Durable slow feed net??

[Lusoluv]

My horse’s stall has a square-framed, slow feed haynet that holds 4-5 flakes. It’s over 2 years old (no brand info) and now has some holes that are no longer fixable. Replaced it with a spare trailer net, but it’s getting holes about 6 months in…

Horsey isn’t a particularly aggressive eater, but what nets do you think are economical yet tough? I’ve seen nets on SmartPak, etc. ranging anywhere from $9.99 to one that is $49 for a small net!! Should I just buy more cheap ones expecting to replace them 2-3x/year? The expensive ones don’t tout their toughness, so not ready to shell out the $$ yet Thanks in advance!

[cnd8]

You are welcome to use my discount code for HayChix website. It’ll get you 20% off. They have their hay nets (I use the half bale bags in both original and slow size mesh) and they also have wall mounted hay racks for the wall that are easy to load. They are tough nets but still soft. I’ve had mine for two years and my guy is an aggressive eater. Also had one on the round bale in the pasture with 6 horses. Still like new.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks @cnd8 !!

[trubandloki]

I have a rather large selection of hay nets - my experience is that paying more does not mean it will last longer.

I now buy the cheap version. Sometimes they last forever and other times they rip quickly.

I was not happy with how my Hay Chix net lasted (well the first one did fine, the second one did not).

[cnd8]

They have a 30 day money back guarantee and a 90 day warranty. Once I got them at the barn, several other boarders ordered some to have as well and we all use them now. They are great to work with on the phone or email. I am a big fan. They have helped my horse who has digestive issues, so I am a believer.

[trubandloki]

@cnd8 a guarantee and warranty are only as good as their willingness to follow thru with it.

If you like their products (which clearly you do since you are an ambassador for them) that is great.

I am just giving my experience. My first net (round bale size I am talking about here) lasted great. My second net got holes the first day and replacing it was a long drawn out fight with them insisting my horse must be the problem, not their net.

For the record, the replacement net I eventually got lasted a few years before it started getting holes - with the same horses. I think the second net was defective. If I did not have to beg them to replace it and get told my horses were the problem I would have nothing but good things to say about them. I used to recommend them before that experience. I will also say that I have cheap nets that have lasted that long too.

[DinkyDonk]

Shires have lasted the best for me; I’m always leery when a company sends cording for repairs with their expensive nets…

[Simkie]

I also use the shires. I’ve had a few colors shred much faster than I expected, but overall they last really well. I have some that are 4-5 years old now. For 12-15 bucks, they’re really hard to beat.

@trubandloki that sounds really frustrating. Thank you for sharing–I’ve been considering playing the market for the smaller hole net. The greedy feeder from shires is a little more than their regular ones, thought maybe another brand would be worth the $ since the difference would be less. Think I’ll just stick with what I know

[cnd8]

@trubandloki

@cnd8 a guarantee and warranty are only as good as their willingness to follow thru with it.

If you like their products (which clearly you do since you are an ambassador for them) that is great.

I am just giving my experience. My first net (round bale size I am talking about here) lasted great. My second net got holes the first day and replacing it was a long drawn out fight with them insisting my horse must be the problem, not their net.

For the record, the replacement net I eventually got lasted a few years before it started getting holes - with the same horses. I think the second net was defective. If I did not have to beg them to replace it and get told my horses were the problem I would have nothing but good things to say about them. I used to recommend them before that experience. I will also say that I have cheap nets that have lasted that long too.

Just so you know, they give all people who order a discount link to share with others. I am no different than any other customer of theirs. I just like their stuff is all. Didn’t want any confusion.

[Trimming]

I use nets from Hayburners Equine. The 0.75" inch nets specifically. They have held up beautifully to three donkeys who are very hard on nets and have hay almost 24/7. They wash well too.

[Lusoluv]

Simkie, which color Shires are better (or worse) than others?? I think I will start with these since I need one for my show kit, one for the trailer and one for the stall.

[Simkie]

@Lusoluv

Simkie, which color Shires are better (or worse) than others?? I think I will start with these since I need one for my show kit, one for the trailer and one for the stall.

The pink and the red ones have not done well for me. Black, green and blue have all been solid 🤷 Those are all in the 50" size. They fit an entire small bale.

I’ve also used the red and black deluxe nets, and those are nice, too. Ring at the bottom instead of corners. A little more money for those. The 45" size is as big or larger than the 50" regular net, due to the differences in construction.

And I have one with the large greedy feeder. Black with a blue cord, I think? That horse is tough on her nets but it’s done pretty well.

[Lusoluv]

Thank you SO much ^^^ !!!

[DinkyDonk]

@Lusoluv

Simkie, which color Shires are better (or worse) than others?? I think I will start with these since I need one for my show kit, one for the trailer and one for the stall.

I find the black ones wear like iron; green and purple get fuzzy (sorry I stepped in here Simkie).

[Texarkana]

I have black Shires nets that are a good 6 or 7 years old. I’ve only had black and navy blue up until a few weeks ago when I bought a pink/blue one with the ring at the bottom-- we’ll see if that one lasts as long.

I’m lucky if other brands last the season. I have a graveyard stockpile of like 15 dead nets of other brands that I keep thinking I’ll somehow magically fix.

[Displaced_Yankee]

I have had great success with the NibbleNets. My current one is about 7 years old, has been out in the elements for most of that and has only JUST had some of the webbing coming apart, making a larger hole. It was about $65 dollars years ago, so it has cost me about $10 a year.

[Hayburner]

Love Nibble Nets! They are well worth the money’

[Simkie]

@Texarkana

I’m lucky if other brands last the season. I have a graveyard stockpile of like 15 dead nets of other brands that I keep thinking I’ll somehow magically fix.

Highly recommend doubling your holey nets for any easier keepers. Pull the cords and rethread one cord through two nets to make it easier to use. Keep the other cord–they’re SO handy to have around when you need something longish and stronger than hay twine.

I’m also loath to throw them away when they get a hole. This keeps them in circulation a little longer

[Texarkana]

@Simkie

Highly recommend doubling your holey nets for any easier keepers. Pull the cords and rethread one cord through two nets to make it easier to use. Keep the other cord–they’re SO handy to have around when you need something longish and stronger than hay twine.

I’m also loath to throw them away when they get a hole. This keeps them in circulation a little longer

Thanks for the idea!

[fordtraktor]

Nibblenets are expensive but worth it. Some of mine are 8 years old and all are in good condition. I use the XLs in stalls and the full bales in my run in sheds (2 each). Not a single one has problems. I just bought 5 more for my new barn…the money savings due to hay waste and the durability make them an economical choice in the long run, plus they are so fast to use. That matters a lot to me because I am my barn employee!