This invention relates to bale feeders and bale feeder drums. A lower drum and an upper drum have inter-engaging teeth which grip feed from a bale as they rotate. Lower bale feeder drum has inclined paddles and/or paddles with a tapering profile. The configuration of the paddles helps centralize bales during the feeding process, and helps to break up and stretch feed. The tapering profile of the paddles improves grip of feed by teeth on the drums.