Sheep Round Bale Feeder for Under $100
Sheep tend to waste more hay than they eat if they're able to use it for bedding, this feeder stops the sheep from pulling out hay, and they can't crawl in it either (with the exception of small sheep including lambs).
Prior to one farm using this, a 1500-1700lb round bale would be "destroyed" in a matter of a few hours (with approx. 40 ewes) and would last about a week before they soiled it, by using it as bedding and would refuse to eat it. Since using the feeder, minimal hay wastage has occured, the bale has not toppled over, and it is expected that the "life" of the bale will be extended 2-3 times (if not longer) than if no feeder was used.
It cost less than $100 to make, but did take a few hours to "assemble" Its easy for one person to move and set up.
You need:
- 2 - 52" 'economy' livestock panels (approx. $45 each)
- rubber tarp straps, clips, rope etc to fasten panels together.
- Angle Grinder with cutting blade and grinding blade.
- Make sure you wear SAFETY Equipment! Goggles, gloves etc!!
- 2 - "7" square panels
- 1 - "8" square panels
And cut out the squares as shown in the diagram below:
Make sure that you grind smooth any sharp and/or patruding edges etc.
Fasten the panels together with tarp straps, poly rope, clips or what have you, around the round bale (1500-1700lb bale used 4 "7" square and 1 "8" square panels.
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