Abstract: The hay feeder of the present invention includes a top bar having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical rods. Each vertical rod has an upper end and a lower end extending downward from the top bar. The hay feeder of the present invention also includes a bottom bar having a first end and a second end. The bottom bar attaches to the lower ends of the vertical rods. The hay feeder also includes an angle plate having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is configured to be above the second edge such that the angle plate extends at a downward angle.

Abstract: A trap for collecting animals includes a bin and a frame mounted above the bin's open top. A panel is mounted to the frame and pivots with respect to the stationary frame via a connection to a hinge. The frame includes a bait compartment at a first end of the panel that lures an animal to climb the frame and traverse the panel to get to the bait. The panel is held level by a magnet when the panel is unweighted, but when an animal attempts to cross the panel the weight of the animal overcomes the bias of the magnet and the panel tips downward, delivering the animal into the bin.

Abstract: This manger style hay bale handling apparatus comprises a manger shell structure positioned within a structural frame and pivotably mounted to the structural frame and moveable between a first bale retaining position and a second bale retaining position; and wherein the manger shell structure comprises a plurality of curved shaped ribs being spaced apart to form a cradle framework providing longitudinal support for a horizontally positioned round hay bale. Rotatable locking mechanisms rotate the manger shell structure between positions.

Abstract: A fork assembly including a retention mechanism to retain an agricultural machine having a remotely controllable moveable element that is moveable between a number of positions. The retention mechanism includes a control element positioned so that, when engaged with the agricultural machine, the movement of the control element due to movement associated with the remotely controllable moveable element is arranged to cause actuation and deactuation of the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A livestock feeding device is provided. The feeding device has a body member including a base portion, side walls and a top portion. The device also includes an inner volume defined between the side walls, the base portion and the top portion, wherein the inner volume receives hay for feeding livestock. The feeding device includes an aperture extending through the top portion to provide feeding access to the inner volume. The feeding device also comprises an consumption restriction plate for metering the amount of hay eaten by livestock, wherein the consumption restriction plate is adjustable up and down within the inner volume in response to the amount of hay within the inner volume.

Abstract: The described livestock feed retention insert provides a low cost alternative to significantly decrease hay waste during the feeding of live stock. The design of the described livestock feed retention insert allows it to maintain its livestock feed saving properties by fitting snugly over a selected bale of livestock feed, while accommodating conventional livestock feeders of varying diameters. The bottom member of the described livestock feed retention insert is generally the same circumference or diameter as the selected bale of livestock feed. The vertically extending bars are horizontally spaced so that live stock cannot stick their head between the vertically extending bars, which effectively decreases the area livestock are able to pull feed from the insert/conventional feeder combination. At the approximate midpoint of each of the vertically extending bars, a horizontal shelf is formed by bends in the vertical bars, which allows the insert to rest on the top member of the conventional feeder.

Abstract: A hay bale holder is provided having a shelter that selectively positions a chain link enclosure to hold a large hay bale. Openings in the fencing allow animals to remove portions of hay from a comfortable height without removing too much at once. The apparatus applies a spring tension to the chain link fencing allowing the fence to automatically reduce in diameter as the hay bale is consumed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bird feeder having a bottom structure, a roof structure, and a side support structure extending between the bottom and roof structures.

Abstract: A livestock feeder with improved corrosion resistance and collapse resistance is described. The feeder comprises a polymeric cylinder with an open top and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a hollow interior where feedstuffs can be placed. One or more feeding portals extend through the cylinder to provide livestock access to feedstuffs. The feeding portals include a lower ledge against which livestock exerts a force while accessing feedstuffs in the feeder interior. A reinforcing annulus extends around the interior surface of the feeder proximate to and below the lower feeding portal ledge. The reinforcing annulus may be integrally formed with the polymeric cylinder or separately formed and attached to the polymeric cylinder. The feeder can withstand repeated feedings without collapse.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock is disclosed and includes a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars is provided, each first bar extending inwardly from the top portion of the sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of the sidewall. At least some of the first bars extend between the sidewall and the upper portion. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each the second bar extending between the intermediate member and the top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A livestock feeder assembly is provided that comprises an outer frame having an open interior, whereby the feeder is adapted to support hay bales in an elevated condition and above the ground for livestock to feed upon. Within the interior of the outer frame is a plurality of inwardly directed support bar members, wherein the members are secured together by way of a chain or tether at their inner distal ends. The support bar members support one or more bales of hay above the ground, whereby the height of the bales can be adjusted by updating the distance from the inner distal ends of the members. Overall, the assembly supports hay above the ground to reduce premature decomposition, and provides openings in the frame for livestock to access the hay for consumption. Different sizes, shapes and configurations of the outer frame are contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method of feeding rolled bales of hay to livestock while simultaneously storing the hay off of the ground. The hay is presented in such a way that the livestock can graze on the hay bales at will, much as they would graze in a grass field. The system of storing and offering the hay bales is modular, and may be added to or subtracted from depending upon the size of the herd of livestock. Additionally, the invention is designed to be placed along an existing fence-line for simple access to the feeding system. This allows the system to act as a simple pass-through for hay bales for feeding purposes, as opposed to requiring that bales be physically picked up and placed on a feeder for each individual feeding. A trough for water or other types of feed may also be built directly into the system.

Abstract: A plurality of pliant scrapers are preferably secured to a feeder grille. The grille keeps an animal from walking in the feed. The scrapers are pliant to flex when the animal presses its head into a gap between adjacent scrapers, without causing undue pain or harm. When the animal pushes into the gap between adjacent scrapers, the pliant scrapers spread sufficiently to allow the animal's head to pass. When the animal subsequently backs out of the feeder, the pliant scrapers flip from pointing into the gap to pointing slightly out from the gap. As the animal continues to recede from the feeder, the scrapers wipe across the face and mouth of the animal. The wiping separates any unsecured hay or feed from the mouth of the animal. When the scrapers eventually separate from the animal, they spring towards the feeder interior, thereby propelling loose hay back into the feeder.

Abstract: Devices for providing feed to farm animals, particularly large farm animals are disclosed. In the invention, an enclosure for the feed is provided. In one embodiment of the invention the feed rests directly on the ground. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed is placed on a rack or grate a distance above the ground. The feed is surrounded by a fence that denies access to the feed except as will be described hereafter. At least one pivoting access grate is moved into contact with the feed to prevent the feed from being blown around by the wind or scattered by the animals and also to limit access to the feed. The access grate is a series of bars that are preferably spaced at desirable distances to provide optimal access to the feed by the animals. In one embodiment of the invention, this access grate may be limited in movement to control the amount of feed that an animal or animals is allowed to eat during a given time.

Abstract: A bale holder for use with a bale feeder having an open upper end. The bale holder includes an upstanding framework, having an open upper end, which is secured to the upper end of the bale feeder. The bale holder includes a selectively pivotal door which extends over a portion of the upper end of the framework. The door is movable between a bale supporting position to a second position. A stand-by bale may be supported on the door and the upper end of the framework when the door is in its bale supporting position. When the door moves from its bale supporting position to its second position, the stand-by bale drops downwardly into the bale feeder.

Abstract: A system and method of feeding rolled bales of hay to livestock while simultaneously storing the hay off of the ground. The hay is presented in such a way that the livestock can graze on the hay bales at will, much as they would graze in a grass field. The system of storing and offering the hay bales is modular, and may be added to or subtracted from depending upon the size of the herd of livestock. Additionally, the invention is designed to be placed along an existing fence-line for simple access to the feeding system. This allows the system to act as a simple pass-through for hay bales for feeding purposes, as opposed to requiring that bales be physically picked up and placed on a feeder for each individual feeding. A trough for water or other types of feed may also be built directly into the system.

Abstract: A livestock feeder receiving one or more large bales therein includes a base, a bunk wall extending upwardly from the base to surround a lower bunk area, a hopper wall spaced above the bunk wall to surround an upper hopper area while allowing the large bale to fall through to the lower bunk area. The bottom end of the hopper wall is spaced upwardly and inwardly in relation to the top end of the bunk wall therebelow to allow access of the head of feeding livestock therebetween. The feeder construction permits bales to be readily centered within the bunk area by the hopper for even feeding access by animals about the perimeter. Also by allowing the bales to fall through the hopper, the bales can be fully recessed below the height of the hopper wall for protection from wind erosion.

Abstract: A livestock feeder having a plurality of polymeric panels interconnectable with one another to define a hay retaining space. Each polymeric panel has a first vertical end member, a second vertical end member, and a plurality of horizontal retainer members extending between the first vertical end member and the second vertical end member. The first vertical end member has at least one angularly disposed mortise, and the second vertical end member has at least one angularly disposed tenon. The tenons of the second vertical end member are slidably receivable in the mortises of the first vertical end member of an adjacent like polymeric panel so as to support the adjacent like polymeric panels in an angular relationship to one another.

Abstract: A feed support for use with a bale ring, a system for feeding animals, and systems and methods for moving bale rings are disclosed. The feed support has a generally vertical support member, an attachment plate, and a plurality of telescoping arm assemblies that are mounted on the attachment plate for rotation. As mounted, the telescoping arm assemblies can rotate between an operational position in which they are generally horizontal and radiate outwardly from the attachment plate and a stored position, in which they extend perpendicular to the attachment plate. The arm assemblies have primary sections and secondary sections that are mounted within the primary sections for sliding, telescoping movement. Ends of the secondary arm sections may carry engaging structure for attaching to the bale ring. The feed support may allow the bale ring to be picked up and moved with a tractor or other equipment.

Abstract: A feeder for horses or other livestock includes a housing having a compartment with an air-permeable floor for subjacently supporting a pile of hay, or other type of livestock feed. The compartment is superiorly accessible for allowing feeding from atop the pile of hay or other type of livestock feed. A blower located downstream of the compartment can draw air downwardly through the compartment. With hay or other type of livestock feed loaded into the feed compartment, the blower can draw air downwardly through the compartment and through the floor. Thus, airborne material from the hay or other type of livestock feed is drawn away from an animal that may be feeding from the top of the compartment.

Abstract: A holder for a block of feed is provided by a wire cage having criss-cross wires defining a back, a bottom, a side, a top, and an open front for the cage through which the wildlife can access the block of feed. The cage mounts the feed a desired distance above ground level on a stake placed in the ground and having a closed top end. The cage has a receptacle for the stake extending along and rearwardly from the wires forming the back of the receptacle. The stake receptacle extends along the entire length of the back and has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the stake so that a firm support for the receptacle and the block of feed contained therein is provided without the need for nailing the receptacle to the side of a tree or an existing structure, thus enabling the feed to be placed wherever desired to facilitate feeding of the animals or observing the animals while feeding especially for game harvesting applications.

Abstract: A round bale sled that is a combination round bale feeder and transport device. In one embodiment, the bale sled includes a bale holding portion and a base. The bale holding portion is configured to hold a round bale. The base is coupled to the bale holding portion. The base is configured to allow the bale sled to be pulled in a select direction. Moreover, the base is further configured to allow for a pivot loading of the round bale in the bale holding portion.

Abstract: A livestock feeder receiving one or more large bales therein includes a base, a bunk wall extending upwardly from the base to surround a lower bunk area, a hopper wall spaced above the bunk wall to surround an upper hopper area while allowing the large bale to fall through to the lower bunk area. The bottom end of the hopper wall is spaced upwardly and inwardly in relation to the top end of the bunk wall therebelow to allow access of the head of feeding livestock therebetween. The feeder construction permits bales to be readily centered within the bunk area by the hopper for even feeding access by animals about the perimeter. Also by allowing the bales to fall through the hopper, the bales can be fully recessed below the height of the hopper wall for protection from wind erosion.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved animal feeder with an insertable feed restrictor. An example embodiment includes: a barrel into which animal feed may be deposited, the barrel including a stop attached at an edge of an upper opening of the barrel; and a feed restrictor configured for removable insertion into the opening of the barrel, the feed restrictor including a plurality of feed access holes arranged on a lower surface of the feed restrictor, the feed restrictor being configured to float on top of the animal feed deposited in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to freely spin laterally in the barrel.

Abstract: Devices for providing feed to farm animals, particularly large farm animals are disclosed. In the invention, an enclosure for the feed is provided. In one embodiment of the invention the feed rests directly on the ground. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed is placed on a rack or grate a distance above the ground. The feed is surrounded by a fence that denies access to the feed except as will be described hereafter. At least one pivoting access grate is moved into contact with the feed to prevent the feed from being blown around by the wind or scattered by the animals and also to limit access to the feed. The access grate is a series of bars that are preferably spaced at desirable distances to provide optimal access to the feed by the animals. In one embodiment of the invention, this access grate may be limited in movement to control the amount of feed that an animal or animals is allowed to eat during a given time.

Abstract: A bale feeder includes a support and a housing pivotally mounted to the support. The housing has a peripheral sidewall defining a bale receiving interior cavity with an access opening providing access to the interior cavity. The housing is pivotally movable between a loading position and a feeding position. In the loading position the access opening is substantially horizontal for improved loading access.

Abstract: A feed support for use with a bale ring, a system for feeding animals, and systems and methods for moving bale rings are disclosed. The feed support has a generally vertical support member, an attachment plate, and a plurality of telescoping arm assemblies that are mounted on the attachment plate for rotation. As mounted, the telescoping arm assemblies can rotate between an operational position in which they are generally horizontal and radiate outwardly from the attachment plate and a stored position, in which they extend perpendicular to the attachment plate. The arm assemblies have primary sections and secondary sections that are mounted within the primary sections for sliding, telescoping movement. Ends of the secondary arm sections may carry engaging structure for attaching to the bale ring. The feed support may allow the bale ring to be picked up and moved with a tractor or other equipment.

Abstract: Four or more concentric rings are vertically separated from each other by placement along the vertical axis of four support members. The circular construction accommodates hay bales for feeding animals. The openings between the concentric circles are defined by their placement along the vertical axis of the support members. The structure may be comprised of one or more sections that may disassembled for relocation. Alternatively, the system may be of a unitary construction.

Abstract: A livestock feeder is provided having a receptacle, a grate, a platform and an elevator mechanism. The receptacle has a chamber and an open mouth portion communicating with the chamber. The grate encompasses the open mouth portion. The platform is provided in the chamber for supporting livestock feed. The elevator mechanism is provided between the receptacle and the platform to urge the platform within the receptacle toward the grate to press the livestock feed against the grate.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each the first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of the sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of the sidewall. At least some of the first bars extend between the sidewall and the intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each the second bar extending between the intermediate member and the top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A feeder of hay-like livestock feed including types of feed being provided as, or mixed in with one or more of straw, grass-like plant stems, grains and shafted grains; the feeder comprising: a hay holding cage that has a gridwork of horizontal as well as vertical bars that create openings sized to limit livestock to pulling out only a mouthful of hay at a time, thereby reducing wasted hay dropped on the ground, wherein opening is 1 to 2.5 inches larger than muzzle dimensions for the animals to be fed, a skirt rail at a height matching a toe to brisket dimension of cattle; a top opening sized for length of bale, and bottom of grid spaced to get about 32? from cage side to outside of top skirt rail=average brisket to muzzle/nose dimension for cattle an inverted pyramid-like funnel with four sides (gridwork on all 4 if square/equal-sided pyr); or (long rectangular cage is V trough with flat vertical ends covered by panels, and four corner legs supporting top of cage.

Abstract: An animal hay and grain feeder may be provided comprising a housing having a central axis and configured to receive feed. A feeding plate having an opening configured to allow a portion of an animal's head to penetrate the feeding plate may be configured to fit within the housing and traverse and rotate about a central axis. In addition, a locking ring may be configured to contain the feeding plate within the housing.

Abstract: A hay feeder allows a horse to eat from the feeder at a controlled speed in order to help prevent choke as well as overeating. The feeder uses a receptacle that has one or more guide posts extending between a closed bottom and an open top. A plate has first openings that each receive a respective post in order to allow the plate to slide up and down within the receptacle, the plate also having a series of second openings. Hay is placed into the receptacle and the plate is positioned on top of the hay. The horse eats the hay through the series of second openings and the plate gravitationally falls with the depleting stock of hay guided downwardly along the posts.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each said first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of said sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of said sidewall. At least some of said first bars extend between said sidewall and said intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each said second bar extending between said intermediate member and said top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A ground feeder ring is provided for use with round bales of hay positioned on the ground in the field for feeding the hay to horses with a minimum of waste. The feeder ring is preferably assembled in the field around a previously positioned round hay bale and is formed from several individual ring segments that, when assembled, define a ring encircling the bale. Each ring segment is formed with corresponding overlap regions at the respective ends thereof with fastener openings formed therein to permit the connection of adjacent ring segments. The assembled ring prevents horses from accessing the bottom portion of the round bale that causes waste of the hay, thus reducing feeding costs. The ring segments can be manufactured from plastic formed during a rotational molding process to provide a durable double wall, lightweight device that can be easily transported and assembled in the field.

Abstract: A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of said sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each said first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of said sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of said sidewall. At least some of said first bars extend between said sidewall and said intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each said second bar extending between said intermediate member and said top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.

Abstract: A livestock feeder (50) includes a gravity pulled, fold-down grill (56,57) on both sides of a main frame (51) that can hold a supply of livestock feed such as a hay bale (82) therein. The fold-down grills face each other and fold down on a hay bale positioned on the floor (60) of the feeder as the hay bale is consumed by livestock such as a horse. Grill spacer bars (65,101) are positioned apart from each other to allow only the muzzle of the feeding animal to reach there through and grasp the hay. The feeder also includes a pair of pivot arms (96-99) at the base of each grill to pivot the grill toward the floor of the feeder. Each pivot arm extends from a rotatable member (69-72) connected to the frame. The rotatable members and grill are lifted to hang the grill on a pair of latches (75-78) that lock the grill in a locked upright position for loading of another bale on the feeder floor through an end gate (58,59) that is rotatably connected to the main frame.

Abstract: A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module.

Abstract: A hay feeder system which incorporates a curved arcuate section of plastic or other semi-rigid material formed to mate with the corner of an animal stall or other animal pen is disclosed. The hay feeder system permits easy placement of hay or other feed for a horse or other animal to feed on. Additionally, the disclosed invention permits easy cleaning of the hay or other feed from the floor surrounding the hay feeder.

Abstract: A mobile feeder uses a wagon wheel set with a draw bar. The wheel set serves as the undercarriage for the feeder. The feeder has a plurality of arcuate supports that are spaced sufficiently to allow livestock to feed between. The arcuate supports are resiliently hung from a frame that defines the outer dimensions of the feeder and pass under a central, longitudinally extending frame bar. When impacted from an animal feeding transverse to the feeder, the arcuate supports flex resiliently, while still retaining proper spacing for both feed and animal. Resilient attachments couple the arcuate supports to frame, and links couple adjacent arcuate supports and thereby distribute forces and help to maintain spacing. Feed trays are provided beneath the arcuate supports to catch and retain any feed inadvertently escaping from the arcuate supports.

Abstract: A livestock supplement delivery system that is completely portable and is easily attachable and/or useable with any type of support surface of user choice, such as a fence post or the like. The system includes different embodiments but each embodiment provides the unusual results of protecting any exposed edges that would allow an animal to easily bite off a large chunk thereof. Thus, the animal can only ingest the supplement via licking rather than biting and results in controlled more regulated consumption.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A method and a pig feeder is described for mixing metered amounts of liquid and dry feed. Both are caused to migrate in a downward direction over a mixing region to a feeding region of a feeding trough. The liquid and dry feed are both dispensed from above the mixing region so as to fall onto the mixing region in a generally downward manner, and are delivered onto the mixing region in a predetermined dispersal pattern. The liquid is delivered on to the mixing region in a similar pattern, typically by means of a spray nozzle. The delivery of feed and water is animal activated, and the animal activation is inhibited at intervals so that the feeding cycle of the animals is controlled. To this end the intervals between inhibition and/or the duration of each inhibition is adjustable. The level of feed in the trough is sensed to prevent build up of uneated mixed feed in the trough.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A prism shaped open tubular frame livestock feeder including a cover extending over opposite ends of the feeder permitting livestock to access forage held in the feeder. The feeder includes a removable base to support the forage, removable cover over the feeder and sides of the feeder where livestock cannot access the forage, covered end portions where livestock can access forage and a flexible weather curtain on ends of the feeder accessible by the livestock that can be moved by livestock to access the forage.

Abstract: A livestock feeder particularly suited as a horse feeder. This feeder has a grille on a front face and hangs on an outside of an enclosure with the front face resting on horizontal bars of the enclosure. The animal is able to pull feed through the vertically disposed grille on the front face. With the feeder on the outside of the enclosure, it is easily accessible for cleaning, filling with feed, or relocation while providing safe access on the outside of the enclosure. The feeder also allows a horse to eat at a natural gazing position by having a lower portion of the grille located near the ground. By providing feed at a natural grazing position, the feeder prevents gorging, boredom and waste while allowing the horse to feed with its head lower than its heart.

Abstract: This invention is a livestock feeder comprising a top gate, a bottom gate, a center gate disposed between the top gate and the bottom gate. The top gate, bottom gate, and center gate define a gate system. The bottom gate can swing inward when the feed is eaten. Then after the livestock eat the feed when the gate is swung inward, the gate can be “reset” to the vertical position, and then the gate system can be moved closer to the feed. The gate system can move in a horizontal direction by a hand crank. This livestock feeder can be in a covered environment such as a pole barn. The size of the livestock feeder can vary depending on the livestock herd, the property, and the feed. A sloped floor helps prevent waste accumulation where the livestock feed.

Abstract: A livestock feeder including a first cylindrical wall structure having a plurality of head stocks extending upwardly and inwardly therefrom to a cone-shaped hood. A flexible curtain extends downwardly from the hood around the upper ends of the head stocks. A second wall structure is positioned outwardly of the first wall structure and is vertically movable from a lower position to an upper position by means of an electric motor operatively connected thereto. When the second wall structure is in its lower position, the animals may feed from the feeder. When the second wall structure is in its upper position, the animals do not have access to the feed within the feeder.

Abstract: A livestock feeder includes a sidewall with a top and a bottom. The sidewall forms an enclosure adapted for receiving feed. Rim and base rings are provided adjacent to the sidewall top and bottom, and a medial ring is located generally intermediate the rim and base rings. The rings can assume various geometric configurations, including circular and polygonal, which configurations define a footprint of the feeder. The rings are maintained in spaced, generally parallel relation by an upper tier of support bars extending between and connected to the rim and medial rings and a lower tier or space or bars extending between and connected to the base and medial rings. The rings comprise multiple sections which can be joined together mechanically with telescopic corrections, by welding or by adhesive. The spacer bars can likewise be connected to the rings by various connection techniques. The feeder components can be formed by extrusion, rotational molding or other suitable manufacturing methods.