DIY Keyhole Goat Feeder

Keyhole feeders are commonly used on goat farms to dispense hay. These feeders limit the amount of food a goat can take, allowing the farmer to refill the feeder less frequently, while preventing the goats from overeating. Keyhole feeders can be made from a plywood box with keyhole shapes cut out of the front. These feeders can then be placed against the wall of a barn to provide your goats with easy access to a food source.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Plywood
  • Table saw
  • Pencil
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 2 hinge sets
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and cut the plywood to create a large covered box. Cut two pieces to be the front and back of the feeder at 2 feet x 8 feet. Cut two pieces to be the top and bottom of the feeder at 18 inches x 8 feet. Finally, cut the two sides to be 2 feet x 18 inches.

    • 2

      Measure and draw the keyhole shapes onto the front piece of the box. The top of the keyhole should be approximately 8 inches in diameter with an 8-inch rectangle extending below it. Place the keyholes close enough to the bottom of the box so the goats can feed through them.

    • 3

      Cut out the keyhole shapes using your table saw.

    • 4

      Attach the back piece of the box to the bottom with nails. Connect one side piece to the back and bottom of the box. Continue attaching pieces around the box until all the sides are attached to each other and the bottom of the box.

    • 5

      Place the remaining piece on the top of the box. Connect the lid to the body of the box using two sets of hinges. Attach one hinge to each side of the top and back of the box using the screws provided with the hinge set. This will allow you to open the keyhole feeder and place hay inside.