2005 - Volume #29, Issue #2, Page #19

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Solar-Powered Horse Feeder Opens And Closes On Timer

Solar-Powered Horse Feeder Opens And Closes On Timer ENERGY Solar 29-2-19 You can keep horses on a regular feeding schedule whether you're home or not with a new solar-powered feeder with sliding side panels. The all-steel patented unit has a multi-function timer that allows you to control how long your horses have access to feed. A 12-volt timer opens and closes the sliding panels on all four sides. Any number of feeding times can be programmed in. "Since the horse is a grazing animal, it's recommended that they feed several times a day, rather than once, for optimal health," says Cliff Kester of Besler Industries Inc. "When this feeder is open, the horses can feed from all four sides, providing ample room for up to 16 animals at once." The sliding panels are chain-driven and it takes about 40 to 50 seconds to raise or lower them, so horses have ample time to get their heads out. There's also a 12-in. flexible section under the roof that allows them to pull out if they do get caught. When the panels are closed, livestock have no access to the hay, and the feeder is completely sheltered from all weather by the vinyl tarp roof. Hay waste is reduced since the horses will stand around and eat anything that's on the ground once the panels are closed. Two sides of the feeder swing out for easy loading with a tractor. "Feeding the large bales is cheaper than small square bales. This feeder lets you conveniently give access as often as you want without worrying about waste or over feeding," Kester says. "We will also soon have a rectangular model especially for big square bales." The feeder is on skids so it can be towed to various locations. It sells for $2,959 plus shipping. A custom printed tarp and a weather vane are available options. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cliff Kester, Besler Industries Inc., P.O. Box B, 40855- W. Hwy. 6-34, Cambridge, Neb. 69022 (ph 308 697-4698; email: beslerind@swnebr.net; website: www.beslerindustries.com).