Corner hay manger problems (stables online)

[ginatina]

Has anyone else had this problem...

We recently installed some gorgeous new internal stables from Stables online, they are fab. We chose to have the tall corner hay feeders - the ones where you throw the hay in from outside (example pic here: https://www.stablesonline.co.uk/wp-content/themes/twentysixteen/images/extras/55.jpg )

The problem is that recently we've had hay bales with fairly short strands (where the hay grass must have been quite short when it was cut) It's lovely hay, but the slices don't hold together well like regular long-cut hay. When we put this hay in the feeders, it settles in to a big lump, and it is very difficult for the horses to pull it through the bars, almost impossible in fact. More than once i've found hungry horses with full feeders in the morning, unable to pull the hay out!

It's impossible to know how often we might get bales with short strands like this in future, so I need to remedy the problem! I love the principle of these feeders - they avoid the saftey issues of haynets, and are safe to top up from outside the stable.

Has anyone else ever had this problem, and did you manage to resolve it?

I haven't asked Stables Online for help yet, but will do soon. Thanks for your help!

 

[rabatsa]

Just use nets when you have a short fibre bale of hay.

 

[katastrophykat]

If they’re the same as in the link, the base plate needs to go all the way to the edge of the feeder- if you Google the Stubbs munch stations- it needs to be more like that- more angled and right to the edge of the feeder. I’d say there’s a design flaw there ? and yes- I use the munch stations with all types of hay for all of mine.

 

[Red-1]

If the strands are not much longer that the width of the bars, then even an angled piece at the bottom won't help.

TBH, it sounds like the hay simply isn't compatible with a bar the feeder. I would use nets until you get more 'normal' hay.

 

[TheMule]

I hate these metal feeders- not good for the metal to be bashing against the teeth every bite and frustratingly difficult for the horses to get a proper mouthfu. The few yards I've been on which have them have converted them into storage for rugs etc and then fed hay within the stable either loose or from nets

 

[ginatina]

thanks everyone - i'm thinking we might have to switch to an alternative as many of who have suggested. thanks for all your suggestions