Question 1

Are round bale feeders safe for horses?

Accepted Answer

When designed and used correctly, round bale feeders are a safe way to feed hay to horses. It is important to only ever purchase a round bale feeder from a reputable supplier who can guarantee that it is safe for horses. Unsafe designs can lead to the horse becoming entangled in the feeder or injuring themselves on jagged or sharp edges.

Question 2

How many horses will a round bale feed?

Accepted Answer

How many horses a round bale can feed will depend on the type of round bale feeder used. Horse round bale feeders may be categorized in several ways, including tube diameter and height of funnel or extended ramp/funnel. 
Horse round bale feeders that are designed for use with large square hay bales can hold enough food for 10 horses at once, whereas horse round bale feeders that are designed for use with round hay bales can feed up to 4 horses at once. However, it is important to make sure that all horses have fair and equal access to the feeder, as dominant horses may push weaker horses away from the feeder.
Smaller hay feeders that are used with 1/3 or 1/2 round hay bales can only feed one horse at once.

Question 3

How much of a round bale is wasted in round bale feeders?

Accepted Answer

Wasting of hay is a big problem, as horses will not eat hay that is dirty or contaminated with urine or feces. Using a round bale feeder has been shown to significantly reduce this problem, with wastage of just 5% when a 'Waste Less' feeder is used. When using a traditional ring-type round bale feeder, wastage can be as much as 33%, but this is still lower than the 57% of hay that is wasted when it is fed loose on the floor.

Question 4

Are round bale feeders expensive?

Accepted Answer

Round bale feeders can be expensive, but they are often more economical than feeding loose hay. Horse round bale feeders cost $250 to $400 dollars and up, depending on the size of the model and if it is made of wood or metal.  Horse round bale feeders can considerably reduce the amount of hay that is wasted, and they are more durable and long-lasting than hay nets or traditional hay mangers.

safest round bale feeder for horses

Best Round Bale Feeder For Horses Revealed!