DIY Hay Steamers

spotty_pony2

spotty_pony2

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 August 2015
Messages
1,664
Visit site
Has anyone made their own?

Is it really just a case of a wallpaper steamer and a plastic dustbin? Would love to hear how you made one if you have!

My boy has got a bit of a cough at the moment and has coughed up a bit of mucus in the stable at night a few times. Vet said his lungs sound clear and I should try him on soaked hay to help (he hates it soaked and won’t eat it!) but I know he likes it steamed…. hence my question 😁
 
I have a wallpaper steamer but rather than a dustbin a wheeled storage box from B & M which I cut a hole in then got extra pipe which I drilled lots of little holes in and spiralled it around the base put some thick wire netting on top of that. I have put a smart plug on mine so that it switches itself off as I know I’d forget it. So far so good.
 
Last edited:
terrierliz said:
I have a wallpaper steamer but rather than a dustbin a wheeled storage box from B & M which I cut a hole in then got extra pipe which I drilled lots of little holes in and spiralled it around the base put some thick wire netting on top of that. I have put a smart plug on mine so that it switches itself off as I know I’d forget it. So far so good.
Click to expand...
My other half did the same for me with a Strata Storage box .
 
Yes, DH built me one out of a factory second grit bin and a wallpaper steamer, he built a manifold across the bottom to distribute the steam, I then used an empty plastic feed sack under the lid to help create a better seal. Worked really well to steam the hay but in the end I found switching to haylage better.
 
HopOnTrot said:
Yes, DH built me one out of a factory second grit bin and a wallpaper steamer, he built a manifold across the bottom to distribute the steam, I then used an empty plastic feed sack under the lid to help create a better seal. Worked really well to steam the hay but in the end I found switching to haylage better.
Click to expand...

I must admit I’m in two minds as whether to switch him to haylage. Typically I get free hay at home and it’s lovely stuff but I’ll do what’s best for him ultimately.
 
Swapping to haylage has been good for mine. I was going to try a steamer but came to the conclusion that homemade would not work well enough and haygain etc very expensive.
 
Sandstone1 said:
Swapping to haylage has been good for mine. I was going to try a steamer but came to the conclusion that homemade would not work well enough and haygain etc very expensive.
Click to expand...

Do you buy the small bales? I have bought one from mole valley today for him to try as it’s looking like he might be back in a bit at the end of this week. He has hay in the field and seems to be fine with it outside on the floor but I’m going to try the haylage in the stable. It’s hard feeding it to one as you don’t want it to go off!
 
Last edited:
spotty_pony2 said:
Do you buy the small bales? I have bought one from mole valley today for him to try as it’s lokig like he might be back in a bit at the end of this week. He has hay in the field and seems to be fine with it outside on the floor but I’m going to try the haylage in the stable. It’s hard feeding it to one as you don’t want it to go off!
Click to expand...
I get it from a local farmer. small bales.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top