The right farm equipment will make essential, everyday tasks easier, like feeding your livestock. A hay feeder will make caring for the horses more efficient while minimizing hay waste. To make the right selection, understand which options are available and which best fit your horses’ needs.

3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Hay Feeder

1. Size

You must account for the size of the hay bales and the number of horses that will be eating at the same time. If the feeder is too small, the hay bale’s weight can topple it over and injure the horses. You may need to purchase multiple feeders so that each horse has proper access to the hay.

2. Design

All farm equipment should be safe for the user and animals. Stall feeders or hay racks are generally recommended over ground feeders, as more hay goes to waste in ground models.

Additionally, if the slats are improperly spaced in a ground feeder, a horse’s leg can also get trapped, resulting in injury. While these issues aren’t an issue with a hay rack or stall feeder, you should ensure their gaps are wide enough so that the horses can reach their head and neck through without the risk of getting stuck.

3. Location

Where you feed the horses affects the type of farm equipment you choose. For example, if you feed outdoors, opt for a model with a roof panel. This feature protects the hay from rain and keeps it dry and fresh for the horses.

When mounting a hay rack inside a barn, place it in a location that will provide easy access for you to fill and check without getting in the stalls. This will be safer for you and your livestock.

If you need a new hay feeder, turn to Southern Farm Supply in Union Grove, NC. These professionals have provided high-quality farm equipment since 1994, and they have a wide inventory that includes over 650 unique products. Get more information about their selection online, or call (704) 539-5000 to request a quote.