Moving to dc, you just described the large greedy feeder net made by shires. That’s a bummer that it doesn’t work for you!
I know several people who love the Shires nets.
Hi Fjordmom, your post inspired me to create a coth forum log in! I have made a couple of slow feed nets, so thought I’d share some of my experience.
I use 3mm polypropalene rope. It took ~130 metres (400 feet?) of this to make my last net, which is a decent sort of size : it fits maybe about 10kg (22 pounds) of hay.
I make the net as a plain rectangle, then ‘sew’ up the edges. I made a plywood ‘shuttle’ to wrap the rope around, and it holds approx. 15 metres of rope at one time. The shuttle looks a bit like this:
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The net hole size is probably around 2 inches - that was dictated more by the shuttle size (with its full wrap of rope) than anything else. If you need smaller holes, you’d have to make a smaller shuttle and wrap less rope (obviously!).
I found this website to have a nice clear example of the netting knot:
http://netting.nightshaderose.com/the-basic-netting-knot
I ‘cast on’ my net on a stout dowel which is secured at both ends, and about chest height. It needs to be quite firm and stable as you have to pull a bit to tighten the knots. Although, the polyprop. rope does not initially make a good knot (I imagine paracord would be much better) - the knots in the rope do eventually tighten, once the horse is eating from it.
My motivation was that the only small-hole nets I could buy here (New Zealand) were made of very thin ‘rope’, and did not last long at all. And I needed a good size net so that when my horse is yarded at competitions he can keep eating all night. Not that he has any health issues, just that I really believe it is best for them to be able to keep picking all night.
Please PM me if you want any more info! Would be happy to take some photos if you are interested.
Hi Fjordmom, your post inspired me to create a coth forum log in! I have made a couple of slow feed nets, so thought I’d share some of my experience.
I use 3mm polypropalene rope. It took ~130 metres (400 feet?) of this to make my last net, which is a decent sort of size : it fits maybe about 10kg (22 pounds) of hay.
I make the net as a plain rectangle, then ‘sew’ up the edges. I made a plywood ‘shuttle’ to wrap the rope around, and it holds approx. 15 metres of rope at one time. The shuttle looks a bit like this:
|/|
| |
| |
|/|
The net hole size is probably around 2 inches - that was dictated more by the shuttle size (with its full wrap of rope) than anything else. If you need smaller holes, you’d have to make a smaller shuttle and wrap less rope (obviously!).
I found this website to have a nice clear example of the netting knot:
http://netting.nightshaderose.com/the-basic-netting-knot
I ‘cast on’ my net on a stout dowel which is secured at both ends, and about chest height. It needs to be quite firm and stable as you have to pull a bit to tighten the knots. Although, the polyprop. rope does not initially make a good knot (I imagine paracord would be much better) - the knots in the rope do eventually tighten, once the horse is eating from it.
My motivation was that the only small-hole nets I could buy here (New Zealand) were made of very thin ‘rope’, and did not last long at all. And I needed a good size net so that when my horse is yarded at competitions he can keep eating all night. Not that he has any health issues, just that I really believe it is best for them to be able to keep picking all night.
Please PM me if you want any more info! Would be happy to take some photos if you are interested.
[QUOTE=Simkie;9034559]
If you’re looking for wee-er holes, go with the greedy feeder. They’re just as durable 
https://www.amazon.com/Shires-Greedy-Feeder-Large-Black/dp/B00E3GECRO[/QUOTE]
I have had very good luck with these nets. I have some that are four or five years old. I use them inside and outside.
I would not judge your net lifespan on the failure of one net. I have lots of nets. (I like to make a week worth of nets for my three all on one day.)
I have found that I can buy a bunch of the same exact net and randomly one will get a hole in it instantly and the rest will last many years.
I have the utmost respect for anyone who takes the time to make their own nets.
I just don’t have the time or patience to make something that costs less than $10 and will last for years 
Thank you all for your various suggestions.
I have ordered several of the nets mentioned and they’ve just arrived. I will start testing them out to see what works/holds up well before I venture into making my own. I had just had a bad early experience with one brand that wasn’t worth the $$$ spent on it. Hopefully this try will be better.
