the bottom of the feeder sit roughly at their shoulder height. For horses, the feeder should be positioned slightly higher, but still low enough that they can maintain a relatively natural grazing posture. Always observe your animals during their first few feedings to ensure they can reach the forage comfortably without straining.

Lag Screws – Grip-Rite Hex Head Lag Screws

Lag screws are the heavy-duty fasteners that anchor your pulleys and mounting brackets directly into the barn’s wooden framing. They carry the constant, vibrating load of animals pulling and tugging on the feeder.

Grip-Rite Hex Head Lag Screws are engineered with deep, sharp threads that bite aggressively into solid wood timbers. Their hot-dipped galvanized coating protects them from the corrosive effects of animal breath, ammonia, and damp barn air.

• Size: 3/8-inch diameter by 3-inch length
• Drive style: External hex head for maximum torque with a socket wrench
• Finish: Hot-dipped galvanized steel

Note: You must drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw shank to prevent splitting old, dry barn timbers.

These screws are essential for anyone mounting heavy hardware to solid wood posts or rafters. They are not suitable for mounting directly into thin metal siding or hollow walls without solid wooden backing behind them.

Slow Feed Hay Net – Shires Deluxe Hay Net

A slow feed hay net restricts the flow of forage, preventing animals from gorging themselves or pulling out massive clumps that end up wasted on the floor. It extends feeding times, keeping animals occupied and mimicking natural grazing patterns.

The Shires Deluxe Hay Net is constructed from heavy-duty, chew-resistant poly cord that holds up to sharp teeth. Its small mesh openings force animals to pull out small, manageable mouthfuls, dramatically reducing waste and improving digestion.

• Mesh size: 1-inch small holes for slow feeding
• Capacity: Large enough to hold multiple flakes of hay
• Hardware: Fitted with metal rings at the bottom for secure hanging

Note: Monitor horned animals closely when first introducing this net to ensure they do not get their horns tangled in the mesh.

This net is perfect for easy-keepers or greedy animals that consume their rations too quickly. It is not recommended for very young animals with tiny hooves that could potentially slip through the mesh openings.

Cordless Drill – DeWalt 20V Max Drill Driver

A cordless drill is the muscle behind the installation, allowing you to drill pilot holes and drive heavy lag screws into tough barn timbers without exhausting your arms. It turns a grueling manual task into a quick, painless job.

The DeWalt 20V Max Drill Driver delivers the high torque needed to force thick fasteners into dense, seasoned oak or pine. Its compact, lightweight design fits easily between tight ceiling rafters, while the integrated LED light illuminates dark stall corners.

• Power: 20V Max lithium-ion battery system
• Chuck: 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck for secure bit grip
• Speeds: Dual-speed transmission (0-500 / 0-1,750 RPM)

Note: Keep a fully charged spare battery on hand, as driving heavy lag screws drains power much faster than standard drilling.

This drill is a must-have for any DIY hobby farmer looking for a reliable, high-torque tool for barn upgrades. It is unnecessary if you already own a heavy-duty corded drill and have easy access to extension cords in your stalls.

Stud Finder – Franklin Sensors M150 Finder

A stud finder locates the solid wooden framing hidden behind barn siding, plywood, or ceiling panels. It ensures your mounting screws bite into the center of a stud rather than empty air or the weak edge of a board.

The Franklin Sensors M150 Finder features multiple active sensors that show the exact width of the stud instantly. This eliminates the frustrating guesswork and multiple "test holes" common with older, single-sensor finders.

• Sensor count: 9 active sensors for high-definition scanning
• Detection depth: Up to 1.5 inches through standard wood and drywall
• Display: LED bar lights that track stud position in real-time

Note: Rough-sawn, uneven barn wood can sometimes disrupt the sensors, so slide the tool slowly and flatly across the surface for the best reading.

This tool is perfect for farmers installing feeders in finished tack rooms or lined stalls where framing is completely hidden. It is not needed if your barn has open, exposed timber framing where the studs are fully visible.

Securing the System to Avoid Barn Hazards

A dangling rope or loose pulley is an open invitation for curious livestock to get tangled, injured, or trapped. Always route the hoisting rope flat along the ceiling and down a wall, keeping it completely out of reach of the animals when the feeder is raised. Installing a heavy-duty wall cleat outside the pen or high up on a post ensures the loose end of the rope can be tied off safely.

Use a secure tie-off knot, such as a classic cleat hitch, to guarantee the rope cannot slip under the weight of the feeder or the tugging of animals. Make sure there are no loops or slack in the line that could catch a passing head or leg. Keeping the operational side of the pulley system completely outside the animal enclosure is the safest practice.

Finally, inspect the clearance around the feeder to ensure animals cannot wedge their heads behind the frame or get trapped between the feeder and the wall. Eliminating these tight gaps prevents panic-induced injuries in the herd. A safe system is one where animals can only access the hay, not the hardware.

Maintaining Your Overhead Feeder System

Daily exposure to dust, moisture, and animal saliva means your overhead system requires routine checks to remain safe. Once a week, inspect the utility rope for signs of fraying, especially where it passes through the pulley sheave. If you notice any wear or broken fibers, replace the rope immediately to prevent a sudden drop.

Check the tightness of the lag screws monthly, as the constant vibration from feeding can slowly back them out of dry timber. Apply a drop of light machine oil to the pulley swivel and axle to keep the hoisting action smooth and quiet. This simple step prevents squeaks that can startle nervous animals during feeding times.

Periodically wash the slow feed hay net to remove accumulated dust, mold spores, and saliva buildup. A clean net is healthier for your animals’ respiratory systems and extends the lifespan of the synthetic fibers. Taking ten minutes for these basic maintenance tasks keeps your system operating safely for years.

With these eight essential supplies properly installed, your new overhead hay feeder will save you hours of cleanup and significantly cut down on wasted forage. Your animals will enjoy a cleaner, more natural feeding experience while your pocketbook benefits from every single flake of hay staying off the barn floor. Taking the time to build a robust, secure system now pays dividends in daily chore efficiency for years to come.