Description
Slow down hay consumption and contain the hay in these durable round bale nets.
- Hay Net fully encloses an entire round bale.
- Hand stitched seams. No metal joins or clips.
- Generously sized for easy filling
- Knotted Round Bale nets come in two sizes to fit a big bale measuring approx. 5’x4′ (1.5×1.2m) or the smaller 4′ x 4′ (1.2×1.2m) round bales.
- We also offer a 6×4 custom net – please email us.
These tough nets are made to last from durable, pre-stretched, UV stabilized heavy-duty 60 ply polyethylene netting with a sturdy 6mm drawstring.
- 3cm hole nets are ideal for smaller ponies and those experienced with slow feeding that need slowing down a lot.
- 4cm square holes – nets are designed to slow down hay intake and are perfect for horses experienced with slow feeding.
- 6cm hole nets are ideal for larger horses over 16hh and even cattle (not recommended around foals or mini ponies).
- 6cm hole nets suit cereal and stalky hay, or situations where you want to contain the hay without slowing down the feeding rate e.g. in winter or for older horses.
- 6cm nets are also better for feeding more than 4 horses from a bale (The larger holes make it easier for them to get their fill before they are moved off by others).
Top 7 Reasons to use a slow feeder hay net:
- Stops hay wastage from trampling in mud, manure, urine, being blown away etc.
- Slows down consumption so the hay last 2-3 times longer and replicates grazing.
- Suitable to use without another hay feeder for a natural grazing position and can reduce the incidence of choke (provided your horse is barefoot or is over 6 months old.)
- Gives your horse hay 24/7, saving you time on re-fills and keeps your horse calmer and happier.
- Hay in the gut 24/7 avoids gut ulcers and colic incidents and allows horses to regulate their consumption so eventually eat less.
- Older horses find it easier to chew small amounts of hay taken from the net.
- Avoid eye injuries from horses putting their heads inside a round bale, or from tossing loose hay about.
Please read the Usage Tips below before purchasing to ensure you can get the best from your Haysaver Net.
The holes are just large enough for the horse to get the hay through without gorging (4cm/1.5″ square) – making it last 2-3 times longer than when fed loose.
The small holes also mean little ponies, foals and minis can’t get a hoof through the netting.
Warning: Mini foals may be able to get a hoof through the 4cm netting and extreme caution is advised when using any hay net (the 6cm hole netting is not recommended at all) with any foal.
Usage Tips:
- If your horse is shod or has large splits in their hooves, it’s essential to contain the net inside a hay ring or have a barrier around it so they can’t catch a shoe/torn hoof if they paw at it.
- If the net tears it can be temporarily mended with some baling twine, then email us for more netting twine if you’ve used all that was provided.
- When feeding round bales that have been stored outside, it is important to remove all wet or moldy sections of the bale as the horses will not eat this (it can be dangerous if they do) and because of the net, they can’t paw it out of the way to access the rest of the hay.
- If your hay is very coarse or stalky, some horses may find it frustrating to get the hay out and so can learn to chew through the netting – if you have this type of hay purchase a 6cm Round Bale net.
- It’s important to offer enough loose hay initially for them to fill up on so their frustration doesn’t turn to destruction! If you are not sure how your horses will go with a larger more expensive net, try a small one first. If a hole does appear, mend it right away so the horses don’t learn to benefit from making them!
- When using a round bale net it helps the horses access the hay better if you tie up the loose netting as they eat the bale down. To see an example of this, and how to make a cover for your net click here.
- If your horse wears a rug with belly straps or a halter that has exposed buckles, please be aware that these can catch on the hay net if the horse rubs on or past it. Either secure the hay net in a hay ring or make a cover for the buckles.
- It’s best to put the hay net on from the top down with the bale on its flat side, then secure the drawstring underneath so there are no folds or loose netting to chew on, however you can put a net on a bale sitting on its round side, but you will need a net the next size up from the bales you are using (a 5×4 net if you are using 4×4 bales).
To put on a round bale net:
1. Remove the net wrap or strings.
2. Dig out all the wet or moldy parts until you can no longer feel any heat or smell or mold. Horses will leave spoiled hay in the net.
3. This may involve peeling off a layer that can then be used for mulch.
4. With two people it’s easiest to work the net down from the top.
5. Work it right to the bottom so the top is nice and tight.
6. Tighten the drawstring around the bottom, tie it and, tuck inside the net so that a hoof can’t get caught.
7. OR, Roll the net over to fasten the drawstring completely around the bale (tucking the end inside the net) and roll back so the drawstring is underneath.
Click here for the Round Bale net Q&A
For more info on using Slow Feeder Hay nets and feeding systems click here.
Sorry, we cannot offer a warranty on these nets due to the variables of use/types of hay and the unpredictable way horses will respond to them.
However, we do provide mending materials for any small hole’s horses may make. For the best results, be sure to read the instructions sent with the net carefully.
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