New hay feeders

[DiamondJubilee]

After 20 years of feeding hay on the ground, we finally purchased some hay feeders. I was getting tired of all the peed on and walked into the mud hay.

We only feed small squares here as I have 4 ponies (3 in the winter) and they are on pasture during the summer months. So we bit the bullet and purchased 2 Hay Optimizers

I liked the idea that 2 bales could fit in each feeder and they have a net that easily slides across the bales once filled. The netting is 1.6” so not too small but will keep the hay in place. They have 6 holes drilled in the bottom for drainage. The only thing I worry about is snow load but everyone I’ve spoken to says it’s not a big deal and they can easily push the snow off. Time will tell on that one! Or maybe we will build a roof over them.

So far so good! I thought they would fight a bit at the feeders, especially with my older 27 year old pony. He’s a bit of a pushover but seems to happily eat with the other boys. I was also worried about my 2 year old trying to climb in it as he happily enters my wheelbarrow and the water troughs when he can. But so far he hasn’t tried it

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[endlessclimb]

I wonder if a hay hut would fit over that? I’m trying to think of how to affordably cover my hay feeder as well.

Those look super duper cool.

[DiamondJubilee]

I would think a hay hut would fit over them. These feeders are about 4 x 4’ and are quite light. It would be an expensive way to go though as these are just over $1000 each and hay huts are more than that I believe. I was looking at hay huts but was worried about fights and I only feed small bales. I thought it would be more hassle to feed that way with nets etc. Plus the nets are over $300. The replacement nets for my feeders are $99 and are meant to feed small bales. So I went this way as I thought it would be best for me. But I do hope they don’t get loaded up too much with snow. Thats my only worry. But they only hold about 2-3 days worth of hay. Maybe a bit more in the winter as I do bring them in at night.

Luckily my husband is a carpenter so he can make a roof for minimal cost. He was going to make some hayfeeders but it would have to be covered in metal as our ponies are beavers and love to chew wood. After the cost to pony proof it, it was more cost efficient to go with these plastic feeders. But some posts with a roof should be fairly cost effective if we have to go that route.