Balemate v. sheep ring feeder?

[soloequestrian]

I've used a sheep ring feeder for big haylage bales for many years. I need to replace the current one and I'm wondering if I just get the same again or if I go for a balemate. The balemate is about twice the price but easier to handle and probably has less potential to injure (although that has never been a problem so far). Any views or reviews?

 

[Britestar]

Haven't used one personally, but everyone I know who has one is delighted with it.

They are made locally, so lots of folks around here have them.

I've been very tempted, as I have an oversized cattle ring for my lot.

 

[soloequestrian]

Thanks - do you know what features they particularly like?

 

[foxy1]

Have you looked at a haybell? I'm tempted as it also keeps rain off the bale

 

[Britestar]

Thanks - do you know what features they particularly like?

Lite and easy to move

 

[rabatsa]

Mine can push a sheep ring a fair distance when it is getting low, I would be concerned that if the balemate is too light they might manage to remove it altogether.

 

[soloequestrian]

They've never moved the sheep ring but that is one of the things I wonder about the balemate - it's very light. Although for a horse perhaps there is negligible difference between the two - I think they could move the sheep ring if they tried!
I don't like the design of the haybells - that they have to put their heads inside. I worry about bullying. I know there are plenty of reports that they work fine but I'd rather stick with the system I know.

 

[P.forpony]

I've used a Durabale from farm and stable and really rate them for being light and easy to use but pretty tough and no injuries despite being thoroughly tested by the resident walking vet bill TB
I quite often take one of the sections out to make a smaller feeder that fits small bales nicely too.

Not a fan of the haybells, they can't see someone coming up to bully them and although they keep the rain off it keeps any dust in. So they're stood with their heads inside breathing whatever they stir up out of the bale.

 

[soloequestrian]

Durable looks nice, thanks, but I often use a net that I clip to the feeder - I don't have any way of fitting a net over a bale so can't use those great big ones! The net is held on by bungees that weave through the bars of the feeder so it sinks as they eat the haylage so I need a feeder with uprights to weave through.

 

[AE94]

Used the Durabale by Haygain - works really well and can use a trickle net over it too