How to Make Your Own Self-Feeder for Goats

Goats are notorious for two things: chewing and climbing. So keeping their food stocked while simultaneously keeping the hay clean can be a challenge. A self-feeder keeps hay fresh and plentiful by elevating it and keeping it out of reach of climbing goats, except for providing access for eating. The project requires little more than lumber and some basic tools. Use untreated lumber to avoid making any goats sick if they nibble on it.

Things You'll Need

  • 12 boards, 24-by-2-by-4-inch (slats)
  • 4 boards, 40-by-2-by-4-inch (frames)
  • 4 boards, 22-by-2-by-4-inch (frames)
  • 4 boards, 14-by-2-by-4-inch (legs)
  • 3 boards, 25-by-2-by-4-inch (bale support)
  • 8 bolts, 5-inch, 1/4-20
  • 8 nuts, 1/4-20
  • 16 washers, 1/2-inch, 1/4-20
  • 8 sinker nails, 3 1/2-inch to 4-inch
  • 124 galvanized nails, 2 1/2-inch
  • Drill
  • 1 drill bit, 1/4-20, 4 inches long or longer
  • Tape measure
  • Carpentry square
  • Safety goggles
  • Dust mask
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1
      Protect yourself with a dust mask when you sand.

      Sand all pieces of wood to remove splinters and rough areas.

    • 2
      Drill pilot holes to make hammering easier.

      Place one 22-inch board between two 40-inch boards so they form two flush corners. Secure with two nails per side. Repeat with another 22-inch board at the other end of the 40-inch boards to create one rectangular frame. Repeat the procedure with the remaining 22- and 40-inch boards to make the second frame. Drive one sinker nail between the each pair of regular nails for added stability.

    • 3
      A leg length of 14 inches allows for raking underneath the feeder.

      Set a frame on one long side and place a leg piece in one corner so that the top of the leg is flush with the top edge of the frame. The flat of the leg should be against the inside of the 40-inch side. Drill two holes diagonal to each other that go through both the leg and the 40-inch side. Secure the leg with two bolts, washers and nuts. Repeat the procedure in the opposite corner along the same 40-inch side, and then set the frame on its other long side to attach the remaining two legs.

    • 4
      Goats are becoming popular household pets.

      Set the two frames, one above the other, on their long sides. Attach one 24-inch piece to both frames using two nails at each end. Make the top of the 24-inch piece flush with the top of the top frame and the bottom flush with the bottom of the bottom frame. Repeat this procedure in the other corner of that frame side, and then flip the two frames over and add two more slats. You should end with the two frames connected by four slats, one in each corner.

    • 5
      Goats need hay every day.

      Set the feeder upright and attach one 25-inch piece across the top of the bottom frame with two nails on each end. The ends of the 25-inch piece should be flush with the outside edges of the bottom frame, and the side should be against side of the slat. Do the same with another 25-inch board at the other end of the bottom frame. Attach the last 25-inch board centered between the two.

    • 6
      Galvanized nails are a good choice.

      Set the feeder on a long side again. Nail two more 24-inch pieces to the side, spacing them evenly to create three equal openings. Flip the feeder over and repeat the process on the other long side. Use two nails on each end of each board.

    • 7
      This feeder works for goats with or without horns.

      Set the feeder on a short side. Nail two 24-inch pieces to the side, leaving a space between them equal to the spaces on the long sides. Flip the feeder over and repeat the process on the other short side. Use two nails on each end of each board.