What To Do With Those Old Mineral Tubs?

One of the requirements for raising Longhorn Cattle is to make sure they get plenty of minerals.  Most ranchers make sure the cattle have access to a mineral tub at all times, replacing it as soon as it is empty.  I have 15-20 cattle at all times and they go through one mineral tub per month.  So within 2 years you have 24 of the things lying around.  I was about to buy another metal feeder when I realized I could make feeders with the used mineral tubs.  

The mineral tub feeders are attached to each fence post. This allows plenty of room for the cattle to feed.

I drill two small holes in the top of the feeder about 6 inches apart.  I then run electric fence wire through the holes and around the post to keep the feeder in place.  Otherwise my teenage acting bull kicks them into the valley.

Metal feeders are expensive and rust over time. Even though there is a lot of space, typically 2 or 3 cows will dominate the feeder and push the others away.

I also drill two 3/4 inch holes in the bottom side of the feeder to keep water from accumulating too much.

To fill the feeders, I just drive along the fence line with my gator and pour the feed into each feeder.