Deluxe Knotless Round Bale Slowfeed Hay Net

New Deluxe Knotless polypropylene netting - UV stabilized, soft, strong, and long-lasting. 

With machine-stitched seams and heavy-duty woven drawstring. 

Includes repair patch and twine. 

Top 7 Reasons to Use a Slowfeeder Hay Net:

1.  Stops hay wastage from trampling in mud, manure, urine, being blown away, etc. 
2.  Slows down consumption so the hay lasts 2-3 times longer and replicates grazing. 
3. 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.)
4. Gives your horse hay 24/7, saving you time on re-fills and keeps your horse calmer and happier.
5. Hay in the gut 24/7 avoids gut ulcers and colic incidents and allows horses to regulate their consumption so eventually eat less.
6. Older horses find it easier to chew small amounts of hay taken from the net. 
7. 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 with any foal (the 6cm hole netting is not recommended at all). 

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 mended with the repair kit provided or some baling 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 form the bales you are using (a 5x4 net if you are using 4x4 bales). 

To put on a round bale net: 
1. Remove the net wrap or strings.
2. Remove 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 tightly so a hoof cannot get through it (tuck it inside the net) and roll the bale back over 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.