goat fence line feeder
If you are raising dairy goats, or any goats for that matter, finding a way to feed them efficiently while they are out on pasture will make chore time easier. We will explain what a goat fence line feeder is and how it can help you with your dairy goat care routine.
Add this tip to your goat fence ideas list so you have a feeding setup that works for the fencing option you are using.
I love goats, they are one of my favorite animals to have on a homestead. They are loving, cute, and comical, and while they look docile from afar, they can get a bit pushy during chore time. This is why having a routine is so important, especially if you are a midlife woman raising goats with little help.
I started using fence line feeders with some of our goats, and I really love how well they work at turning a chaotic chore into a more organized one. I have a list of examples that you can use to decide which ones will work best for your setup.
Goat Feeding Reads:
What is a goat fence line feeder?
A goat fence line feeder is a container that holds the food you are feeding. It can be a small container for each goat or a large container that holds all the feed for the herd. It is either part of the fence, hangs on the fence itself, or is inside a fenced-in area.
The most commonly known fence line feeder is seen with cows raised in large open barns. These feeders span the full side of the barn giving room for everyone to eat in comfort.
Why are fence line feeders helpful?
Many homesteaders like to use this style of feeder because it allows them to safely feed their livestock without entering the pasture or housing area. This can be helpful if you have a large herd, aggressive goats, or it is breeding season. If you are new to goats, just know that they are not intentionally mean, they just love to eat….all the time.
Fence line feeders are also helpful if you have young children or grandchildren who want to help with chores. These feeders allow them to do so without the risk of injury.
Why is it sometimes unsafe to go into a pasture to feed livestock?
There are several reasons why it might not be safe to enter a pasture to feed your goats. For one, larger herds can be competitive during feeding time, which can lead to injuries. Additionally, aggressive or territorial goats may become protective of their food and pose a risk to anyone entering the area.
It’s true goats are not known to be intentionally aggressive, but they can get a bit pushy in order to get to the food you’re holding. I have had a few of my docile does accidentally knock me to the ground, trying to get their heads into the feed bucket during feeding time.
Since I am older and have little to no help during chore time, I have had to find ways to keep myself safe and prevent food spillage during feeding times.
Different Types of Fence Line Feeders
There are several different types of fence line feeders available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Trough Feeders
Trough Feeders are the most basic type of fence line feeder, consisting of a long bucket attached to a frame. They come in various sizes and can be made of metal, plastic, or wood. Trough feeders are best for feeding a group of animals all at once.
Pros: An easy way to feed the entire herd at once. Just done the feed or hay and you are set.
Cons: You cannot monitor how much each goat is eating, which may be a concern if you have goats that are not thriving in the herd.
Bucket Feeders
Bucket Feeders consist of a bucket or pail that attaches to the fence with hooks or straps. They are ideal for feeding smaller amounts of grain, pellets, or supplements. We set up an easy way to feed bucks by bending a sheet of steel fencing in a backward “V.” This allows me to feed our rowdy bucks without having to go into their enclosure.
Pros: You can assign a bucket to each goat allowing you to moniture just how much feed each member is consuming.
Cons: Chores take longer to do, especially if you have a larger herd.
Creep Feeders
Creep Feeders have an elevated platform that allows young or smaller goats to access feed while keeping larger goats out. They are especially useful for feeding lambs or kids without letting adult goats consume all the feed. You can also put separate feeders into an enclosed area that only young kids get access to. This will ensure the kids are getting the feed they need to grow and thrive.
Pros: Made for hay but can hold grain as well, making this a great option for herds.
Cons: You cannot monitor how much each goat is eating, which may be a concern if you have goats that are not thriving in the herd.
Hay Cradle
A Hay Cradle is an elevated V-shaped feeder that keeps the hay up off the ground where it is clean and dry.
Pros: Great for feeding hay to the herd and keeping it up off the ground.
Cons: Only works for hay and no other feed.
Slant Bar Feeders
Slant Bar Feeders have slanted bars that allow goats to reach in and eat but prevent them from wasting or trampling on the feed. They work well for both hay and grain feeding.
Pros: Work great to hold hay for herds to eat when the pasture is less than optimal.
Cons: Only works for hay and not grain. You will also need a wall to attach this type of feeder to.
Bale nets
Bale Nets are woven strong net bags that will hold an entire bale of hay. They can then be tossed in the pasture for your goats.
Pros: These nets are great especially if you have a very large herd of goats to feed.
Cons: They do not protect the hay, and you may find young goat kids jumping on the bales, making the hay soiled.
Benefits of using fence line feeders for goats
There are some great reasons for considering this type of feeding, let’s look at a few.
- Increased safety: Fence line feeders eliminate the need for entering a pasture or pen to feed your goats, reducing the risk of injuries from overcrowding or defensive behaviors.
- Time-saving: With a fence line feeder setup, you can easily fill the trough with food from outside the fence, saving you time and energy.
- Better herd management: Fence line feeders allow for easier monitoring of your herd’s eating habits and overall health. It also makes it easier to identify any goats that may not be getting enough food or have dietary issues.
- Improved pasture health: By keeping goats off the pasture during feeding times, you can minimize damage to grass and vegetation from overgrazing. This also helps prevent the spread of parasites and diseases through fecal contamination.
Fence Line Feeders:
TMEE Hay Feeder Goat 2 in 1 Horse Sheep Hay Rack with Grain Detachable Grain Tray Wall Mount or Hanging Feeder Heavy Duty Galvanized Steel Hay Basket for Cattle Cows Livestock in Farm
Rugged Ranch Products 4 Foot Long Outdoor Heavy Duty Mini Galvanized Steel Pasture Hay Feeder for Goats, Sheep, and Miniature Horses, Silver2 Pack Feed Trough and Waterer Bucket with Clips, for Goat Chicken Duck Sheeple Dog Piglets Deer Goose, Turkeys, Goat Feeder Supplies, 4.5 Quart (Appearance Patent Product)Solution4Patio Galvanized Steel Livestock Feeder W/Wheels, 2 in 1 Hay & Grain/Salt Feeder, Heavy-Duty Large Capacity Sheep Feeding Cart, Easy to Clean for Goats, Sheep, Horse, Ponies #B808A01-US2GZHDIAN Hay Rack, Galvanized Metal 2 in 1 Hay and Grain Feeder, Pasture Feeder, Livestock Feeder with Moveable, Hay Feeder for Goats, Cow, Horse, Sizes (59.1
Read About Rotational Grazing Here!
Overall, using fence line feeders for your goats can give you a safe and effective way to feed your herd. Be sure to choose a feeder that fits your setup and the age and breed of goats in your herd.
