Wanted to share some of our builds, ideas, and tools that have worked well for us.
Round bale hay feeder for goats
Feeding round bales to goats can be tricky. they're either getting heads stuck, wasting a bunch, or constantly needing attention or adjusting. We've tried a few different builds and this one is our favorite. once you put a bale out, you don't touch it until the hay is gone. We added a tarp but it's not necessary. We took a used cradle feeder, welded 4x4 paneling on the two ends, attached poles to the bottom, then set it on blocks to get it all up high enough. We've had no injuries, doesn't flip over, and has worked perfectly for us. There is some wasted hay but it's minimal.
Self-feeding dog feeder
We got the idea and plans from the Oklahoma state university and made a few modifications. We used beefier square tubing and added a gate at the bottom that we could open up for pups in the future if needed. It works well keeping the goats out and nice not having to hand feed the dogs daily.
Goat Huts
I came across a bunch of these spools used for underground lines and decided to re-purpose them. I cut them down and welded them together making 8'x10' huts that I can move around with the ATV. I repurposed the sheet metal from some old chicken barns that were being torn down near by. The sheet metal screws was the most costly part of the builds. I used "through the roof" silicone to seal any old screw holes to prevent leaks. I put a few of these out in the pastures this year just to give the goats a dry place out of the wind in case of severe weather.
Portable head catch and weigh station
I wanted something to be able to restrain or weigh goats that was portable. I can wheel it around by hand or tow behind an ATV. I looked at several different designs and put this together. The wheels come off with the removal of a cotter pin and washer. I designed it so my A&A 660 scale fit in it perfectly. The only thing I would have done differently was putting a door on both sides.
Cattle mineral feeders
I have used these for years and work great. They are simple and easy to make. I cut out a large section on the side of a 55 gallon plastic drum. Drilled holes at the top for the steel pipe to run through. Ran a chain through the pipe and run the chain up to a tree branch. These are easy to move from pasture to pasture and keep the mineral protected from the elements.
Temporary/Portable fencing
I've found these items to work well when I'd like to throw up a temporary fence for any reason. My livestock are trained to respect electric wire, so I don't have any issues with keeping them contained using one strand of poly wire.
I use the following:
*Gallagher Turbo wire
*Cheap reel (I'd recommend getting one of the geared reels)
*Plastic step in posts (tractor supply)
*Zareba electric fence diagnostic tool (very handy)
*Gallagher fence charger
I use the following:
*Gallagher Turbo wire
*Cheap reel (I'd recommend getting one of the geared reels)
*Plastic step in posts (tractor supply)
*Zareba electric fence diagnostic tool (very handy)
*Gallagher fence charger