Methods of feeding hay

H

Holding

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So I'm currently planning for winter (little ahead of myself, I know) and I am trying to decide how I want to feed haylage in the stable. I don't want to use a haynet as I like to feed from the ground, but if I put it on the floor it will be wasted - are there any alternatives? Last time I used a hay bar he just pulled it all out and wasted it anyway - does anyone use hay bars with a haynet inside to get the best of both worlds? Or is there a better idea? Preferably something I can buy, as my DIY skills are non-existent!
 
A while back I had something awesome done. It was basically a box where you could put a whole small bale in (horizontally). It had bars at the top and springs at the bottom. Hay wastage was very low, and I was relaxed knowing the horse always had hay (I feel haynets are a risk for ulcer-prone horses as one night there might be leftovers and the next the horse could be a few hours with nothing to eat). Plus the horse had to lower her head to eat, which is the best part!
 
If he isnt eating all of it possibly you are giving him too much, feedng him on the floor around the box is good because it encourages foraging even though horse is in the box, if he shits on it, tough thats not going to be eaten and it is wasted.

Tie the haynet to a big heavy brick at the bottom of the haybar.
 
I have a haybox to soak the hay and feed it from for the fatty boy and a friend made a huge wooden box with a metal grill that sits on top and squashes the hay down for the skinny horse. They are only in for a few hours a day so not sure if haybox will hold a nights supply but they both seem to be eating tidyily from their respsctive feeder, and far less agreesively. They just put their heads down an munch - no thrashing a haynet around
 
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