REDUCE HAY WASTE BY 46%
Save on time, hay and money
IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH
By decreasing stress and keeping your horse occupied
REDUCE INCIDENCE OF CHOKE
Slows down the eating rate, also making them perfect for metabolic conditions
DECREASE BOREDOM IN HORSES
Keeping your steed stimulated, happy and entertained
Description
Our GutzBusta® Small Slow Feed Hay Nets significantly reduce the incidence of colic, choke, stomach ulcers, boredom, hay wastage, and stable vices. This is great for snacks at shows or competitions while floating, for ponies or horses anytime, anywhere.
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Dimensions: 0.7
0m Wide x 0.80m High
- Holds: 2-3 Biscuits / Flakes of hay or 4kgs / 8.8lbs of hay.
- Net Colour: Black
- Drawstring Colour: Red
New 2cm / 3/4" Sizing:
2cm / 3/4" is a very small size and therefore only recommend for horses or ponies that have medical conditions such as ulcers or are prone to choke.
Management weight in extreme circumstances may also warrant a 2cm / 3/4" sized hole. Not recommended for any horse or pony that has not eaten successfully and proficiently from 3cm hay nets. This size would be frustrating to many horses and ponies, so please monitor your horse or pony to make sure they are capable of eating from this size. Palatable hay will need to be used.
I have personally 'tested' my own horses to 1cm / 1/3" and so I know it is possible for them to eat from smaller holed nets, but this was with lucerne hay that drove a desire to do so. If you do not have palatable hay, then it is likely 2cm / 3/4" will be too small.
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This link has many more ideas to help you decide on what sized hole hay net may suit your individual animals and situation.
This new super soft netting is made from 5mm thick and high strength PP (polypropylene) with a super-strong 240ply, the strongest on the Australian market. Like our regular knotted nets, the knotless hay nets are available in small, medium, large as well as round bales and export bales. This means the new nets are still super easy to fill due to nice wide-open mouths.
This product can be thrown on the ground if your horse isn’t shod. It doesn’t have metal joints, too, so you don’t have to worry about your horses’ teeth or mouths getting injured.
Both the knotless and knotted hay nets are made from our very own GutzBusta® sizes that we have developed over the years with feedback from our customers. They are superior in size, strength, and useability. Having a super wide mouth that makes them easy to fill is one of the greatest attributes of our nets.
It’s also important to note that you cannot compare the knotted nets to the knotless ones in terms of ply as they are made of entirely different materials. Ply refers to how many individual strands are in each section of the netting. The strength is in how strong those individual strands are, how tight they are, and what material they are made from. So you are comparing apples to oranges if you are comparing knotless to knotted in terms of ply.
Why are GutzBusta® Hay Nets so popular?
Our products are designed with large and strong drawstrings to secure the hay net around your round bale. It’s easier to put on compared to other hay nets available in the market. We’ve been making quality hay nets for over 8 years and we know how the netting behaves over time. This is why we developed a size and pattern that works to enable these nets to last longer.
A GutzBusta® Round Bale Hay Net decreases wastage by up to 46%. In our situation, a 4x4 round bale of pasture hay can last 3 to 4 horses for 7 to 15 days with a 4cm / 1 3/4" net, depending on how cold the weather is. This rate was for Winter, however, in Summer, we found that a 4x4 lasted these horses nearly 3 months due to being low sugar/palatability.
For more information and photos about our hay nets, please visit our livestock page and our FAQ & Help page.
Caution:
- Shoes: If your horse is shod then simply tie your net up a little higher if it is a smaller net. If you are using a round bale or larger size net, then put your net inside a large box, hay ring or other device that stops their feet from coming into contact with their hay net. Direct contact of shoes and nets is not recommended.
- 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 cattle, sheep or goats eat from the nets due to possible entanglement.
- Cattle or stock with ear tags are cautioned from eating from the hay nets as they may rub their head and potentially remove the ear tags.
- It's important to keep in mind that horses wearing rugs might rub against the nets. To reduce the chance of a rug clip getting caught on the netting, make sure your buckles are properly secured and not sticking out, or consider securing the hay net to limit contact between the rug and the net. If rubbing is a concern, you might want to avoid having your horse wear a rug altogether.
FAQs
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.
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" |
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| Small |
70cm x 80xm 27" x 31" |
85cm x 72.5cm 33" x 28" |
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| Medium |
95cm x 85cm 38" x 34" |
105cm x 85cm 41" x 33" |
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| Large |
140cm x 100cm 55" x 39" |
150cm x 110cm 59" x 43" |
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| Extra Large |
160cm x 150cm 63" x 59" |
160cm x 150cn 63" x 59" |
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Junior Hay-Stay Hanging Hay Net |
100cm x 80cm (With a 40cm hay flap) 39" x 31" (With a 15" hay flap) |
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Hay-Stay Hanging Hay Net |
160cm x 100cm 62" x 39" |
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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.
Returns & Exchanges
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase from our store. If you have any issues with your order, please contact us at Gutzbusta so that we can make it right. We have a clear and concise Returns and Refund Policy to make the process as smooth as possible.
Returning Items
To return an item, please contact us at our customer service team via the email below. Make sure to include your order number when contacting staff.
Please pack the item securely in its original packaging and include all accessories and documentation, making sure the order number is clearly visible on the box. We will not accept items that have been modified or used in any way. You are responsible for the cost of return shipping, unless the item is damaged or faulty.
Email: admin@gutzbusta.com.au
Postal Address:
GutzBusta Hay Nets
Unit 7 / 1-13 Childs Road
Chipping Norton NSW 2170
Change of Mind
We accept returns for change of mind within 30 days of purchase. These can included swapping or exchanging item(s) for different sizes. The item(s) must be unused, in their original packaging, and in the same condition as when you received them.
We will issue a refund for the purchase price of the item(s) once we receive the item(s), excluding any shipping costs. While this process is under way, it is better to re-order with the correct item(s) to ensure your exchanged item(s) are delivered to you in a timely manner.
Incorrect Items Received
If you received the incorrect item(s), please contact us immediately. We will cover the cost of shipping the incorrect item(s) back to us. We will issue a replacement as soon as possible to you at no extra cost.
Damaged or Faulty Returns
If you receive damaged or faulty item(s), please contact us immediately. We will require photographic evidence of the damage or fault before we can process a return. We will cover the cost of shipping the item(s) back to us, and we will issue a replacement or full refund as soon as possible.
Damaged in Use
If your horse is using our nets and the net becomes damaged during use, please contact us immediately. We will require photographic evidence of the damage as well as the order number. Depending on the situation, we may offer a repair kit or exchange, subject to our discretion. Please note that general wear and tear, or damage caused by misuse may not be covered under our returns and refund policy.
Refunds
Once we receive your returned item(s), we will inspect it to ensure that they are in resalable condition. If the item(s) are in resalable condition, we will issue a refund to the original payment method within 7 business days. Please note that it may take up to 10 business days for the refund to appear on your account, depending on your bank or credit card company.
Thank you for shopping with us. If you have any questions or concerns about our Returns and Refund Policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.