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[Margo_C-T]

Moriah-

What a great 'build-your-own' idea; may I ask a few questions?

If that 'plate' w/ the eating holes in it isn't metal, what is it? I am presuming that is what you were referring to it when you spoke of the problem with cold metal? Also, is that a metal trough...and if not, what is it made of?

What is the size of your set-up? The trough length and width, and depth? How big are the holes in the cover plate? Does it just 'set down on' the hay, and lowers as the hay level lowers as the horses eat?

Marty's right about feeding at ground level, but here, even with the mats I have for every horse where it eats outside(stalls are matted, but 'barn' horses stay outside unless the weather's bad), they will scatter the hay so that much ends up off the mats, where there is nothing but dirt...and I try to minimize how much they eat off of bare soil as MUCH as I possibly can.and there is often enough wind to scatter the hay THAT way!

I want to figure something out for individual feeders, as all but one 'pair' of mine are fed seperately. HMMM...will be giving this a bunch of thought, but REALLY appreciate the ideas and tips in this thread, from each of you!

Margo

 

[moriah]

Moriah-What a great 'build-your-own' idea; may I ask a few questions?

If that 'plate' w/ the eating holes in it isn't metal, what is it? I am presuming that is what you were referring to it when you spoke of the problem with cold metal? Also, is that a metal trough...and if not, what is it made of?

What is the size of your set-up? The trough length and width, and depth? How big are the holes in the cover plate? Does it just 'set down on' the hay, and lowers as the hay level lowers as the horses eat?

Marty's right about feeding at ground level, but here, even with the mats I have for every horse where it eats outside(stalls are matted, but 'barn' horses stay outside unless the weather's bad), they will scatter the hay so that much ends up off the mats, where there is nothing but dirt...and I try to minimize how much they eat off of bare soil as MUCH as I possibly can.and there is often enough wind to scatter the hay THAT way!

I want to figure something out for individual feeders, as all but one 'pair' of mine are fed seperately. HMMM...will be giving this a bunch of thought, but REALLY appreciate the ideas and tips in this thread, from each of you!

Margo

The "plate" is made of Lexan which you can find at Lowe's in the plexiglass section. It is thin, flexible, and virtually unbreakable. I tried the thicker plexiglass, but it would crack and break too easily. Because the Lexan is so flexible, I had to reinforce it with the wood to keep it firm enough. This ended up being good - the 2 x 4 down the middle also serves as a divider so that when the horses are eating, they can eat really close to one another but something is between them. Of course, they also try and eat out of the same hole at once and it doesn't bother them.

Yes, it is a metal water trough. Bought at Tractor Supply Co. Approximate dimensions are 4 feet long, 2 1/2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall? I can measure tomorrow. It's not a deep trough. You have to use one with straight sides. If they are angled, the Lexan plate can't sink straight down. The plate does set down on the hay and lowers as they eat. There hasn't been any problem with this. The holes are 5 inches in diameter. I made them quite large because originally a big horse was also eating here. I'm still glad they are this big for the minis - I think smaller would be too small. They can practically get their whole muzzle down in there to eat but it still slows them down from loose hay. I have virtually no waste at all - that is a big plus since I can't afford to have wasted hay. To make the holes, I used a circle saw like you get to make holes in doors to install doorknobs. Also at Lowes. I installed two brackets on either side to keep the plate from being pulled up and out of the trough. One side has screws that allow me to remove the plate for refilling. If you want more detailed pictures, I can get them. I have never had any trouble with horses getting their feet in the holes - if they did, the holes are plenty big for the feet to go in and out. None of them seem to step in there, though. I like how they are eating in a normal grazing position, and it keeps the hay clean and off the sand.

Hope that helps! We went through several other versions before arriving at this one.

 

[Margo_C-T]

Thanks SO much, moriah...very helpful information!

Margo

 

[rubyviewminis]

Moriah, I couldn't wait until my husband had his days off to show him your slow-feeder picture. Then today I read how you made it, I was tryng to figure out what you used and how. We use water troughs like that to feed the minis, and a larger one that no longer holds water for our big horse. If it wouldn't be too much trouble I would love more pictures and information. My husband would probably know more about how you built it. I have a gelding that is built like a tank, should have called him that, and he throws, pushes, pulls and tosses all our feeders. I can't believe some of the places I have found his metal barrel feeder in the morning. I could start asking questions, but it would be easier if you could just show more diagrams, pictures or explanations. I think this is the best idea outside of buying busysnackers I have seen. Thank you so much! Becky

 

[TPs flat rock acres]

great idea can you tell me how to make the plate so that it doesnt' come up. more detail. I would like to try to make smaller sizes for stalls. thanks

 

[dixie_belle]

I use the busy horse snackers. They are bags made of webbing (looks like the stuff Nascar drivers have on their drivers windows). Works GREAT!! Not only does it slow them down, but since they have to work so hard to get the hay out, they don't waste any of it. I never seen any hay on the ground anymore. I have zero waste now. And they are not too terribly expensive. You buy three and they'll give you one free. I have recommended them to several people up here with big horses.