Hay feeder for large stock

[mike69440]

See Attached

Material List for 2 Bins,

Qty. 4; 2 x 6-12 PT

Qty. 1; 2 x 4-8 PT

Qty. 2; 1 x 4-PT

Qty. 2; 1 x 3-16 Strapping

 

[boggen]

how do you plan on cleaning it out underneath / moving it. once old hay and poo starts covering the bottom portion? i would think it would be to heavy to muscle it around. and no easy place to run a set of forks on 3pt hitch. maybe a set of forks on FEL (front end loader).

 

[foreman Etexas]

Like mentioned above the box section on bottom is going to fill up. I could see adding a 4x4 under it on both sides(cut at angle add piece pipe for pulling on) for skids where it could be moved easily and not have to be picked up.

 

[BHD]

In days gone by many built there feed bunks out of wood, and most now days buy a steel bunk with a plastic liner, most of our old feed bunks were gone in a few years, and had to be disposed of.

some of the pressure treated lumber may not be the best for livestock, my even be hazardous to them,

there are a few listed here on this page, https://www.google.com/search?q=Goa...ChMIwdDY3KGnxwIVEEGSCh1fmgEx&biw=1024&bih=658

 

[mike69440]

Good Idea about making provisions for forks on the bottom. I have a little Mahindra Max28 that I can get in the cow camp to muck it out and move the feeder, etc.

Our cows like to play with stuff, so I want it heavy. I was considering filling the base with Gravel. Our biggest steer I caught pushing our RTV900 just for fun.
The base will not contain grain, as we mter the feed and feed daily in a rubber bucket.


Regarding PT lumber. Copper arsenic is no longer used. It is some Vinegar based compound in the stuff they use in play grounds. Not as good as the deadly insect treatment, but reasonably safe, especially if you have PT that is aged at least a few months.

Note the stats are pine strapping, the base and legs are PT.

 

[boggen]

lag bolts i assume for full putting stuff together? no screws / nails i would assume?

 

[BHD]

I do not know what is available in your area, but a number of years ago a guy came through and turned tires inside out for feeders, I used one for a stock tank and bought a large construction tire for a second stock tank but some took the larger tractor tires turned inside out and used for feeders, they will take many many years to rot out, usaly the top side wall is cut off, then build a rack above that,

https://www.google.com/search?q=ins...X&ved=0CB4QsARqFQoTCKu7oNrdqMcCFc2ViAodLaYGcQ
one guys way of turning the tires,
https://www.farmshow.com/a_download_page.php?aid=MTM4ODM=

 

[mike69440]

Wife wants it on legs and a roof on it now.

"So I was thinking combine the design of these two things, possibly using pallets? The idea is to keep it off the ground, but also give the hay air to breathe, and keep it covered so that the sun/wind/rain doesn't bleach it/blow it away/turn it sour.

If you make one for us, I'll bet the neighbors will want one. I already know Diane wants one."

http://www.barnworld.com/cattle-guards/Horse-hay-feeder-from-poly-panels/


Covered Hay Feeders

 

[boggen]

cows are stupid...*ughs* remember having a few cows some how managing getting there heads stuck inside of a hay feeder built out of pipe. and remember my dad and other main farmer here clear back then. holding cow head up and sawing out pipes to get cow head freed, from the feeder. i remember moaning and groaning wishing the pipes for some of the feeders were bolted on vs welded on.

and for what ever reason.... they do not care were they pee / poo.... i think they intentionally at times back up, to the feed bunk to relieve themselves! *shakes head*

cows will rub up on anything if they got the itch. and they will kick stuff (assuming a bug bite / startling)

have seen cows push feeder rings for large round bails around. to point once large round bail gets down to the very center. cows will just push ring across hay that has fallen out of there mouths. and over to the center. basically only making 1/2 maybe 2/3rds of round bale eatable. everything else ended up on ground and mashed into mud / poo / pee.

 

[Quartz]

2 X and 1 X pine lumber for cattle? Maybe for sheep or goats. I don't think it would last a day if you have several steers or cows that are very active. Heavy oak would be better.BHD mentioned tractor tires, that would be a better alternative if you don't want steel. The new treated lumber twists much more that the old CCA treatment, especially if it will be in the sun.