Product FAQ's
Which Hole Size should I choose?
When choosing a hay net hole size, several factors should be considered. Here is a short summary of the key points for each hole size:
20mm Sized Holes:
- Suitable for "expert level" ponies that can eat from 30mm hay nets at impressive speeds.
- Recommended for horses or ponies that have mastered eating from a 30mm hay net.
- Ideal for feeding Lucerne to greedy horses or ponies.
30mm Sized Holes:
- Great for voracious eaters, such as ponies, minis, and horses familiar with slow feed hay nets.
- Recommended for horses that have already used a 40mm hay net size hay.
- Laminitic horses usually benefit from 30mm sized hay nets.
- Relieves boredom for stabled horses or as a backup net for when the first hay net empties.
- Recommended for gutzy horses, ponies, or livestock, especially with palatable hay or slow feed experience.
- Not commonly used for goats, cows, or sheep, but some may use it with palatable hay.
40mm Sized Holes:
- The most popular hole size for slow feeding, accepted by over 90% of horses.
- Suitable for slightly stalky hay, providing hay-saving benefits and increasing hay longevity.
60mm Sized Holes:
- Ideal for saving on hay without significant restriction.
- Commonly used with low-sugar or coarse and stalky hay, great for older horses and cattle.
- Suitable for pregnant broodmares or younger horses where slow feeding is unnecessary.
- Caution: Ensure hoof size is larger than netting size for horse safety.
General Considerations:
- GutzBusta 40mm holes are a good starting point, with flexibility to go up or down in size.
- Weather and hay type can influence the suitable hole size.
- Palatability determines the hole size, with more palatable hay allowing for smaller holes.
- Horse's health status, weight, and workload should be considered when choosing a hole size.
- 40mm and 60mm sizes are suitable for saving on wastage, while 30mm slows down eating.
- Monitor horse's response when introducing a new hay net to avoid over-facing.
- Different livestock can use various hole sizes, with 40mm being common.
- Different hole sizes are used throughout the year, for various hays, health conditions, and weight management.
- Be cautious with shod horses and use appropriate hay rings/feeder to prevent entanglement.
- If you intend to soak hay in your net, we recommend rinsing the net in cold water prior to first use for a few minutes.
Which Hay Bag Size should I choose?
| Hay Net Size |
Knotless (Width x Height) |
Knotted | Approx Capacity |
| Extra Small |
55cm x 65cm 21" x 25" |
65cm x 55cm 25" x 21" |
|
| Small |
70cm x 80xm 27" x 31" |
85cm x 72.5cm 33" x 28" |
|
| Medium |
95cm x 85cm 38" x 34" |
105cm x 85cm 41" x 33" |
|
| Large |
140cm x 100cm 55" x 39" |
150cm x 110cm 59" x 43" |
|
| Extra Large |
160cm x 150cm 63" x 59" |
160cm x 150cn 63" x 59" |
|
Note: Weight can vary depending on the type of hay, whether you’re filling from a round bale or using biscuits/flakes, and how tightly the net is packed. Larger nets may also hold different weights based on the hay used. Our hay nets can handle a significant load, so the listed capacities are a general guide, they’re capable of holding more if required.
Knotless vs Knotted
Our Knotted and knotless hay nets are made from UV-stabilized polyethylene netting and have been in use for over 8 years. They come in various ply sizes and are tough, durable, and easily repairable. They have been used by many horses and can last 2 - 6 years. Knotted nets are suitable for soaking hay and do not take on the weight of water. They are available in black and offer hole sizes of 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm.
On the other hand, the knotless hay nets are made from high-strength, UV Stabilised polypropylene and have been available since 2019. They are softer and do take on some weight when soaked. The deluxe knotless nets are considered more luxurious and have become popular due to their softness. They are the strongest on the market with 240 ply and come in hole sizes of 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm. Knotless nets are also only available in black.
When it comes to strength and longevity, there isn't a significant difference between knotted and knotless nets. Both types have proven to be tough, durable, and long-lasting. While some horses may prefer one material over the other, there is no way to predict which will suit an individual horse better without trying them. Ultimately, the lifespan of the nets depends on the individual horse and usage. Knotted nets have been used for 2 to 6 years without needing repairs, while the lifespan of knotless nets is still unknown after 3 years of use.