Large Square bale questions

[lorilu]

@Horseman15

I’m thinking an 800 lb Bale should last about 10 days if I did my math right. I know last year I’d go through at least a 50 lb bale a day with 2 - 1,200+ lb horses so I shouldn’t be messing with them too often.

Another question, I’m assuming getting a hay net around an 800 lb square bale isn’t going to be the easiest thing to do considering I don’t have a hay spear, only pallet forks. Tractor Supply has this heavy guage wire (I’m assuming fence panels) with 6 inch by 8 inch square holes in it. The thought has crossed my mind that if I use that, cut to fit in the feeder, then run a pipe in each corner (attached top and bottom) so I can slide it up to load, then slide it back down over the hay, yet they can’t pull it out - that might cut down on some hay waste. With what the cost of hay will be this year, not to mention that honestly I don’t want to drag out and load hay nets daily, this might be a compromise that will make my life so much easier. What are your thoughts on this idea?

Those panels also come in 'Horse Panels" with smaller openings. Much safer for horses.