You will soon find more tips here about:
- Which hay net or slow feeder best suits my situation?
- Creative tips for hanging a slow feeder
- more ideas or questions? Let us know!
How do I wash a slow feeder?
Wash a slow feeder regularly, especially for horses with respiratory problems. Dust can accumulate in the weave of the net and in combination with moisture (saliva or drinking water) can become moldy. Washing can be done on a mild program at 30 degrees with little (or no) mild detergent. Use the 'extra rinse' function for an extra clean and residue-free result.
How long does a Paardeerlijk slow feeder or hay net last?
Slowfeeders are subject to heavy loads during the day. These slowfeeders are extra wear-resistant and resistant to rough eating and heavy pulling, however this net is not resistant to prolonged chewing on the net itself. Despite the high quality, this net will also show signs of wear over time.
How long the net actually lasts depends on many factors;
- The net model (experience shows that a hay net in a bag with a cord often lasts extra long because the net turns a lot during eating and is therefore loaded in a different place each time),
- Eating behavior of the horse,
- Method of presenting the roughage in the net (as a fixed bale, or the bale made somewhat looser),
- The type of roughage,
- Situation of roughage provision (unlimited versus portion-based),
- The location where the net is installed (without cover in a humid environment or covered, moisture causes faster wear).
** Due to the hard compact pressing of hay blocks and the associated eating behaviour, the net is more subject to wear and tear.
For the frames and loose nets we recommend turning them regularly. This will allow you to enjoy your net for longer.
Eating in a healthy way
Horses can develop a preferred posture, which means that the head and neck area are constantly being stressed in the same place. The chance of this happening is greatest when using a net in the stable. It is therefore advisable to regularly turn slow feeder and flap-over nets and change their height or place so that neither the horse nor the net is constantly being stressed in the same place. Do not give large quantities of roughage too high and if necessary support a net that moves too much and makes it difficult for the horse to eat. If your horse is familiar with head/neck complaints, preferably choose a larger mesh.
Passive Physio®
Small hay nets with a larger mesh opening (4.5 and 6 cm) can be used effectively for Passive Physio®. These are variable feeding positions that challenge a horse to use and train its body correctly while eating. With this method, you imitate the search and reaching for food as the horse would experience it in nature. Of course, there are a few guidelines for applying Passive Physio® within which you can offer the food in a safe manner. Do you want to know how to apply this correctly? Then download the free e-book from our partner Femke Dölle | Browsing Paddock. In collaboration with Femke we have developed various hay nets that can be used for Passive Physio®. Femke is Official Ambassador Passive Physio® and has a solid knowledge of anatomy and biochemistry. Her wish was a hay net with larger meshes, which ensures less physical strain and less frustration for the horse.
