I’m having a big new hay feeder built right by the barn! I’m excited about it because hauling square bales across the front barn yard in the winter is not a fun chore. As I’m approaching the three-year mark at this farm (wow, has it really been that long?), I’m still learning all the time what works for me. Initially, I kept the goats in the goat yard, adjacent to the front barn yard, but now I rarely keep them there. I mostly use it as a separation area for a calf when I’m milking Glory Bee. This winter, I’ll probably keep the calf as well as the goats in the front barn yard, though–to make it easier for me to move square bales.
As you can see in the above picture, the other hay feeder is all the way across the front barn yard. The new one is being located right outside the barn door.
It will be easy to toss the bales down the steps and get them right to the feeder.
No hauling heavy bales all the way across the barn yard. (Sometimes I use a cart. But still. It’s an unnecessary extra time and labor step. Especially when it’s 15 degrees.)
I’m all about making things easier, and simpler, and adjusting as I figure out what works for me. I’ll post more pictures of the process and how it’s being built. It will be fashioned to hold two to three square bales at a time, and to suit both goats and cows comfortably.
I’m excited! So is Dumplin.
Can’t you tell?
