How to Build Goat Feeders

Feed those hungry goats with a homemade goat feeder.

Goats are insatiable eaters, famous for munching on anything and everything they are able to reach. Having food available at all times for your goats means that they will forgo destructive foraging for the easy meal you give them. Goat feeders are designed for this purpose, and are relatively simple to put together. A DIY goat feeder will cost far less than commercially available models and you don’t need to be a master carpenter to build one.

Things You'll Need

• Lumber, 2 by 4
• Lumber, 4 by 4
• Saw
• Drill
• Screws, galvanized 3 inch
• Bolts, 3 inch
• Hay

Instructions

1. Cut 24 lengths of 2-by-4 at 40 inches, four lengths at 44 inches, and four 50-inch lengths of the 4-by-4 lumber. Often the lumber yard where you purchase the lumber can cut it for you, saving an enormous amount of your energy.

2. Position two 40-inch planks flat on their sides, 40 inches apart. Lay four 40-inch planks perpendicular across the first two planks; the two outside planks should be six inches from the ends of the first planks, and the middle ones centered in between.

3. Drill a pilot hole through the end of each of the four planks, into the planks underneath, then screw in place. This is one side wall of the goat feeder. Repeat with the remaining 40-inch planks so you have four identical walls.

4. Lay two 4-by-4 posts on their side, 40 inches apart. Position a wall frame over the top, so that one end is flush with the ends of the 4-by-4 posts, and the other end is 10 inches from the end. Drill a pilot hole through the end of the 40-inch planks into the 4-by-4 post, then bolt them together. Repeat with the other two posts and another wall frame.

5. Stand both posts and frames upright, 40 inches apart. Position one of the remaining wall frames over an open side, drill your pilot holes and bolt in place. Before bolting on the last wall, place the four 44-inch planks over the floor of the goat feeder, in line with the upright side planks on both sides of the feeder. Screw down.

6. Attach the remaining wall frame by drilling pilot holes and bolting down through the frame into the 4-by-4 posts. Position your feeder where you want it, then break up your hay bale and fill the feeder. Your goats can now pull out hay to their heart’s content through the gaps in the feeder walls—this feeder is suitable for both horned and hornless goats.

References

• Goat World: Do It Yourself Goat Feeder
• Premier1Supplies: Build Your Own Feeders