Choosing the right feeder is an important part of raising pigs and hogs. The feeder needs to provide dependable access to feed while standing up to daily use, weather, and the activity of the animals using it.

Feeder design also affects how feed is delivered and how much remains available in the trough. Different feeders are designed for different stages of swine production, from young nursery pigs to grower and finishing hogs.

Barn World offers pig feeders for nursery, wean-to-finish, and finishing pigs, along with larger Osborne hog feeders for larger groups and outdoor feeding applications.

Choosing a Feeder for Pigs and Hogs

There is no single feeder size that works for every swine operation. A nursery pig feeder has different requirements than a feeder used for a group of finishing hogs.

Start by considering the size and age of the animals, the number of pigs using the feeder, the amount of feed that needs to be stored, and where the feeder will be located.

The type of feeding system is another consideration. Some feeders allow feed to flow into the trough as space becomes available, while mechanical or on-demand designs allow the animals to activate the feed delivery mechanism.

Pig Feeders for Nursery Pigs

Young pigs need a feeder that is appropriately sized for their smaller bodies while providing convenient access to the feed.

Barn World's current pig feeder collection includes nursery feeders with capacities of 50, 160, and 235 pounds. The listed models are designed for different pig sizes and group sizes, making it possible to select a feeder based on the stage of growth.

When selecting a nursery feeder, look at the feeder's capacity, height, trough diameter, number of feeding positions, and the manufacturer's recommended pig weight range.

Wean-to-Finish Pig Feeders

Wean-to-finish feeders are designed to remain useful as pigs grow rather than being limited to a short portion of the production cycle.

The current Barn World selection includes wean-to-finish feeders with capacities of 235, 390, and 785 pounds. These models are listed for pigs from approximately 10 pounds through market weight, with each feeder providing eight feeding stations.

A wean-to-finish feeder can be a practical option when the same feeding equipment will be used through multiple stages of growth. The appropriate capacity depends on the number of pigs being fed and the feeding schedule.

Finishing Pig Feeders

Finishing pigs have substantially different feed requirements than young nursery pigs, so feeder capacity and access become increasingly important as the animals grow.

Barn World's current finishing pig feeder selection includes 235-, 390-, and 785-pound models. These feeders are available in different sizes so the equipment can be matched to the number of animals and the available feeding area.

Before choosing a finishing feeder, consider how many pigs will use it, how often it will need to be filled, and how much space is available around the feeder.

How Mechanical Feeders Work

One of the features associated with Osborne feeders is mechanical feed delivery. Instead of relying entirely on gravity to keep feed flowing into the trough, the animal activates the feeding mechanism.

With the Big Wheel-style system, pigs interact with the feed wheel to release feed into the trough. The mechanism is designed to provide feed as the animal operates the wheel.

This type of system gives the producer another way to manage feed delivery and can help prevent the trough from remaining continuously overfilled.

How well a feeder performs depends on proper adjustment, the type of feed being used, animal behavior, and regular maintenance. No feeder eliminates all feed waste, but this design comes very close!

Managing Feed Waste With the Right Feeder

Feed waste is an important consideration in any swine operation. Feed that is spilled, scattered, or left where it becomes contaminated is not being used as intended.

A properly selected feeder can help manage how feed reaches the trough. Features such as adjustable feed flow, mechanical feed delivery, and trough design can all affect the way animals interact with the feeder.

Feed waste also depends on management. The feeder should be adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the trough should be inspected regularly to make sure feed is flowing properly without excessive accumulation.

Round Trough Design

Many Osborne pig feeders use a round trough design with multiple feeding positions around the perimeter.

A round feeder allows pigs to approach from several directions and can provide multiple feeding positions around the same feeder. The number of available positions and the feeder's dimensions vary by model.

This design can be especially useful when multiple pigs need access to the feeder at the same time. The appropriate feeder size still depends on the number and size of the pigs being fed.

Keeping Feed Moving Through the Trough

Some Osborne feeder designs incorporate mechanical components that move feed through the trough as the feeding mechanism operates.

The Big Wheel design uses sweeping paddles associated with the feed wheel. As the wheel moves, the paddles travel through the trough and help move feed along the feeding area.

This design is intended to help keep feed moving rather than allowing it to remain undisturbed in one area of the trough.

Even with a mechanical design, regular inspection is important. Check the feeder for accumulated feed, damaged components, restricted movement, and other conditions that could affect normal operation.

Large Osborne Hog Feeders

For larger groups of hogs, Barn World offers a separate selection of Osborne hog feeders with substantially greater feed capacity than the nursery and finishing pig feeders.

The current Osborne hog feeder collection includes 45-, 65-, 85-, and 105-bushel models. The feeders use a polyethylene trough and other poly components designed for outdoor use, along with adjustable feed control.

These larger feeders are intended for operations that need substantial feed capacity and equipment suitable for outdoor feeding.

View the Osborne hog feeders to compare the available capacities and configurations.

Outdoor Hog Feeders

Outdoor feeders have to handle conditions that indoor equipment does not encounter. Rain, snow, mud, sunlight, and temperature changes can all affect feeding equipment over time.

The Osborne large hog feeders are designed for outdoor use and use polyethylene components in much of the feeder construction. The current collection describes the feeders as suitable for year-round outdoor use.

Location still matters. Place the feeder where animals can reach it easily and where the ground conditions allow the feeder and surrounding feeding area to be maintained properly.

Hog Feeder Capacity

Feeder capacity is one of the most important specifications to compare before buying.

A smaller feeder may be appropriate for a group of nursery pigs, while larger groups of finishing hogs may require substantially more feed capacity. A larger hopper can reduce the frequency of refilling, but the feeder also needs to be appropriate for the number and size of animals using it.

For the current Osborne hog feeders, Barn World lists capacities from 45 to 105 bushels.

Compare the feeder's capacity with the number of animals, their feed consumption, your feeding schedule, and the equipment available for filling the feeder.

Feeder Size and Number of Animals

The number of animals that can appropriately use a feeder depends on more than hopper capacity.

The number of feeding positions, trough dimensions, animal size, and feeding behavior all matter. A feeder with a large hopper may still be a poor choice if there are not enough feeding positions for the group.

Barn World's current pig feeder comparison information lists different numbers of feeding positions depending on the model. Nursery models range from eight to ten feeding positions, while the wean-to-finish models listed on the collection page have eight.

Use the manufacturer's recommendations as a starting point and consider the conditions of your own operation when determining feeder capacity.

Feeder Construction for Daily Use

Swine feeders receive a lot of daily use, so construction is an important part of the decision.

The current Osborne pig feeders use poly construction, while the larger hog feeders combine polyethylene components with steel support components. The large hog feeders are also available with optional galvanized steel skids on applicable models.

When comparing feeders, look at the materials used in the hopper, trough, support structure, and moving components. Also consider the environment where the feeder will be installed.

Moving a Large Hog Feeder

A large outdoor feeder may eventually need to be moved as feeding areas change. Moving a full feeder can be difficult, so mobility is worth considering before installation.

The Osborne large hog feeders are available with optional galvanized steel skids. The skids allow the feeder to be dragged to another location without placing the bottom of the feeder directly against the ground.

If mobility is important to your operation, check the specifications for the feeder and skid configuration you are considering.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pig or Hog Feeder

Before choosing a feeder, consider:

• Animal size: Choose a feeder designed for the age and size of the pigs or hogs using it.
• Number of animals: Make sure the feeder provides appropriate feeding access for the group.
• Feed capacity: Select a hopper size that fits your feeding schedule.
• Feeding positions: Compare the number of available feeding spaces with the size of the group.
• Feed delivery: Decide whether a mechanical or gravity-style system is appropriate for your operation.
• Location: Consider whether the feeder will be indoors, outdoors, or moved between feeding areas.
• Construction: Choose materials suited to the environment and expected daily use.
• Maintenance: Make sure moving parts and feed-flow components can be inspected and maintained.

Pig Feeders and Hog Feeders From Barn World

Barn World's current feeder selection is divided into different sizes and applications so you can choose equipment based on the animals you are feeding.

For nursery, wean-to-finish, and finishing pigs, the Pig Feeders collection includes multiple feeder capacities and configurations. The current collection includes 12 products, including nursery feeders, wean-to-finish feeders, finishing feeders, and feeder lids.

For larger outdoor feeding applications, the Osborne Hog Feeders collection includes 45-, 65-, 85-, and 105-bushel feeders, along with an Osborne feeder base, trough, and sow feeder.

Keeping the two selections separate makes it easier to compare feeders according to the size of your pigs, the number of animals being fed, and the amount of feed you need to store.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pig and Hog Feeders

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

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but feeders are made in different sizes and configurations for different stages of swine production. Smaller pig feeders are generally intended for nursery, wean-to-finish, or finishing pigs, while larger hog feeders provide substantially greater feed capacity for larger groups and outdoor applications.

What is an on-demand pig or hog feeder?

An on-demand feeder uses an animal-activated mechanism to release feed rather than relying entirely on gravity to keep the trough filled. Osborne mechanical-feed designs use a feed wheel that the animal operates to activate feed delivery.

Do mechanical feeders eliminate feed waste?

No feeder can eliminate all feed waste. Mechanical feed delivery can help control when feed enters the trough, but waste also depends on feeder adjustment, feed type, animal behavior, maintenance, and the conditions around the feeder.

What size pig feeder do I need?

Start with the size and number of pigs being fed. Then compare feeder capacity, height, trough diameter, feeding positions, and the manufacturer's recommended animal weight range.

How large are the Osborne hog feeders?

Barn World's current Osborne Hog Feeders collection includes 45-, 65-, 85-, and 105-bushel models. The collection also includes related feeder components.

Can Osborne hog feeders be used outdoors?

The large Osborne hog feeders are designed for outdoor use, including year-round outdoor applications. Their polyethylene construction is intended to withstand the conditions associated with outdoor feeding.

Can a large hog feeder be moved?

Applicable Osborne hog feeders can be equipped with optional galvanized steel skids that allow the feeder to be dragged to another feeding location. Check the specific model and configuration for available options.

What feeder is best for nursery pigs?

A nursery feeder should be sized for the pigs and the number of animals using it. Barn World's current collection includes 50-, 160-, and 235-pound nursery feeders for different pig sizes and group requirements.

Find the Right Pig or Hog Feeder at Barn World

The right feeder depends on the animals, the size of the group, the amount of feed being stored, and the way you manage feeding. A feeder for nursery pigs has different requirements than a large outdoor feeder for finishing hogs.

For nursery, wean-to-finish, and finishing pigs, browse the Pig Feeders at Barn World to compare capacities and configurations.

For larger outdoor feeding applications, browse the Osborne Hog Feeders at Barn World and compare the available 45-, 65-, 85-, and 105-bushel models.

Both collections give you a range of feeder sizes, so you can choose equipment based on the pigs or hogs being fed rather than trying to make one feeder work for every stage of production.

Call or email Barn World today!