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Ultimate Knotless VS Original Knotted
+ Soft feel + Great for soaking hay
+ Woven thread + Doesn’t hold dirt or burrs
– Can absorb/hold water + Hand stitched seams
– Can pick up prickles/burrs – Stiffer than knotless
– Machine stitched seams
How do I choose the right netting material for my hay nets? Knotted or Knotless?
This is a simple explanation of the two types.
Our knotted nets are made here on site in Queensland, using UV stabilized pre-stretched polyethylene netting. The nets have secure hand stitched seams. They are tough, durable, and easily repairable if they get snagged or a hole in them (round bale nets come with a complimentary patch kit, just in case). This is our original netting that has been used to manufacture Just Grazin® hay nets the past 13+yrs (since 2009). It comes in 3cm (48ply black) 4cm (60ply green) 6cm (60ply black).
There is no better knotless net available than our ultimate knotless nets. With a 240ply, they’re the strongest on the Australian market. Made from 5mm thick and high strength Polypropylene, they’re super-soft (no knots). The knotless design of our ultimate hay nets has made it a popular choice among customers. Off-site specialised machine stitching is used for the seams. Available in 2cm, 3cm, 4cm & 6cm all black in colour.
It is wise to exercise caution when comparing different PLY’s among hay net suppliers. This is due to the fact that PLY’s aren’t standardised across all manufacturers and/or materials. If each strand of the netting material is very thin, then a higher PLY (number of strands) can actually result in a thinner netting material. Knotted 60ply material has a diameter of approximately 2.9mm, while Ultimate Knotless material has a diameter of approximately 5mm. However, it does not necessarily mean that a thicker material is stronger, but just that it is different.
These two varieties are tough, durable, and long-lasting, and both have performed well.
We make our knotted hay nets slightly larger than our knotless hay nets, they are Australia’s most generous size.
Reduce the risk of Ulcers, Colic & Choke
– Ulcers – As a horse chews they produce saliva which buffers the acid in the stomach. Feeding hay from a Just Grazin Custom Net slow feed hay net means horses take smaller mouthfuls. They also chew for longer, producing more acid neutralizing saliva.
– Colic & Choke – Using a slow feed hay net means horses can only take small amounts of feed at a time, preventing them from gorging their food. Consumption is slowed therefore reducing the risk of colic and choke.
Improved Digestion/Health
– Using a Just Grazin Custom Net slows down the amount of hay consumed per minute. Plus the nets mean hay can be on offer free choice 24/7 (if enough hay and nets are supplied) for continuous slow feeding.
– Allowing horses to eat continuously has metabolic and other health benefits. Providing food in just a few meals rather than spread out evenly can result in higher insulin responses to feeding. Horses with metabolic issues (Metabolic Conditions, Cushings, Insulin Resistance, Hypothyroidism & Laminitis) benefit when they eat small amounts on a continuous basis.
Decreases Boredom
– Horses spend longer consuming their hay when using a Just Grazin Custom Net. This helps keep them occupied throughout the day. Which is especially important for those stabled or housed in small yards for long periods of time. Horses grazing from our nets have been noted to be more relaxed and happy. This feeling of well being decreases the chance of horses developing stable vices ie cribbing, weaving etc
– We donated a hay net to a horse who had broken his knee in a freak paddock accident. Due to the severity of the injury he was on strict stable rest, in cross ties, while his leg was in plaster. His owner noticed a big change in his attitude once she started using our slow feed hay net. He became calmer, more settled, taking all day to eat his hay instead of just a couple of hours. While she can no longer compete with him, thankfully he is now paddock sound!
…..”I am loving these Just Grazin Custom Hay Nets – thank you so much. I have one with grassy hay, the other with lucerne, tied next to Dibby who has to remain cross tied in the stable with his leg cast on, and they are fantastic. Instead of just pigging out quickly on his hay and then standing for hours without feed before his next meal, I just load three big biscuits in each (room for more) and he is nibbling away constantly like a horse that is grazing rather than eating fast then having nothing left. There is always hay there for him and they are keeping him entertained as well. Great products and highly recommended!!”….. – Leanne Owens – Horses of Gold.
Less wasted hay
– Tired of your hay being spread around the paddock/stable, trampled and urinated on or simply blown away on those windy days. Using a Just Grazin Custom Net keeps the hay contained, reducing waste and saving your money!
Simulates Natural Grazing
– Horses will naturally graze approx 18-20hrs a day. Unfortunately not everyone has access to large grassy paddocks, or horses who can be on pasture 24/7, due to laminitis etc. “Grazin” from our slow feed hay nets simulates natural grazing, which is beneficial to the horses mental and physical health.
May Improve Posture and Body Imbalance
– Sharon May-Davis “The Bone Lady”, is a renowned equine anatomist, therapist, biomechanics expert and lecturer. Sharon has presented case studies where the “hay-high” technique was used (along with other therapies and treatments) to rehabilitate injured horses. Feeding just one hay net per day, tied at approximately wither to poll height (dependent on each individual horse’s flexibility) encourages horses to stand square and use different postural muscles. A common myth is that horses reaching up to their feed will hollow their backs, however this is not the case. Unless the net is placed way too high. Stretching up and forward utilizes core muscles. Horses will naturally alternate between eating high and then low, picking up fallen hay from ground level. Owners have also reported hoof development improvement, esp with club feet, as well as improved straightness and self carriage. *Horses should not graze high for extended periods of time.
Reduce the risk of eye injury
– We’ve all seen our horses (or photos of horses) with their heads buried deep down inside a round bale. Apparently the hay always tastes better from the middle of the bale, haha. This is the prime time for an eye injury, with a piece of hay easily spiking into your horses eye. Using a Just Grazin Custom Net prevents horses from getting their heads too far into their round bales.
3cm Netting
Is your horse a pro at using a slow feeder and you find the traditional 4cm netting is just not quite small enough? Do you have laminitic ponies, own mini’s or do you feed out top quality leafy hay?
3cm x 3cm netting is recommended for animals who are experienced with using slow feed hay nets or for use with mini’s, goats, sheep etc. This size netting is best used with high quality leafy hay, the type of hay your horse/animals usually eat fast. Be mindful though, that some horses may be frustrated by this size if they aren’t conditioned to using a slow feed hay net, others are happy to graze from the net straight away with no worries. Our 3cm netting range is available in 48ply netting, black in colour.
4cm Netting
Are you looking for a hay net to slow down consumption? Do you feed good quality hay and want to reduce the waste?
4cm x 4cm is the traditional netting size most commonly used for slow feeding hay. This is our most popular netting as its a good general purpose netting size suitable for the majority of hay types. The perfect size for reducing hay waste as well as slowing consumption when using good quality hay. All of our 4cm nets are made with a robust 60ply netting, green in colour.
6cm Netting
Are you sick and tired of your hay being spread around and wasted?
6cm x 6cm netting is ideal for those who mainly want to stop their horses wasting so much hay. It does slow consumption, but not as much as 3cm or 4cm netting. Suited to all types of hay. including hay of lower quality & cereal hays. This size is also a great choice for old or retired horses, it wont restrict their forage intake too much, but will save you $ on waste. All of our 6cm netting is a robust 60ply netting, black in colour.
NOTE: Prior to use, be sure your horses hooves are larger than the size of the netting. 6cm netting is not recommended for foals or mini’s due to their small feet. If using with small footed animals, you must ensure their feet cannot access the net as there is a chance they may become tangled. Please read our FAQ’s for ideas on using slow feed hay nets with shod/small footed animals.
Back in 2015 we increased the size of our nets, they are generous for easy filling.
…”I put the 5×4 net on the round bale by myself!!!! Thank you”… Nik L
…”Super happy with my full bale 6cm, was exactly what I needed and is such a generous size it’s nice and easy to get the bale in. Thankyou”… Nicole B
Small – 1-3 biscuits of hay, great for pony’s, trips away to competitions & shows or for feeding your horse’s lucerne ration.
Half Bale – Great for multiple horses (who’ll share) or to have grassy hay available all day for your horse.
Full Bale – Fits a full standard bale of hay. Perfect for continuous slow feeding, keeping hay available to your horse/s 24/7.
Round Bale – Standard sizes 3×4, 4×4, 5×4 & 6×4.
XL Square – Suitable for the big XL export size bales.
Mineral/Salt Licks – Suitable for keeping mineral blocks/salt licks out of the dirt.
Custom – Any size, made to your measurements! Contact us for a quote.
Yes! If you require a longer draw string, simply shoot us a message with the length of drawstring you need! Alternately, tie a piece of bailing twine around where your wanting to hang your hay net and then you can tie the drawstring to the bailing twine.
Certainly can! Fill your new hay net, then untie the knot at the end of the draw string, retie the knot right up at the net, so that the 2 tails of the draw string are free. That way your horse cant get their leg caught in the drawstring when feeding from ground level. Your hay net can then just be thrown into the paddock for the horses to graze from! If your horse is shod (or has badly split hooves) the net can still be fed at ground level, but must be contained inside a wooden box/hay hut or in some way that they cannot access the net with their hooves. *Shod horses may become tangled in the netting if their hooves can reach the net.
We are happy to create any size net, just for you! For custom orders simply supply us with your measurements/what you require and we’ll make the net to your specifications! This is a service we offer, free of charge!
Yes, a slow feed hay net can be used with shod horses. However extra care needs to be taken that the horses shoes do not have access to the netting. For example……..The net must be secured either; inside a hay feeder (in a style that the bottom half is fully enclosed), used inside a Hay Hut, secured inside a wooden box/crate or tractor tyre or for smaller size nets, they must be hung at a height out of the reach of your horses hooves. An information sheet re use with shod horses will be included with your order.
