Free Feeding with slow feeders
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 7:15 pm
I am very intrigued with the idea of free feeding with slow feed hay nets. I think that allowing horses to simulate grazing all day is fantastic. I am not exactly sure how they work. I have done some research, but could do more. A friend recommended the Orange Slow Feeder hay nets and or the Porta-Grazer. I was thinking I could get the west coast hay bale net, which encloses a whole bale. The OrangeSlow Feeder has 1 and 3/4 inch mesh. I read an article that says that is too big, and that mesh should be about 1 and 1/4.
I will be boarding two Arabian horses starting November 1st. I want to get the slow feeders in place before then. I need a set up for 2 ponies, and my 4 yr old TB. The ponies live together, but TB is separate. The Arabs will be living in a large corral together. I would love some feed back on the best way to slow feed. Brands of slow feeders you prefer, etc..I read an article that showed tooth damage from using metal mesh, so I don't want to use metal, but the same article showed damage done to gums with hay nets.
The Arabians that are coming have been "free fed". They have just had hay (Bermuda) put in front of them constantly. One is horribly overweight. The owner likes to come at 7:00 am to ride. I don't usually feed until 7:00/7:30. I don't like the idea of the horses going without food before she takes them out to ride. I am thinking if I have slow feeders, this won't be a problem. I will be feeding orchard grass and it is almost twice the cost of bermuda here in southern ca. I don't want to overfeed or underfeed, and I want to make feeding easier.
Please advise!
I will be boarding two Arabian horses starting November 1st. I want to get the slow feeders in place before then. I need a set up for 2 ponies, and my 4 yr old TB. The ponies live together, but TB is separate. The Arabs will be living in a large corral together. I would love some feed back on the best way to slow feed. Brands of slow feeders you prefer, etc..I read an article that showed tooth damage from using metal mesh, so I don't want to use metal, but the same article showed damage done to gums with hay nets.
The Arabians that are coming have been "free fed". They have just had hay (Bermuda) put in front of them constantly. One is horribly overweight. The owner likes to come at 7:00 am to ride. I don't usually feed until 7:00/7:30. I don't like the idea of the horses going without food before she takes them out to ride. I am thinking if I have slow feeders, this won't be a problem. I will be feeding orchard grass and it is almost twice the cost of bermuda here in southern ca. I don't want to overfeed or underfeed, and I want to make feeding easier.
Please advise!