Using horse hay racks with goat kids can be very dangerous. The kids can get their heads caught in them and hang themselves. I'd been warned about this, and was somewhat taking it seriously. I had been packing hay tightly into the bottom of the rack and it was safer that way, but I'd taken the hay out and was getting ready to either remove it altogether or find another solution. As I was milking and debating what to do, little Sham decided that in that hay rack would be the perfect place to stand. Sure enough, he slipped through and got caught by the neck and one leg. He was screaming like mad as I was trying to get to him quickly. He got out by himself, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you the hay rack is history!
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Our new buck has passed his mischievous genes onto his kids and I can relate. It's made for an interesting year. I definitely like them better than the old hay bags.
Here's a link to what I think Donna is talking about.
http://www.busyhorse.com/
They look like quite a neat item. I would still worry about the kids getting into troublt with them though. My little ones are really something else! I have fencing made of combo pannels (with the small spacing at the bottom, gradually getting larger toward the top). Some of our kids are still so small that they easily go through the fence. Not really a problem, since they want to be near mom. However, the other day one of them got a leg sort of "laced" through the openings in the fence, which "caught" her for a moment. She was limping for a while.
I'm wondering if there would be a chance of the kids getting tangled up in the holes and injuring themselves? They can jump so high, and want to "perch" on anything they can. We have a little guy who stands on the mineral feeder that's on the wall. Crazy!
I do like the look of those bags though. They would definitely keep the goats busy, and probably cut back on waste.
I found several types of slow feeders for horses. Which one do you use?
Donna, I guess I am having a brain leak. HELP! Are we talking about the net type hay bags? Like a giant onion bag ? Is that what you mean?
I've never seen those before, but they look really interesting. Thanks for sharing. :)
I have been using the small slow hay feeders for horses. Never have any; waste and the bags are empty in the morning. I have them hang from the ceiling almost above their head but not high enough to get chaff n their eyes
Have them in different colors for all the stalls
You know what guys, I think you are absolutely right, I see a lot about them but I personally don't like the idea. Not only for those exact reasons but also this one. They spend a lot of time eating. We want them to. That is normal. Well, how many of you (and we don't eat ALL day long) would want to eat with your head shoved in there where you can't see simply because it is more pleasant to look around. I mean have you ever really watched that cute look on their face when they have hay poking out all over their face, munching away and turning their head all around like they are just admiring the view. I think I am going to start hunting down some old cribs. I have an idea you guys would love! If I can get this together I will post pics for ya'll. Patty if you start using those tools you will never stop. They are as addicting as goats! I love building stuff! I love my hubby but he does not have my imagination and can never seem to grasp what I have in my head. I prefer to do most of the things that I dream up myself. He helps when I need brute strength etc. But some things no one can do for me. LIKE BIRTHIN' BABIES. I just have to be there! I can not trust someone else. I don't know why but I feel I have to be there or I can't stand the guilt if something goes wrong.
That's a good point. I can see that happening.
I don't think those are very safe for any goat. From what I've seen the goat with its head through the keyhole can't see other goats coming, get out of the way quickly, or defend itself against other goats. I feel that if I'd been using them my Cupcake might have miscarried. She was constantly on the alert for Japanzy, getting out of the way quickly and deflecting shots aimed at her belly. Without being able to see well and get out of the way fast, I think it would have been bad.
I have seen feeders where they are a box and they cut holes the shape of a light bulb and the goats put their heads thru the hole to eat. Are they safe for kids?
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