Slow feed hay nets

[OdieJump]

I have four horses, two in each pasture. I don’t really have a set amount of how much hay I give them, just whatever they seem to need and it’s never been a problem for me. Well in Oklahoma there is a huge hay shortage and the price of a square bale went up a dollar and a half, additionally the place where we buy our hay said that they’re getting 80 bales and then they’re sold out, everywhere we’ve called it sold out. The price for hay is going to sky rocket.

I’m going to invest in four hay nets that will hopefully slow down and manage how much my horses eat. What are some of your guys favorite brands of slow feed hay nets? I would prefer to keep it on the cheap side but I do want something that is going to be durable and serve me well. I’ll also have to tie them up because some of my horses have shoes on.

Additionally, if anyone has neat tips on how they preserve hay while keeping their horses constantly grazing and happy id love to hear them! TIA

[OneTwoMany]

Big Dees has some inexpensive options for slow feed hay nets. Sometimes doubling up some of the large holed hay nets can work too.

Frequent small feedings helps to reduce waste. We have also found the better the quality of the hay, the less waste.

[ChocoMare]

Best: Hay Chix. Super tough, different hole sizes to choose from. Worth the money because they last almost forever.

[trubandloki]

I have found with all brands of small hole hay nets (even the Hay Chix brand, which certainly do not last forever) sometimes they last well and other times not so well. For that reason I stick to the average small hole hay net. I feel much less stress when I am replacing a $7.99 hay net than when I am replacing the more expensive brands.

I have some hay nets that are 10 years old… yes those cheap standard small hole hay nets.

[longlanefarm]

For cheap yet surprisingly sturdy I like these from Jeffers. https://www.jefferspet.com/products/deluxe-hay-net
They probably have the most waste out of all my nets though–I would go for these next time, smaller holes. https://www.jefferspet.com/products/ultra-slow-feed-hay-net-royal-blue
The horses quickly figure out how to get huge mouthfuls out and drop it on the ground.

I have 4 of the new hay bags from SmartPak and love them for durability and ease of filling. Definitely not cheap but also waste less hay. https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/smartpak-slow-feed-hay-bag-13939?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=nb_shopping_barn_gifts&utm_term=Stall%20Supplies&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6YaT78T72QIVDAaGCh00jAF0EAQYASABEgJBAvD_BwE

Thirdly, I have a bale net from Hay Chix and love that as well. https://haychix.com/collections/square-bale/products/hay-chix-small-bale-net?variant=45909817799
I would say my bale net produces the least amount of waste. I fill it and then carabiner it to 4 eye hooks I installed in the bottom of a water trough. Any hay that’s pulled out goes to the bottom and they eat it right up. I either chain it to the fence or put flagstones in the bottom before the net to prevent them from lifting the whole thing up.

Reading about your hay shortage gave me anxiety! I’m sorry you’re dealing with that!