Hay Chix Heavy Duty Slow Feed 4x4 Net

Our Knotted Round Bale Hay Nets are made from a Heavy Duty and high strength PE (polyethylene) material with a very strong 60ply (approx. 2.9mm diameter) gauge. Being our original netting material, this classic 60ply design has been used within the Australian and New Zealand market since the early 2000s. Many 1000's of Horses (and happy owners) see the benefits of our classic range every single day. Our UV Treated Knotted nets are made with our very generous and easy to fill sizes and have been shown to reduce hay waste by up to 50%.

Our Round Bale Nets come with a draw-string on the bottom to allow you to fully encapsulate the bale and are available in 3x4, 4x4, 5x4 and 6x4 sizes.

Knotted 4 x 4: Suitable for Round Bales 4 foot by 4 foot

Which hole size should I choose?

We have a huge range of Hole Sizes across our Hay Net and Round Bale range. We stock 2cm, 3cm, 4cm and 6cm netting. The following information should help you decide which is the best choice for you and your animals...

• If saving on wastage is your primary concern, then 4cm or 6cm is ideal.
• If you are wanting to regulate your animal's consumption, reduce boredom and save on wastage then 4cm is the most popular and ideal option.
• If you are specifically wanting to slow your animal down, reduce boredom and they have some experience with slow feeders, then the 3cm or 2cm would be your best option.

Detailed Descriptions:

2cm (20mm) Holes: Only available in selected sizes, our 2cm mesh is suited for experienced slow-feed horses that still manage to move quickly through our 3cm bags. We would only recommend looking at 2cm holes for advanced horses and ponies that have used the 3cm bags previously.

3cm (30mm) Holes: The 3cm is perfect for ponies and experienced animals who have previously used slow feeding nets.  Without experience, the small 3cm holes may cause some frustration for your horses. We would recommend this size for horses who understand how to use a slow feed net but just require a slightly reduced consumption rate. The 3cm size is also great for reducing boredom, as the reduced consumption rate will keep your horse stimulated for a longer period of time.

4cm (40mm) Holes: Our 4cm nets are our most common (and popular) size and are accepted by 98% of horses. The 4cm is a great all-rounder that will slow the horses down whilst also saving on wastage. It is therefore the ideal hole size to choose if you are unsure OR just introducing Slow Feed Hay Nets to your horses for the first time. The 4cm hole will slow your horse down, but not so much as to cause frustration. You will reap the benefits of reduced wastage, whilst at the same time providing significant benefits to your horse's health.

6cm (60mm) Holes: Our 6cm nets are primarily designed as a Hay Saver as opposed to being a slow feeder product. It is a popular option for hay that is stalky or not very palatable. Our 6cm nets are great for broodmares, young stock & old horses that don't require slowing down. This size will slow the consumption rate marginally, however more so it will keep your hay together and minimise wastage.

Livestock and Other Animals:

Our Hay Net range is commonly used by owners of animals "other than horses". They are commonly used for:

• Cattle
• Sheep
• Alpaca's
• Goats
  

Please be mindful of horns (entanglement) and ear tags that can be rubbed out.

The most common size for these animals is our 4cm net. This size provides some slow feeding whilst also minimising hay wastage. Depending on what you're trying to achieve (just like with horses), both the 3cm and 6cm varieties have also succeeded in the past.

A 4cm sized net is always the best place to start. You can then go up or down a size if needed.

For more detailed information on selecting bag size, hole size, safety information and the differences in materials, please see our FAQ and Support page.

Health benefits and slow feeding information:

Slow feeding your horse allows them to eat for longer periods of time, without feeding them more.

Slow feeding is to, by use of some mechanical device (usually a restricting feeder); make it impossible for the horse to fill his mouth with hay. By slowing down the eating pace the same amount of hay will last longer and therefore will keep the horse occupied and stimulated for a longer period of time. It basically replicates grazing but in a controlled manner. It also allows you to control the sugar levels in your horses' diet and the quantity fed by eliminating insulin spikes.

A free-roaming horse spends most of his waking hours searching for food. Since horses only sleep about 4 hours per day and seldom for longer periods than about 20 minutes, food is their main focus for about 18-20 hours a day. Many traditionally kept horses are still being fed 2-3 (or maybe 4) times per day and often more than they will eat in an hour or two each time.

Main Benefits:

• Simulates grazing for physical and mental health - horses are supposed to eat 18-20 hours a day.
• Reduces boredom by extending feeding time.
• Allows rate of hay consumption to slow down - closer replicating grazing.
• Reduces incidence of choke by stopping gorging, and only allowing a few strands of hay to be eaten at once.
• Recommended by vets to help with obesity, colic, insulin resistance, ulcers and stall vices.
• Happier, healthier horses that are less aggressive towards their mates as they ALWAYS have something to eat, particularly if they are on a dirt lot, paddock paradise track, stabled or yarded.
• Great for laminitis, IR etc horses as there is no insulin spike if they have hay available all the time. Allows free choice/low carbohydrate hay access all the time. Pasture/Meadow hay is usually the best (but not ryegrass and/or clover hay as these are generally too high in sugar.)
• Reduces hay wastage from being blown away, trampling mud, etc therefore saving money.
• Net types of slow feeders are able to hang anywhere, safe, durable and easy to fill.
• As the net holes are smaller, the net can be secured low for natural grazing position.

Product Caution:

If your horse is shod or not regularly trimmed, you must either tie your hay net high enough OR have a physical barrier between your horse's feet and the hay net. If your horse is shod then simply tie your net up a little higher. You can also put your net inside a box or other device that stops their feet from coming into contact with their hay net.

It is not recommended to leave buckled halters or other types of buckled headgear on your horse when using ANY type of hay net as your horse may get caught.

Similarly, do not let horned animals such as sheep, cattle or goats eat from the hay nets as they may tear the netting or become entangled if not constantly supervised.  Ear tags also need to be taken into consideration as they may get rubbed out and removed on the netting, particularly with cattle.

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Source: https://aussiegrazers.com.au/products/4-x-4-round-bale-slow-feeding-net

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