Hay Net Help – choosing the right size netting…..

It is important to consider what size netting would be most suited to your personal situation. Therefore we’re here to offer you some hay net help with your decision. Each size netting suits different hay types, different individual horses and livestock. Netting choice will also be impacted by what you want from the net, whether its to reduce waste, slow the rate of consumption or a combination of both.

3x3cm 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.

4x4cm 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.

6x6cm 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 won’t restrict their forage intake too much, but will save you $ on waste.

NOTE: Prior to use, be sure your horse’s 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, ensure their feet cannot access the net as there is a chance they may become tangled. Please read our FAQs for ideas on using slow feed hay nets with shod/small footed animals.

Hay Net Help – Trouble Shooting…….

Signs your netting may be too small

* There are consistent holes being made in the net.

* Evidence of spinning the net around and around, trying to find a way to get to the hay

* Horses/livestock have given up trying to get the hay.

These issues are usually resolved by – increasing the hole size of the netting used OR improving the quality of hay being fed.

Signs you could try smaller size netting

* Hay is being consuming as fast as it was prior to using the slow feed hay net

* There is a large amount of waste left on the ground (provided the hay is of good quality, that its not just stalk left behind)

Hay Net Help – Net Sizes Available……