Why does the feeding method matter?
Hay is often the biggest feed expense on a small farm, and a good share can be trampled, soiled or blown away if it is fed carelessly. A feeder that cuts waste can pay for itself over time, and the savings are easier to see once you track how much hay you use.
Feeding method also affects health. Hay soiled by manure or mud can carry parasites and cause illness, and crowded feeders lead to bullying and injuries.
Talk to your extension office about hay use estimates for your species, since needs vary with animal size, season and hay quality.
- Hay is often the largest feed cost
- Soiled hay raises parasite risk
- Crowded feeders cause bullying
- Waste is easier to cut once measured
What kinds of feeders are available?
Common choices include bale rings and cradles for round bales, racks and manger feeders for small bales, hay nets, and covered or tombstone feeders. Each fits certain animals and certain jobs.
Feeders designed for one species may not suit another. Horned animals, young animals and animals with long hair can get caught in some designs, so choose openings that match the head size.
Ground feeding on a clean, dry pad is simplest but wastes more, and it is poor in wet ground.
- Bale rings and cradles for round bales
- Racks and mangers for small bales
- Hay nets for slow feeding
- Covered feeders for wet climates
How can I reduce waste?
Waste falls when animals cannot pull hay out and trample it. Use feeders with the right opening size, raise feeders off the ground at a height that suits the animals, and feed only what they will eat in a set period instead of leaving bales out indefinitely.
Place feeders on firm, well-drained ground, and move them regularly so mud does not build up. A gravel or packed pad helps in wet seasons.
Feeding in smaller amounts more often may lower waste, but it takes more labor. Weigh the time against the savings.
How do I keep feeding safe for the animals?
Choose feeders without sharp edges, gaps that trap heads or legs and loose parts. Check them often for damage. Position them so that timid animals can eat without being cornered.
Provide enough feeding space for the group so dominant animals do not block others. Separate animals with different needs, such as young stock or pregnant females, if your vet or extension office advises it.
Keep hay dry, clean and free of mold. Moldy or dusty hay can make animals sick, so look at the hay before feeding and ask your vet about any animal that coughs or stops eating.
How should hay be stored and handled?
Store hay under cover, off the ground, with air moving around it. Wet hay can mold, and hay baled too moist can heat and in rare cases catch fire. Check storage for heat or a musty smell and ask your extension office what to do if a stack feels warm.
Do not store hay close to other buildings or in a way that blocks fire access. Many barn fires start in hay storage.
Lift bales with proper equipment or help. Bales are heavy, and handling them can injure your back or crush hands and feet.
- Cover and raise hay off the ground
- Keep air moving around stored bales
- Check for heat and musty smell
- Keep stacks away from buildings
How do I move hay efficiently?
Think about the route from storage to feeder. A short, level path with wide gates saves effort, and feeders placed near the access point reduce carrying. A cart, a tractor with a bale spear or a loader can change the work.
Use bale equipment only with training and safety guards in place. Bale spears and forks cause serious injuries when used carelessly.
Plan for winter. Snow, ice and mud change how you reach feeders, so keep paths clear and think about vehicle access.
- Short, level path from storage to feeder
- Wide gates for equipment
- Clear snow and mud from access routes
- Bale equipment used only with training
What does a feeding system cost?
Think in categories: feeders or racks, a pad or footing, covering or storage, equipment to move bales and your own time. Compare current local prices and consider building your own from sturdy materials if you have the skills and time.
Track how much hay you feed over a season, and compare it with the amount you bought. That record is the clearest sign of whether a change in feeders is saving you money.
Ask neighbors and your extension office what has worked in your area, and borrow before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Match the feeder to the species and the herd size.
- Reduce waste with correct openings, raised feeders and firm footing.
- Keep hay dry, store it safely and check it for mold and heat.
- Track hay use to see whether a change pays off.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.