Hay extender helps the gut
Did you know that by using a Slowfeed Haysaver net you are extending the time the hay lasts by 2-3 times longer than it takes to eat loose hay.
On average if a horse takes 2 hours to eat two flakes of loose hay, this means a Haysaver net will usually keep that horse eating for 4 – 6 hours or longer as it may have a rest or go for water in that time.
This translates to more gut fill time, meaning less chance of ulcers from the constant production of gut acid which becomes a problem about 1 ½ hours after eating has stopped.
Keeping low sugar grass hay (preferably not rye or clover) available constantly is particularly important for horses restricted from grass or being kept in stables or yards.
For those that can handle more protein such as broodmares, foals or geriatric horses, adding some lucerne hay to the mix will also help.
For more information on gut ulcers and their treatment click here http://www.lunatunesfreestyles.com/horse_ulcers.htm
Happy Haysaver Net Owners
"I love my haynet and I'm not sharing!"
“My goats love it and each have one so they eat away without fighting, and I am saving all kinds of hay and if you feed goats normally they waste more than they ever eat – these bags are a MONEY saver in hay!” Gina – USA.
“These are the second lot of slow feeder haynets that I have purchased (both through you) and they are fabulous! Horses worked them out very quickly. They slow my “gutsy” mare down and my fussy gelding wastes less because whatever he gets out of the net, he eats – he no longer just grabs mouthfuls at random only to toss them about! Great product – I’m trying to convert others!” Jen.
Rachel presents Chris and her donkey friend with the haynet prize.
Rachael Muckleston reports that Chris Critchell at Ballywire Farm and Tearooms, Port Moorowie, Yorke Peninsula won your slow feeder haynet. Chris is delighted with the haynet as she rescues horses and has I think 10 horses there and 3 donkeys.
“My fussy 30 year old quarter horse with many missing teeth just tore into the hay in the small bale nets you sent me recently. He does very much better with the more natural smaller bits of hay at a time than with the big mouthfuls he used to try (somewhat unsuccessfully) to manage. I have been able to cut back quite substantially on the amount of pellets he needs to be fed to maintain condition:) The two Arabians, my non-fussy piggy eaters, took about a week but I surely considered that a good transition as well. Thanks again.” Jan.
Tasmanian Bennetts wallabies love their haynet.
“I wanted to send you a pic of my wallabies feeding hay from the hay net. It’s really working well and I will order another one today!” Maren from Lake St Clair.
“I just want to thank you for sending me my large Slow Feeder haynet so quickly. It has proven to be a real life saver for me as it keeps my fat ponies happy and occupied out in the paddock eating their plain grass hay. Since I started using them I’ve saved money and my horses have been a lot healthier as well.” Paula.
Ponies prefer their haynet - the barrier can help larger groups to share.
Some tips to ensure your net doesn’t develop holes:
- Tie the net to something (tyre, fence post if it can’t roll underneath, tree, in a box etc.) so the horses can pull the hay out as it gets emptier – this may stop them biting through the net in frustration.
- Ensure your horse has some loose hay as well to start with, avoiding frustration and possible biting through the net.
- Make sure there is nothing the net can get caught on like tree roots/branches, fence wire (around posts), nails or sharp corners if using wooden pallets or boxes etc.
- Even split hooves can soon catch on a net and cause a hole.
- Don’t double net if you have big horses – only small ponies have small enough mouths/bite to cope with double netting that slows down the intake even more. Larger ponies and horses may bite the net and cause holes because they can’t get at the hay properly.
If your net does develop a hole, mend it right away using baling twine or other nylon string so the hole doesn’t ‘grow’. If you email me, I can send (free of charge) some matching twine.
Slowfeed Haysaver Nets made by Natural Horse World come in the following sizes:
- The Mini size fits 2 biscuits of hay and is ideal for the float/trailer or goats and sheep. Being smaller, it doesn’t fit over the intact bale so needs to be hand stuffed. ($19.95)
- The Small size fits 4 big biscuits or half a bale. Has a wide opening to enable easy loading by slipping over the intact bale. ($24.95)
- The Large size fits a whole regular square bale of hay. Has a wide opening so can be slipped over the intact bale. ($34.95)
- The Round bale net with a square or round top, will fit a round bale measuring 5′x4′ – there is no difference in the way the square or round top works – just some excess at the top corners of the square net. ($109 & $129)
- The X-Large Square bale – fits big rectangular bales that measure 2m x 1m x 1m. ($109)
We are shipping these value for money nets worldwide – get yours now from the Natural Horse World Store or from a local stockist:
Amlee White Dorper & Stock Feeds - 38 Swanton Street, Chisolm, Australian Capital Territory. Ph. Jason on 0408681662.
Bullsbrook Produce Co. Bullsbrook, Western Australia. Ph. Cherry on 0429 686 135.
Whitby Falls Stockfeeds, Lot 87 Keirnan Street, Mundijong, Western Australia. Ph. Sharon on 08 9525 5333.
Noahs Crossing Veterinary Clinic, 168 Hayman Rd, Lewiston, South Australia. Ph. Yvette on 08 85242260.
Natural Equipment – Lee Woodland www.naturalequipment.com.au