Choosing the right feeder is an important part of managing pigs and hogs. A good feeder needs to provide reliable access to feed while standing up to the daily use that comes with raising swine.

Feeder design also affects how feed is presented to the animals. Depending on the type of feeder, feed may be available continuously through a gravity-fed system or released when the animal activates an on-demand mechanism.

Barn World offers pig feeders and hog feeders in a range of sizes and designs for different stages of production, from nursery pigs through grower and finishing hogs. Choosing the right feeder starts with understanding the animals being fed, the type of feed being used, and how the feeder will be managed.

Pig Feeders and Hog Feeders Are Not All the Same

The terms pig feeder and hog feeder are sometimes used interchangeably, but feeders are available in different sizes and configurations for different stages of swine production.

Smaller feeders are designed for young pigs, while larger feeders can accommodate grower and finishing pigs or mature hogs. The number of animals using the feeder is also important when determining the size and number of feeding spaces needed.

A feeder that works well for a small group of nursery pigs may not be appropriate for a group of full-grown hogs. Matching the feeder to the animals is one of the first things to consider before making a purchase.

Choosing a Feeder for Nursery Pigs

Young pigs have different feeding requirements than larger hogs. A nursery feeder should be appropriately sized for the animals and provide easy access to the feed.

Smaller Osborne pig feeders are designed for nursery pigs and provide multiple feeding positions. The current Barn World pig-feeder selection includes models intended for pigs ranging from approximately two weeks old through larger nursery weights, depending on the model.

When choosing a nursery feeder, consider the number of pigs in the group, the size of the animals, the feeder's capacity, and the number of feeding positions.

Feeders for Grower and Finishing Pigs

As pigs grow, their feeder requirements change. Grower and finishing pigs consume substantially more feed than nursery pigs, so feeder capacity and access become increasingly important.

Feeder capacity should be large enough to fit the feeding schedule without requiring constant refilling, while the feeding area should provide adequate access for the number of pigs using it.

Barn World's current pig-feeder selection includes wean-to-finish models designed for pigs from approximately 10 pounds through market weight. Several sizes are available, allowing the feeder to be matched to the operation.

Large Hog Feeders for Outdoor Use

Large hog feeders are designed for operations that need greater feed capacity and equipment capable of handling outdoor conditions.

Barn World's current Osborne hog feeders are available in 45-, 65-, 85-, and 105-bushel capacities. The feeders use a poly trough and cone, with adjustable feed control and designs intended for outdoor use.

When choosing a large feeder, consider how much feed needs to be stored, how often the feeder can be serviced, where it will be placed, and how many animals will have access to it.

Gravity Feeders vs. On-Demand Feeders

One of the biggest differences between hog-feeder designs is how feed moves from the hopper into the trough.

A gravity feeder allows feed to move downward into the trough as space becomes available. This provides a relatively simple feeding system and keeps feed available to the animals.

An on-demand feeder uses an animal-activated mechanism to release feed. With the Osborne Big Wheel design, pigs turn the feed wheel to activate feed delivery. The feed-flow rate can be adjusted to control how much feed is released as the wheel operates.

Both approaches have their place. The best choice depends on the animals, feeding program, feeder location, and the amount of control you want over feed delivery.

How On-Demand Hog Feeders Work

An on-demand feeder is designed to release feed when the animal activates the feeding mechanism rather than allowing feed to continuously flow into the trough.

In the Osborne Big Wheel system, pigs turn the wheel to dispense feed. The feeder also uses bump bars to help agitate feed and reduce the potential for bridging, particularly with finer feeds.

This type of design can help keep feed available without maintaining a large quantity of loose feed in the trough at all times.

Managing Feed Waste

Feed waste is an important consideration for any swine operation. Feed that ends up on the floor or outside the intended feeding area is feed that cannot be consumed as intended.

Feeder design can help manage this problem, although no feeder can eliminate all feed waste. The results depend on the feeder, feed type, adjustment, animal behavior, and how the equipment is maintained.

On-demand feeders are specifically designed to control the release of feed. Other feeders use feed-saving trough designs, adjustable openings, or other features intended to keep feed in the feeding area.

Keeping the Feeding Area Clean

A feeder should do more than simply hold feed. The design of the trough and the way animals access it can affect how much feed remains in the feeding area.

Some feeders incorporate features intended to move or sweep feed through the trough. The Osborne Big Wheel, for example, uses sweeping paddles as part of its mechanical feed-flow system.

Regular inspection and cleaning are still important. Feeders should be checked for accumulated feed, damaged components, buildup, and other conditions that could interfere with normal operation.

Feeder Capacity Matters

Feeder capacity is one of the easiest specifications to overlook when comparing models.

A small feeder may require frequent refilling when used with a larger group of animals. On the other hand, a feeder with much more capacity than necessary may take up additional space and cost more than is needed for the operation.

Consider how many animals will use the feeder, how much they consume, how frequently you want to refill it, and the amount of space available at the feeding location.

How Many Pigs Can Use a Feeder?

The number of pigs a feeder can serve depends on the specific model, animal size, feeding behavior, and number of available feeding positions.

For example, current Osborne pig feeders include models with different trough diameters, capacities, and numbers of feeding stations. Some wean-to-finish models are designed to serve up to 60 pigs, while the larger Big Wheel hog feeders are listed for up to 90 grow-finish pigs.

These manufacturer specifications are useful starting points, but the actual number of animals appropriate for a feeder will depend on the management system and conditions in the facility.

Feeder Construction and Durability

Hog feeders are exposed to feed, moisture, animals, and daily use, so construction is an important consideration.

Many Osborne feeders use poly or reinforced composite components in areas exposed to moisture and feed. The current large hog-feeder models also use heavy steel components and offer optional galvanized steel skids on applicable models.

When comparing feeders, look at the materials used in the hopper, trough, support structure, and hardware rather than judging durability from the appearance of the feeder alone.

Indoor and Outdoor Hog Feeders

Where the feeder will be used should also influence your choice.

Indoor feeders may be installed in barns, pens, or other protected areas where weather exposure is limited. Outdoor feeders need to be appropriate for exposure to rain, snow, sunlight, mud, and changing temperatures.

Some large Osborne hog feeders are specifically designed for outdoor, year-round use and are available with Steel Hog Feeder Skids to help with moving around in the pasture. Their poly construction helps eliminate rust concerns in components made from that material.

Moving a Large Hog Feeder

Large outdoor feeders can be difficult to relocate once they are filled, so mobility is worth considering before installation.

Some Osborne feeder models can be equipped with galvanized steel skids that allow the feeder to be dragged to another feeding location. This can be useful when pasture conditions or feeding locations change.

If you expect to move a feeder regularly, check the manufacturer's specifications to determine whether skids or another mobility option is available for the model you are considering.

What to Consider Before Buying a Hog Feeder

Before selecting a feeder, consider the following:

• Animal size: Choose a feeder designed for the pigs or hogs that will use it.
• Number of animals: Make sure there is adequate feeding access for the group.
• Feed capacity: Select a hopper size that fits your feeding schedule.
• Feed delivery: Decide whether gravity or on-demand feeding better suits your operation.
• Location: Determine whether the feeder will be used indoors or outdoors.
• Construction: Consider materials that are appropriate for the environment and expected use.
• Maintenance: Look for a design that allows the feeder and feed-delivery components to be inspected and maintained.
• Mobility: If the feeder may need to be moved, look for models with appropriate skids or other mobility options.

Osborne Pig and Hog Feeders at Barn World

Barn World carries a range of Osborne feeders for different stages of swine production. The current selection includes smaller pig feeders as well as larger hog feeders with capacities from 45 to 105 bushels.

The Osborne line includes feeders designed around mechanical, on-demand feed delivery, with adjustable feed flow and features intended to keep feed moving through the feeding area.

For a smaller pig operation, nursery or wean-to-finish feeder, the feeder needs are different from those of an operation feeding a large group of finishing hogs. Comparing capacity, feeding positions, dimensions, and intended animal size can help narrow the choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pig and Hog Feeders

What is the difference between a pig feeder and a hog feeder?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but feeders are manufactured in different sizes for different stages of swine production. Smaller feeders are commonly designed for nursery pigs, while larger models accommodate grower, finishing, or mature hogs.

What is an on-demand hog feeder?

An on-demand hog feeder releases feed when an animal activates the feeding mechanism. Osborne Big Wheel feeders use a mechanical feed wheel that pigs turn to dispense feed into the trough.

Are on-demand feeders better than gravity feeders?

They work differently, rather than one being universally appropriate for every operation. On-demand feeders provide more control over when feed is released, while gravity feeders provide a simpler system in which feed moves into the trough as space becomes available.

How large of a hog feeder do I need?

Consider the number and size of the hogs, their feed consumption, how frequently you want to refill the feeder, and the space available for the equipment. Compare the manufacturer's capacity and animal-use recommendations for each model.

Can hog feeders be used outdoors?

Yes. Many hog feeders are designed for outdoor use. Check the specifications for the particular feeder to confirm that it is appropriate for outdoor, year-round conditions.

How do I reduce feed waste in a hog feeder?

Use a feeder appropriate for the animals and feed, adjust the feed delivery according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep the feeder properly maintained. On-demand feeders can also help control how much feed is released into the trough.

What size feeder is best for nursery pigs?

Nursery feeders are generally smaller than feeders intended for finishing or mature hogs. The appropriate model depends on the pigs' size, number of animals, and feeding system. Barn World's current pig-feeder collection includes several nursery sizes.

Shop Pig and Hog Feeders at Barn World

The right feeder can make feed management more organized and give pigs and hogs reliable access to their feed. Barn World offers hog feeders and pig feeders for different stages of swine production.

Compare feeder capacity, animal size, feeding positions, construction, and feed-delivery design before choosing a model. Whether you need a feeder for nursery pigs, grower pigs, finishing hogs, or larger outdoor groups, there are several designs available to match different feeding systems.

See the pig and hog feeders available from Barn World and compare the current selection.