feeders for long horn cows

[wearefamily]

We have long horn cows and planning to make our own hay feeder out of lumber, what would be the best design for 4x5 round bails. We are thinking 2x8 or 2x10 approx. two or three foot longer and wider than the bail and approx. 2 foot high, what do ya'll think?

Thanks for your help

wearefamily:

[Tim Horton]

I just did a Google search of "longhorn cattle hay feeders"

Looks as though most commercial hay feeders are 8' diameter, with the open top divider head stalls... They come in two pieces to easily move around a bale... They are durable, and seem to be less than $300....

And there are also plans on DIY feeders...

Good luck...

[Bearfootfarm]

two or three foot longer and wider than the bail and approx. 2 foot high, what do ya'll think?

I suspect they will step over it and trample the hay, and will tear it to pieces in a day or two.

You'd be far better off to use the common metal ring type feeder

Also, a wooden feeder will be too heavy and awkward to move without equipment, whereas the metal ones can be handled by one or two people

Don't underestimate a large animals destructive power when they are trying to get to food

[krapgame]

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

Don't underestimate a large animals destructive power when they are trying to get to food

I second that! Livestock can tear up an anvil if they take a notion.

[wolfsbane]

Our Scottish Highlanders have pretty good racks of horns as well. We use the regular metal ring feeders and they work OK. The cattle learn to thread their horns through to reach the feed.

The only real problem is when they start fighting over a spot and jerk back before removing their heads from the feeders which can upset the apple cart pretty good, and if they feel trapped, well. then you have some scrap metal.
Open top feeders work, if you're worried about them going over the top, put a top board on that they can get their head through the opening easily, but can't jump over the lower boards.

[traded]

I know this thread is a little old, but a feeder that I've seen in use and will be purchasing is from this site:

http://www.klenepipe.com/hay-saver-feeders/

A neighbor of mine purchased one after buying several round bale feeders from the local ag store. The cattle certainly will fold and break the generic feeders and over a couple of years the cost of this feeder will outweigh the constant replacement of the generic feeder.

Hope this helps!