How to Use a Hay Rack

Using a hay rack will save you money. It keeps the hay cleaner and available for consumption by your livestock, rather than trampled into the ground and unusable. Hay racks come in different sizes and configurations. Consider the type of animal you will be feeding before purchasing a hay rack. For example, horses and cows require a taller rack than goats, sheep or calves.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Hay
  • Hay rack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate the amount of hay you want to put in the rack. If you are feeding several head of livestock, you may need to put two or three bales into the rack. If you are only feeding one horse or cow, you may only need to put a partial bale into the rack.

    • 2

      Take only the amount of hay you will be feeding to the rack. If you are breaking a bale, secure the unused portion by tightly twisting the wire or tying the nylon strands that held the bale compact. This prevents the remainder of the bale of hay from scattering until you are ready to use more of it.

    • 3

      Place the hay in the top of the rack. The livestock will be able to pull the hay through the slats to eat it. Uneaten hay will fall into a trough below the rack where it will remain clean and ready for the animal to graze at its leisure.