i'd agree with what orderd beef says to a point,it comes down to management style,if you think you are going to fill the feeder once every two weeks,and check on them then,just as well hand feed or tmr,they need to be looked at everyday,no matter what,we don't feed hay free choice,takes too long to finish them,we were at a half lb a day,have since went to 1 1/2 lbs,less stomach problems,fed in a bunk,also gives a chance for you to see them come to the bunk,and work on any problem ones.