Equine Facility Design & Stable Management Consulting Setting Up a Functional Feed Room The most important goal when setting up a feed room is to make it convenient and functional for humans while restricting equine access. A good rule of thumb is two barriers between all horses and feed supplies. A large counter space for preparing feed buckets is a must. Shelving or cupboard space above the counter makes for handy storage of supplements and medications. A large white board or corkboard for displaying a diagram or list for feed preparation will prevent mistakes and confusion. At least one cupboard should be secure for medications, particularly when children might have access to this area. A small refrigerator will also be useful and handy to keep medications that need to be kept cold and will be used regularly. Large sealable containers for the grain, preferably plastic with tight fitting lids, will keep grain fresh and keep out rodents. Setting these containers on attached wheeled casters makes for ease of use, and then storage under the counter will keep the room neat and organized. When planning the location of the feed room, consider ease of access when unloading the grain. Do not leave grain stacked around in bags or sacks as this will attract rodents that will not only contaminate the feed, but also they will go to work on any leather tack stored in the area. Always store feed in rodent proof containers. Check and update feeding instructions regularly. If the regular person responsible for feeding is unable to do it for any reason, make sure the instructions are written clearly and easily understood. In times of emergency, you might find yourself depending on a non-horse savvy neighbor to help out, so good instructions posted where they can easily be seen will be an important safeguard. In this same vein, make sure medications, supplements, and grain containers are clearly marked and updated regularly. A diagram of the stalls and corresponding numbered buckets might also offer a simple feeding system that will be particularly useful in the event of fill in helpers. These are some general plans for a feed room. Each stable is unique and certainly adjustments need to be made to make the feed room safe and functional. Stable Environments, Inc. offers custom solutions to all your stable design and management plans. New Project Development| Existing Facility Review & Development Peggy R. Rose Copyright © Stable Environments, Inc. |
