Feeder specs
Hay Feeder Types Explained
Every round and square bale feeder here sorted by style, how much hay each saves, and which is safe for horses.
Side by side
Hay Feeder Types: Every Model Sorted
10 hay feeders on this site. The bar shows where each group sits between the lowest and highest price.
Open ring
$323.99 to $404.99
Simplest, lowest price. Most hay waste.
Hay saver or skirt
$399.99 to $404.99
Sheeting or a skirt keeps hay in the ring.
- Tarter Cattle Round Bale Feeder with Hay Saver$399.99
- CountyLine Galvanized Heavy-Duty Feeder with Skirt$404.99
Heavy-duty bull
$549.99
Heavier steel for bulls and rough use.
- Tarter Titan Bull Hay Feeder$549.99
Square bale
$494.99
Sized for large square bales.
Horse feeders
$419.99 to $476.99
Tighter spacing so horses cannot get caught.
- Century Horse Hay Feeder$419.99
- CountyLine Equine Pro Galvanized Sheeted Feeder$449.99
- CountyLine Equine Feeder with Hay Saver$476.99
Prices last checked September 2026. Freight is extra unless noted.
How to choose
How to Choose: Hay Feeder Types
Why it matters
Hay Feeder Types: Why It Matters
Hay waste
Studies of round bale feeding find big differences in waste between feeder designs, so a better feeder can pay for itself.
Animal safety
Horses can get a leg or head caught in cattle feeders. Use a horse feeder for horses.
Durability
Bulls and big cattle bend light rings. Heavier steel lasts.
The details
Hay Feeder Types: The Details
A hay feeder holds a bale so livestock eat from it instead of from the ground. The style decides how much hay gets pulled out and trampled.
Open rings are the cheapest and waste the most. Hay saver designs, skirts and cradles cost more and keep more hay in the feeder. Horse feeders use tighter spacing for safety.
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Questions
Hay Feeder Types: Questions
What is the best round bale feeder for cattle?
One that matches your herd and cuts waste. Hay saver and skirted feeders keep more hay in the ring than an open ring.
Can horses use a cattle hay feeder?
It is not recommended. Cattle feeders have openings where horses can catch a leg or head. Use a feeder made for horses.
How much hay does a feeder save?
It varies by design and how often bales are replaced. Skirted and hay saver feeders waste less than open rings.
What size round bale feeder do I need?
Most feeders here are 8 feet across and hold one round bale.
What is a cradle feeder?
A feeder that holds the bale in a raised cradle so cattle eat through bars on the sides.
How many cows per round bale feeder?
A common rule is about 10 to 15 cows per ring, depending on size and hay quality. More cattle means more competition and waste.
Should hay feeders be galvanized?
Galvanized steel resists rust longer than painted steel, which matters for feeders left outside.
Can I feed square bales in a round feeder?
Large square bales fit best in a square bale feeder sized for them.
Which hay feeders are listed as “Open ring”?
CountyLine 1 Round Bale Feeder ($323.99). CountyLine Heavy-Duty Steel Round Bale Feeder ($404.99).
Which hay feeders are listed as “Hay saver or skirt”?
Tarter Cattle Round Bale Feeder with Hay Saver ($399.99). CountyLine Galvanized Heavy-Duty Feeder with Skirt ($404.99).
Which hay feeders are listed as “Heavy-duty bull”?
Tarter Titan Bull Hay Feeder ($549.99).
Which hay feeders are listed as “Cradle”?
Tarter Galvanized Cradle Feeder ($599.99).
Which hay feeders are listed as “Square bale”?
CountyLine 1 Bale Square Feeder ($494.99).
Which hay feeders are listed as “Horse feeders”?
Century Horse Hay Feeder ($419.99). CountyLine Equine Pro Galvanized Sheeted Feeder ($449.99). CountyLine Equine Feeder with Hay Saver ($476.99–$649.99).
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