Which mesh size do I need?

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 Extreme Slow Feed 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 Decelerator 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 Moderate 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 Free & Easy 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.