Hay racks for goats: why hay on the floor doesn't work and what to look for
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
Goats often leave hay that is dirty or wet. Read why a hay rack helps, how high to hang it and which mistakes to avoid.
You throw a bundle of hay into the shed and fifteen minutes later half of it is trampled into the straw. That is not stubbornness: a goat is a selective eater by nature. Below you can read why a hay rack is so common for goats, how to hang it well and which mistakes to avoid.
Short answer: why a hay rack?
A hay rack keeps hay off the floor, dry and clean, at a height where your goat can reach it naturally. Goats naturally eat twigs, leaves, herbs and rough, fibrous plants, and they are fussier than sheep. They often leave feed that is dirty or wet. A rack limits contamination and waste. It is not a remedy against disease: a hay rack keeps the feed cleaner, nothing more.
How a goat eats
A goat picks out the tastiest parts, such as leafy bits and fine stems. What is left gets trampled or soiled. Hay on the floor also quickly becomes damp, especially in the shed in autumn and winter. Dry, good-quality roughage is the basis of the ration, and a rack offers it in a way that suits their behaviour: above the ground, so they can choose calmly.
💡 Branches as a supplement. Leafy branches from safe species are a good addition and give foraging enrichment. Never give branches from plants whose safety you are not sure about. Yew, rhododendron and cherry laurel are known to be risky for ruminants (this list is not exhaustive). If in doubt, ask your vet or consult the Dutch Animal Health Service (GD).
Height and placement
- Height: hang the rack so your goat can reach it with her head, without having to stand in it or under it. For young goats (kids) hang it lower and adjust the height as they grow.
- Several feeding places: goats have a pecking order. With one rack for the whole group, the goat lowest in rank eats last, or not at all. Choose several places with space between them.
- Dry and draught-free: goats are sensitive to damp and draughts. Put the rack under cover, out of the rain.
- Not too full: with an overfilled rack a lot of hay falls down and can end up in the eyes or on the back.
- Safety: does your goat have horns or horn buds? Then check the distance between the bars, so they cannot get their head stuck. Also check for sharp edges and protruding screws.
- Firmly fixed: goats love to climb. A rack must be fixed so that it does not come loose even if used as a climbing frame.
Common mistakes
- The rack hangs too low. The goats then stand in it and the hay gets soiled.
- One rack for the whole group. This causes crowding and the weakest goat is left behind.
- Topping up every day without removing leftovers. Old, dusty or mouldy hay does not belong in the rack. Remove leftovers and do not feed hay you doubt.
- No clean water nearby. Goats are fussy drinkers. Fresh, unfrozen water is part of a good ration.
- The same minerals for goats and sheep. Goats have a higher copper requirement, whereas sheep are sensitive to too much copper. If you keep them together, choose a product that is safe for the most sensitive species in the group and talk to your vet or feed adviser. Never give sheep cattle or horse minerals.
Checklist: is your hay rack set up well?
- ✅ At head height and under cover
- ✅ Several feeding places with space between them
- ✅ Firmly fixed, without sharp edges or protruding screws
- ✅ Bars spaced so that horns or horn buds cannot get stuck
- ✅ Leftovers removed regularly, only clean and dry hay
- ✅ Clean, frost-free water within reach
What goes with it?
Besides the hay rack you need the rest of the set-up: a sturdy feed bowl for any concentrate feed, a water container and a lick-stone holder. A lick stone or mineral product must suit the species, so read the label carefully and ask your vet when unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Does a goat really need a hay rack?
It is not compulsory, but it is common. What matters is that the hay stays clean, dry and within reach.
Does a hay rack prevent worms?
No, that would be too strong a claim. A rack keeps hay off the ground. For worms and other health questions, go to your vet.
How much hay does a goat need?
That depends on breed, age, condition and whether she is giving milk. Ask your vet or feed adviser.
Can a goat be kept alone?
No, goats are herd animals and should preferably not be kept alone.
Summary
Goats are selective eaters and often leave dirty or wet hay. A hay rack keeps hay clean and dry. Hang it at head height, under cover and firmly fixed, provide several feeding places and watch safety with horns.
Conclusion
A well-placed hay rack is a small investment that saves a lot of waste and hassle. Watch your goats: do they eat calmly, or is the hay in the straw again? Then you know whether the spot is right.
Sources
Dutch Animal Health Service (GD), Wageningen University & Research (small ruminants) and Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (farm animals).
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