How to Build a Goat Grain Feeder

Building a goat grain feeder is inexpensive and saves time by eliminating the daily chore of cleaning standard, store-bought feed pans. A goat grain feeder is a long, narrow trough suspended in the air like a swing. The half-circle shape of a PVC pipe cut in half lengthwise establishes two rounded sides of the trough. This design makes it difficult for the feed to go anywhere except the goat's mouth, eliminating spillage and consequently waste. Each 5-foot goat feeder can comfortably feed five adult goats. Build multiple feeders if more goats require feeding.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 feet of thick PVC pipe, 4 inches in diameter
  • 2 pressure-treated 4-by-4 posts, 6 feet in length
  • Pressure-treated 2-by-4 board, 8 feet in length
  • 2 eye bolts
  • 6 wood screws, 3 to 3½ inch
  • 2 wooden stakes
  • String line
  • Porch swing chain
  • Scrap pieces of pressure-treated 2-by-6 wood
  • 2 hooks
  • 4 large nails
  • Measuring tape
  • Marking paint
  • Hammer
  • Post hole diggers
  • Tamper
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Jig saw or band saw
  • Drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the PVC pipe in half lengthwise. Each section can make one feeder.

    • 2

      Locate and mark where the 4-by-4 posts will be installed. Draw a string line between two stakes to use as a guide for a straight line before marking where the post holes will be dug. Spray a mark at one end of the string line. Measure exactly 6 feet from the first mark along the string line and spray a second mark.

    • 3

      Dig the post holes using standard post hole diggers at each mark. Holes should be 16 inches to 24 inches deep and 4 inches to 6 inches wide.

    • 4

      Set the 4-by-4 posts. Position each 4-by-4 post in a hole and use the level to ensure the post is perfectly vertical while barely touching the string. Fill in the holes with loose dirt. Compact this loose dirt in the hole with the tamper after every 4 to 6 inches of new dirt is added. Make sure to recheck the post to make sure it is still perfectly level and barely touching the string. Repeat for the second post.

    • 5

      Place the 2-by-4 on top of both posts. Mark and cut the 2-by-4 so it can rest flush over the posts with no overhang. Fasten the 2-by-4 to the tops of each post with large nails.

    • 6

      Create the end caps to the feeder. Using a jig saw to make curved cuts, cut the scrap 2-by-6s to make end caps that can slide onto each end of the cut PVC. Fasten the end caps to each end of the cut PVC feeder by drilling three wood screws through the PVC into the wood. Drill pilot holes if there are any problems drilling the screws through the PVC pipe.

    • 7

      Attach the feeder to the frame. Screw an eye bolt into the center of each end cap. Screw each hook into the underside of the 2-by-4 6 inches away from each post. Use chain links to hook the chain between the eye bolts and the hooks.

    • 8

      Drill two pencil-sized holes at the bottom of the cut PVC 2 inches from each end cap. This creates a place for water to drain out of the feeder.