4 Types of Hay Feeders & Choosing the Right One

Using hay feeders is a great way to cut back on how much hay ends up wasted instead of feeding your animals. The purpose of a hay feeder is to keep the hay off the ground and protect it from the elements while allowing your horses to have easy access to their food. Let’s talk about four types of hay feeders and choosing the right one for your needs so that you can find the best one for your farm.

Ground Feeders

Ground hay feeders are often the most common feeders you’ll see. They’re simple and safe because they allow horses to eat with their heads down. This is their natural feeding position. So, while it may seem no different than just allowing horses to feed off the ground, the important thing is that a ground feeder has a bottom that protects the food from contaminants that your horse could potentially eat. After all, you wouldn’t want to eat dirty food, and neither should your horse.

Hanging Feeders

Hanging feeders are much more convenient and perfect if you expect to travel and feed your horse in a trailer. While they’re not the most ideal for a horse’s digestive tract, they’re easy to refill. Moreover, they’re still safe enough to be great for feeding horses in their stalls and other similar environments. The one thing to keep in mind is that the hanging feeder needs to be high enough that a horse needs to reach their head up. Otherwise, the horse may get a hoof or leg caught in them.

Skid Feeders

When considering types of hay feeders and choosing the right one, hay feeds on skids are perfect if you like the ground feeder model but desire more portability. They make it easier to move the feeders in and out for feeding time. You’ll find skid feeders to be very durable. They also enjoy long lifespans. So you’ll feel confident about your investment when you get them.

Round Bale Feeders

While large and not easy to move, farmers and ranchers who have to travel often or leave their horses unattended prefer round bale feeders. This is because round bale feeders contain and protect a larger amount of hay than other types of feeders. However, these feeders are far too unwieldy for fulfilling day-to-day needs.