Steaming hay - has anyone ever done it in Nibblenets?

[MyKindaFlower]

I typically steam hay loose and then put it into the Nibblenets. It sure would be cleaner and easier to steam in the bags though. I know that hay nets can be used in steamers but has anyone ever steamed hay specifically in the Nibblenets (or similar type bags)? I’m not sure if the vinyl would emit toxins under that much heat?

Opinions?

[Scribbler]

I’ve seen people steam in the nets. Assumed it was standard operating procedure. If you are concerned ask the company what plastic they use and then research to see if it’s food safe.

That said, food safe rules for humans are much stricter than for animals. I think this is due to humans having a much longer life span. Carcinogens tend to be accumulated exposure, and if a person gets cancer at 85 from lifetime exposure to something that’s considered a problem. Animals may not live long enough to register effects from many carcinogens. I wouldn’t be extremely worried about bpa exposure in an older horse (actually googled and bpa isn’t a carcinogen).

[Simkie]

I’d worry more about the nibble net falling apart than the netting leaching. Those suckers aren’t cheap!

[MyKindaFlower]

Thanks Scribbler and Simkie. I worry about both leaching and the nets falling apart. Nope, not cheap at all. I’ve thought about switching to the Chix Nets but my current nets are still working and I hate to spend the money if I don’t have to.

I have a full bale HayGain steamer so I steam a full 2 string-bale and then distribute into the nets. Hot and messy work though.

[IPEsq]

I think if you are steaming in the full bale steamer, you’d wind up steaming less hay if you put in nets first, no matter if it’s the ones from HayGain or another kind. NibbleNets are kind of bulky. They also have metal parts I’d be worried about touching by accident–not sure how long it would take to cool.

[Scribbler]

Yeah I think what I’ve seen is people steaming in regular nets not the flat backed nibble nets.

[MyKindaFlower]

Ah well, I guess I’ll stick with my current method. Thanks everyone!

[hosspuller]

Nibble Nets are made of vinyl … I would NOT subject them to the 212 degree temperature. The plasticizer will leach out. Polypropylene, cotton, or nylon nets will be okay with steam temps.

[MyKindaFlower]

Thanks Hosspuller! I think that I will stick with my current method of steaming the hay and then filling the nets. When my Nibblenets finally need replacing, maybe I’ll switch to the Hay Chix nets so that I can steam in the bags.