Choosing the right pig feeder depends on the size of your pigs, the number of animals sharing the feeder, and how much feed you want to keep available at one time. A feeder designed for young nursery pigs is considerably different from one intended for pigs being raised to market weight.

Barn World carries a range of pig feeders for nursery, grower, wean-to-finish, and finishing applications. Current options include round-trough Osborne feeders with mechanical feed-flow systems in several capacities, along with feeder lids and other parts.

See all pig feeders at Barn World to compare the current models, capacities, and applications.

What Makes a Good Pig Feeder?

A good pig feeder needs to provide reliable access to feed while making it easy to control how feed reaches the trough. The design also needs to match the pigs using it. Trough height, opening size, feeder capacity, and the number of feeding positions all become more important as pigs grow.

Many of the current Osborne pig feeders at Barn World use a mechanical feed-flow system. Instead of relying entirely on gravity to keep filling the trough, pigs interact with the feed wheel to release feed. The rotating mechanism also sweeps the trough as it operates, helping keep feed from accumulating in the bottom.

The round trough is another important part of the design. Feeding positions are arranged around the feeder, allowing multiple pigs to eat at the same time rather than lining up along one straight trough.

Nursery Pig Feeders

Young pigs have different feeding requirements from larger grower and finishing pigs. A nursery feeder needs to be low enough and properly proportioned for smaller animals, while still providing enough feeding positions for the group.

Barn World's current 50-pound nursery feeder is an example of a smaller feeder designed for young pigs. The RN4 has a 50-pound feed capacity, an 18-inch trough diameter, and a 24-inch overall height. It is listed for pigs from about 10 days old through 35 pounds and can serve up to 25 head.

The RN4 is designed for indoor use and does not include a lid. Its fiberglass hopper and trough are intended to resist rust, while the lower metal components are galvanized or zinc-plated.

Nursery pig feeder with a 50-pound capacity.

Wean-to-Finish Pig Feeders

A wean-to-finish feeder is intended to stay with pigs through a much larger portion of their growth. That means feeder capacity, trough dimensions, and the range of pig sizes it can accommodate are especially important.

Barn World's current wean-to-finish options include 235-pound, 390-pound, and 785-pound models. The 235-pound model has a 36-inch height and a 31-inch trough diameter and is listed for pigs from approximately 10 pounds to market weight. It can serve up to 60 pigs.

The mechanical-flow system is designed so pigs activate feed delivery rather than having feed continuously fall into an already full trough. This can help reduce feed sitting in the trough and being knocked onto the floor.

 

Finishing Pig Feeders

Finishing pigs need a feeder that can handle larger animals and provide enough capacity for the group. Barn World's current finishing pig feeders include 235-, 390-, and 785-pound capacities.

The 235-pound RF2 model is 36 inches tall with a 31-inch trough diameter. It is designed for pigs from approximately 10 pounds through market weight and is listed with a capacity of up to 60 pigs.

The round trough provides feeding access around the feeder, while the mechanical feed wheel controls the flow of feed. The feeder is also designed to require relatively little adjustment as pigs grow.

 

Pig Feeder Sizes at a Glance

Feeder Type	Capacity	Pig Size	Approximate Capacity
Nursery	50 lb	10 days to 35 lb	Up to 25 pigs
Nursery	160 lb	2 weeks to 65 lb	Up to 50 pigs
Nursery	235 lb	2 weeks to 80 lb	Up to 60 pigs
Wean-to-Finish	235 lb	10 lb to market	Up to 60 pigs
Wean-to-Finish	390 lb	10 lb to market	Up to 60 pigs
Wean-to-Finish	785 lb	10 lb to market	Up to 60 pigs

These specifications are based on the current Barn World product and collection information. Always check the individual product page before ordering because feeder dimensions and recommended animal sizes vary by model.

Why Use an On-Demand Pig Feeder?

Traditional gravity feeders continuously allow feed to move toward the trough. That can work well in some situations, but feed that sits in the trough can be pushed, spilled, or otherwise wasted.

An on-demand feeder takes a different approach. The pig activates the feed mechanism, causing additional feed to move into the trough. On the Osborne Big Wheel design, the feed wheel also has sweeping paddles that move through the trough as the wheel operates.

The goal is straightforward: keep feed available to the pigs while limiting how much feed is sitting in the trough when it is not being eaten.

Compare on-demand pig feeders by capacity and intended pig size.

Round Trough Design

The round trough is one of the most noticeable differences between these pig feeders and a conventional straight or rectangular feeder. Feeding stations extend around the feeder, giving pigs access from multiple directions.

This arrangement can be particularly useful when several pigs need to feed at the same time. Rather than having every animal approach the same straight feeding line, pigs can spread around the circumference of the feeder.

The current Barn World pig-feeder collection lists models with different trough diameters and numbers of feeding positions, so the feeder can be matched more closely to the size of the pigs and the number of animals in the pen.

Keeping Feed Fresh

Feed quality matters regardless of the type of feeder being used. Feed that becomes wet, contaminated, or stale is not what you want sitting in the trough.

The mechanical-flow design used on the current Osborne feeders helps limit unnecessary feed accumulation. Some models also use a sweeping action within the trough as pigs operate the feeder.

Regularly inspect the feeder for wet feed, buildup, damaged components, or anything that could interfere with normal feed flow. Keeping the feeder functioning properly is just as important as selecting the correct capacity.

Choosing the Right Pig Feeder

Before ordering a pig feeder, look at four basic factors:

• Pig size: Choose a feeder designed for the age and weight range of the pigs using it.
• Number of pigs: Make sure there are enough feeding positions for the group.
• Feed capacity: A larger hopper means less frequent refilling, but the feeder should still be appropriately sized for the operation.
• Indoor or outdoor use: Check whether the particular feeder includes a lid or is specifically designed for indoor use.

For example, the current 50-pound RN4 nursery feeder is intended for indoor use, while larger models have different configurations and may include lids for outdoor applications. Always check the individual model rather than assuming all pig feeders have the same construction or weather protection.

Pig Feeders vs. Larger Hog Feeders

Barn World separates its smaller pig feeders from its larger hog feeders. The pig-feeder collection is geared toward nursery, grower, wean-to-finish, and finishing applications, with current models ranging from 50 to 785 pounds of feed capacity.

The larger hog-feeder collection includes substantially larger feeders, including models with capacities from 2 to 105 bushels. Those feeders are intended for larger, full-grown hogs and higher-capacity feeding applications.

If you are feeding market hogs or a large group of mature animals, compare the larger hog feeders as well as the pig-feeder models.

Pig Feeder Parts and Replacement Components

A feeder does not necessarily have to be replaced when an individual component wears out. Barn World's current pig-feeder selection includes replacement lids for some models, and the Osborne product information notes that replacement parts are available for its pig and hog feeder lines.

When ordering a replacement part, have the feeder model available so the correct component can be identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pig feeder for nursery pigs?

The appropriate feeder depends on the pigs' age, weight, and number. Barn World's current nursery models include 50-, 160-, and 235-pound capacities, with different dimensions and recommended weight ranges.

What is a wean-to-finish pig feeder?

A wean-to-finish feeder is designed to accommodate pigs through a broad portion of their growth, from younger pigs through market weight. Current Barn World models are available in 235-, 390-, and 785-pound capacities.

How does an on-demand pig feeder work?

With an on-demand mechanical-flow feeder, pigs interact with a feed wheel or similar mechanism to release feed from the hopper into the trough. The system is designed to provide feed when requested rather than continuously filling the trough through gravity alone.

How many pigs can a pig feeder serve?

It depends on the model. Current Barn World specifications range from up to 25 pigs for the 50-pound nursery feeder to up to 60 pigs for several of the larger nursery and wean-to-finish models.

Can pig feeders be used outdoors?

Some can, but not every model is designed for outdoor use. Check the individual product specifications for a lid and the intended application before placing a feeder outdoors.

Find the Right Pig Feeder for Your Operation

The right pig feeder should match the pigs using it rather than simply being the largest feeder available. Nursery pigs need different dimensions from finishing pigs, and a small group has different capacity requirements than a larger pen.

Barn World carries current pig feeders for nursery, grower, wean-to-finish, and finishing applications, along with larger hog feeders and replacement parts. If you are unsure which capacity or model fits your pigs, contact Barn World with the pig weight range and number of animals you are feeding, and we can help you compare the available options.