The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: Border Lady on November 10, 2015, 05:26:10 pm

Title: Cattle feeder
Post by: Border Lady on November 10, 2015, 05:26:10 pm
Hi There,

Does anyone have any thoughts about using an old tractor tyre as a cattle feeder for hay. We only have 3 Shetland cows so we don't need anything huge. I'm sure I saw it suggested somewhere.  Failing that what sort of feeder would be best, we have large round bales of hay which we can pull layers off but we don't have any lifting equipment.

Thanks
Title: Re: Cattle feeder
Post by: Rosemary on November 10, 2015, 06:07:28 pm
I use one of these http://iae.co.uk/agriculture/products/sheep-hayrack-wheels/ (http://iae.co.uk/agriculture/products/sheep-hayrack-wheels/) for the cattle.
Title: Re: Cattle feeder
Post by: Paulie on November 11, 2015, 09:59:14 am
I know some people use tractor tyres for horses. My cows have a ring but would rather eat from the sheep feeder like Rosemary's
Title: Re: Cattle feeder
Post by: Rosemary on November 11, 2015, 10:54:40 am
I feed the ponies using a sheep feeder as well. Less mess, less wastage, eat slower and easy to move.
Title: DIY Cattle feeder
Post by: Jan and Dave on November 20, 2015, 06:41:15 pm
Our Shetlands are fed from a home made feeder made out of a second hand pallet with slatted sides about 2 foot high also from recycled sound timber.  It is large enough for two small round bales or a lot of loose hay and will feed six without argument .
It has already lasted a couple of years, with the occasional repair, and can be moved when necessary balanced on top of a wheelbarrow.