Important things to keep in mind when using slow feed hay nets
For horses that are new to slow feed nets, use a larger mesh (1-1/2″ or larger), this will help transition the horse to slow feed nets. One of the biggest mistakes is using too small of mesh when starting out. This just frustrates the horse and causes premature damage as the horse bites the net and doesn’t use their lips to pull the hay through. Some horses eventually need smaller meshes, others do not. Much of this is determined by the type of hay/forage you are feeding and the individual horse. Our own personal horses have been using nets for years use only 1-1/2″ and larger meshes.
Please use caution when hanging the nets; ensure the pull tie is tied up in such a manner so horses cannot get caught in them. We don’t recommend hooking a hanging hay bag in more then one location as it can cause an entanglement hazard. We use carabineer clips (big ones) and loop the carabineer a mesh or two below the pull tie (centered) and then clip to the wall ring. This keeps the pressure from the horse pulling on the net in a sturdy location. This also keeps your drawstring from getting too tight or getting knotted. To close the net, pull the drawstring and use a simple slip knot to use up the excess string. The draw string slip knot doesn’t need to be tight as the net is suspended by the carabiner and not the draw string. When it comes time to open, simply pull the loose end of the draw string
How long your hay bags will last will depend greatly on how your horses eat from the slow feed net and how much they paw . Stationary nets, like hay roll nets, or other ones “locked” into place can wear prematurely if a horse paws heavily and the net can’t “bounce” or move away from the pressure. If your horse is a “plucker”, meaning it bites the net and pulls verses nibbling and pulling the hay through the mesh, premature wear can occur. We send repair twine with each bag. If your bag does get a hole in it, close it up as soon as possible with the repair twine (or even bale string), or the horses will just make it bigger quick when they discover it.
To help increase the possible longevity of round bales nets we recommend using round bale feeders in conjunction with the round bale nets. This helps control net pawing. Bagging hay is easy if you stand the bale on end (bale ties still intact), Place bag over top and slide down about a foot or two, until the bottom of the bag is against the top of the bale. Flip bale over (so bag is now underneath) and gently pull the bag up to the top of the bale. Cut the bale twine and close the bag.
