The Pros and Cons of Hay Nets
What are the pros and cons of hay nets? Should you use one? In this 3rd post in our hay net series, we look at the advantages, and disadvantages, of using them.
For more information about the types of hay nets available, check our second post.
Pros and Cons of Hay Nets – The Pros
Some of the advantages of using horse hay nets include
Controlled feeding and weight control
Hay nets allow you to restrict hay intake according to the horse’s individual requirements. Fat horses, and most ponies, benefit from slow feeder nets that restrict intake and extend the length of time it takes them to consume the contents so you feed less.
Simulates natural grazing
Horses need the buffer of constant food in their stomach to help protect the lining from gastric acids and prevents things like equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). By slowing feeding rate, hay nets help provide that protective buffer by significantly extending eating time.
Prevent boredom
Stabled and yarded horses only fed twice a day can inadvertently go long periods without eating. This is a recipe for health issues like gastric ulcers and ESGD as well as behavioural problems (cribbing, wind sucking, weaving) brought on by stress and boredom. Providing their hay in nets, particularly slow feeder nets, extends the length of time it takes them to eat it. This reduces time spent not eating, and more closely mimics natural feeding patterns.
Reduce spoilage and wastage
If you’ve ever seen the mess horses make when given unrestricted access to a roll or bale of hay, you’ll understand this pro only too well!
Horses are selective grazers by nature. Given the opportunity, they will rummage through hay to find the ‘best bits’. The rest is spread out, trodden on, and pooped and peed all over! Horse hay nets prevent this.
Reduce the risk of eating sand and dirt
Hanging hay nets keep hay off the ground so the horse isn’t picking through sand and dirt, or mud, when eating the hay. This is important for preventing potentially fatal health problems like sand colic.
Are ideal for travelling
Hanging a hay net in the float when you’re travelling, or at a show, keeps your horse occupied and, if competing, provides the energy required for competition.
Pros and Cons of Hay Nets – The Cons
Convenient though hay nets are, they do have some disadvantages. Some are the result of how the hay net is used rather than an issue with the hay net itself. For example, studies indicate that the type of hay net influences the height at which it should be tied… Therefore, if tied correctly, cons don’t result!
Musculoskeletal issues
Studies like this one suggest that when horses have to pull hay from small hole hay nets, especially when hung in the wrong position, the pulling forces involved can strain their back and neck.
The following information comes from the mentioned study. Note however that the hay nets used in the study were small-hole ones.
- Hay hung in double or layered hay nets compared to a single net generated higher pull forces;
- The horses pulled harder when the hay net hung at a lower position. In the low position, the hay net was about an inch above the withers; in the high position, it was a foot above the withers (closer to face level); and
- Pull forces differed depending on whether hay or haylage (with a higher moisture content) was offered. Horses pulled harder with haylage.
Respiratory problems
Horse are grazers. They evolved to eat from the ground. Most horses can also cope with eating positions from wither height down. Any higher than that though i.e. hanging a hay net too high, and it can impact drainage from nasal passages, which in turn can lead to potentially serious respiratory issues.
Dental problems
Horse dentists report that, over long periods, incorrect head and jaw positioning caused by badly positioned hay nets and feed bins can result in significant unnatural wear, and also damage, to their teeth. This in turn impacts how they chew and break down food, and subsequently how well they then digest it.
As mentioned previously, hay nets can snag on teeth, notably loose baby teeth, or on loose, decaying, or isolated teeth in horses that have age-related dental disease.
Choke and digestive hazard
Horses prone to chewing things, like hay nets, probably shouldn’t be allowed near them! They could ingest enough of one to either choke, or cause a major intestinal blockage!
Don’t completely mimic natural feeding
Although horse hay nets do provide some benefits in this regard, like a slower, more natural feeding rate, horses also receive a diverse range of sensory experiences when foraging that hay nets can’t replicate.
Frustration and anxiety
Small hole hay nets can lead to stress and frustration if the horse can’t pull enough hay out either because the hay is too stalky and bulky for the hole sizes, or the net swings and moves around so they can’t get enough purchase to extract the hay, or they have dental issues that make it hard for them. This impacts their welfare, and can cause behavioural issues as well.
Hoof entanglement
Horses may get hooves caught in hay nets tied too low. So – always ensure you tie it high enough to be out of harm’s reach. But – not so high it creates more issues in other parts of their body!
Your FAQs About The Pros and Cons of Hay Nets Answered
Can hay nets be used for horses with dental issues?
It depends on the horse, the type of dental issues it has, and whether or not it can comfortably extract enough hay from the net to meet its requirements. A horse with EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis), a disease that affects the incisors (front teeth), probably won’t be able to use a hay net, or at least not one with small holes. One that has issues with molars or gums should be able to use a hay net but again, may have trouble with a slow-feeder net.
Can hay nets be used outdoors?
Yes, many hay nets are made for indoor AND outdoor use. Look for UV-resistant materials to ensure durability in various weather conditions. However, don’t leave the net hanging outside when it’s in use because it will deteriorate.
Should I use a hay net on a roll if I feed it out?
Yes you should unless you want a mess.
Important note – NEVER EVER leave the wrap on a hay roll if livestock have access to it…. They can ingest pieces of it with potentially (often) FATAL results.
Final Thoughts – The Pros and Cons of Hay Nets
Weighing the pros and cons of hay nets involves careful consideration of your horse’s individual needs and circumstances. While hay nets certainly offer many advantages, potential drawbacks such as musculoskeletal issues and dental problems shouldn’t be overlooked. Understanding these factors and implementing safe usage practices to counteract the drawbacks will allow you to make an informed decision about whether hay nets will suit you and your horse.
