Build a space-saving, mess-free hay feeder for your goats, rabbits, or other livestock. Easy, affordable, and perfect for small barns!
I looked into purchasing some wall-mounted hay feeders, but they were really pricey. I have a small shed where I keep my guinea pigs and rabbits, and the hay is always on the floor or up on the shed loft.
My kids are in charge of feeding and giving water to the animals though and they can’t reach when the hay is in the loft.
I decided to store hay right above the guinea pigs within the kids reach. I didn’t want a shelf because I was worried the bail would fall off and squish a guinea pig or a child. I thought hay racks would be perfect, but the space is fairly wide and I would have needed several.
Building a wood rack was the perfect solution and really cheap. I used two 2x4s, and two 2x2s for this project. It took me an hour or so to put up.
This post may contain affiliate links which may earn me commissions should you click through them and take certain actions. As an affiliate for Amazon, Cricut, xTool, Home Depot, and other sites, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please DIY carefully. View my full legal disclosures here.
Please read the whole post so you don’t miss any important information!
I took down the 2nd level of the guinea pig cage at the same time because they don’t use it often and it’s just extra to clean.
DIY Wall Mount Hay Rack
Project Supplies
- 2x4s (2): https://homedepot.sjv.io/mgQdBZ
- 2x2s (2): https://homedepot.sjv.io/m535PM
- Screws
- Ryobi Drill https://homedepot.sjv.io/a1EdkQ
- Miter Saw https://homedepot.sjv.io/BXrdaL
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: I started by cutting my 2x2s at a 45° angle at both ends with my miter saw.
I needed one per stud.
Step 2: I marked the height that I wanted the 2x2s to be attached on each stud, then I screwed each into one stud. I used two screws for each one.
Step 3: Once those were installed, I attached a 2×4 across the front top. I also screwed the end of the 2×4 into the stud on the adjoining wall.
Step 4: I added the second 2×4 about halfway up on the bottom of the 2x2s.
This hay rack allows me to place flakes of hay in it. I didn’t want to use wire because it can get sharp and scratch people if the edges aren’t covered properly.
I also didn’t want to create a little warm house for mice to live. Small things like mice should fall through here which works out well for me. This keeps the hay away from the mice. If little hay falls through, the guinea pigs will eat it. But nothing substantial should fall through and hurt them. My kids can reach it. It looks nice.
I’m super happy with this very easy project!
Just keep in mind that if you plan to build one of these for your animals to use, you want to make sure that their heads can’t get stuck in it.
This is one of the major safety risks with a lot of hay feeders. Livestock like to find ways to get hurt. I personally think that there’s no way to avoid this risk completely. Whenever you think you’ve got a safe set up, someone proves you wrong.
But of course my animals don’t have access to this hay so I don’t have to worry about it.
This might work well for a small herd of goats or sheep if you could make the racks higher than their head. Then you could just boop a flake down whenever you needed to.
Please share and pin this post! You can also post your project and tag the DIYDanielle team on Instagram @doityourselfdanielle!
