Choosing A Mesh Size
When choosing a mesh size for your horse's slow feed hay net or bag, it is prudent to err on the side of caution. Smaller mesh sizes do not necessarily equate to your equine eating slower - they may not be able to eat at all or may get frustrated. Frustration defeats the purpose and elevates stress/cortisol levels.
Please consider that horses fed meals are typically anxious when fed and tend to be far less patient with slow feeders. If possible, consider slow fed free-choice forage. Free choice straight grass hay is optimum for slow feeding.
We don't recommend ordering smaller mesh sizes (1" or 3/4") unless the individual has used a larger mesh size and exhibits no signs of frustration. At that point, choose the next size smaller. Just a 1/4" makes a significant difference. We are dedicated to offering a variety of mesh sizes for very adept and not so adept individuals! Please call or email us with any questions once you've reviewed the information below.
Mesh Size Guide - Suggestions for Making the Best Choice
The following information is derived from our own - and customers' experience and feedback - results can vary!
The Hay Pillow Slow Feeder Hay Bags are available in 3/4", 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/4" mesh sizes.
The Slow Feed Hay and Bale Nets are available in 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/4".
The Manger Hay Pillow Horse Trailer Manger Bags are available in 4" X 6" and 1 3/4" X 1 3/4" mesh sizes.
The Slow Feed Hay and Bale Nets are available in 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/4".
The Manger Hay Pillow Horse Trailer Manger Bags are available in 4" X 6" and 1 3/4" X 1 3/4" mesh sizes.
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The 1 3/4" is our most popular mesh size (60% of our sales). It will feed slower than loose hay and slows some down significantly. It is a great choice for introducing a slow feeder, minimizing wasted hay or for an anxious meal fed horse.
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1 3/4" Mesh Size
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The 1 1/4" is our 2nd most popular mesh size (30% of our sales). It slows most down considerably but can be too challenging for some. Great choice to introduce miniature horses to slow feeding or offer in addition to the 1 3/4" as a possible always have hay source.
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1 1/4" Mesh Size
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The 1" is our 3rd most popular mesh size (9% of our sales) and requires a patient, adept individual. A great choice to offer in addition to the 1 1/4" if there are no signs of frustration.
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1" Mesh Size
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The 3/4" mesh size is our 4th most popular mesh size (1% of our sales) and requires an extremely adept and patient individual.
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3/4" Mesh Size
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Note: The 3/4" mesh size is made with smaller/thinner twine. The looms that make the netting cannot do so with the larger/thicker twine used for our 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/4" mesh sizes.
Check out our Slow Feeder Comparison Chart to learn more about our Hay Pillow® and Slow Feed Hay Net options.
Visit our blog for helpful how to resources for happier healthier horses and lots of slow feeding tips and tricks.
Check out our Slow Feeder Comparison Chart to learn more about our Hay Pillow® and Slow Feed Hay Net options.
Visit our blog for helpful how to resources for happier healthier horses and lots of slow feeding tips and tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mesh Size
What mesh size should I order for the Standard or Hanging Hay Pillow® and Slow Feed Hay Nets?
The 1 ¼” and 1 ¾” are the most popular mesh sizes; ¼” makes a significant difference in rate of consumption. If you have never used a slow feeder we suggest the 1 ¾”. Smaller mesh sizes do not necessarily equate to your equine eating slower - they may not be able to eat at all. Depending on your equine's personality and experience with slow feeders, there is no “one size fits all equines” mesh size. Horses fed meals are typically anxious when fed and tend to be far less patient with slow feeders.
What mesh size should I order for the Mini Hay Pillow®?
The 1 ¼” is the most popular mesh size and a great choice to introduce the Hay Pillow®. Smaller mesh sizes do not necessarily equate to your equine eating slower - they may not be able to eat at all.
What mesh size do you recommend for the Horse Trailer Manger Hay Pillow®?
- 4" x 6" - If you load your bags with alfalfa - or - if your horse is not accustomed to a slow feed hay net with a 1 3/4" or smaller mesh size.
- 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" - If your horse is accustomed to slow feeding hay bags or nets with a 1 3/4" mesh size or smaller - and - you load your bags with grass hay.
Why do you offer so many mesh sizes?
¼” makes a significant difference in rate of consumption and can also determine whether your horse can or can't extract hay! Hay Pillow Inc. offers mesh sizes to accommodate very adept equines and those not so adept or patient. The most anxious eaters tend to be meal fed and/or metabolically challenged horses. If slow feeding is introduced thoughtfully, the vast majority of horses adapt quickly. Find tips & techniques to ease the transition & avoid frustration.
Can I use more than one mesh size?
Absolutely! To ensure your horse always has hay available you may want to feed some hay in a larger mesh and some in a smaller mesh size as an always have hay source. Using multiple bags encourages movement.
What variables should I consider?
- Type of hay, palatability, coarseness and length of stem
- Patience level
- Technique - ability
- Meals or free-choice
- Metabolic challenges
- Experience with slow feeders
Important! Patience level trumps ability - An individual may have the ability to extract hay from a particular mesh size, but not the patience level. In this situation, a combination of mesh sizes can be a huge advantage! Once your horse eats some hay from a larger mesh size they may be more relaxed and patient with the next size down (in the same feeding period).
What if I have two or more horses in the same enclosure?
When offering slow fed forage to 2 or more individuals in the same enclosure, please choose a mesh size to accommodate the least adept or patient individual and supply at least one slow feed hay bag or net per individual. Ideally, it is best to offer one additional bag (if two horses, offer three bags for them to move among).
Is it possible to order a mesh size too small?
Yes. Smaller mesh sizes do not necessarily equate to your equine eating slower - they may not be able to eat at all or get frustrated and destructive. Depending on your equine's personality and experience with slow feeders, there is no “one size fits all equines” mesh size.
Is it possible to slow feed chopped forage?
Yes, to some degree. Chopped forage is more challenging in regards to choosing an appropriate mesh size due to the short length compared to grass hay. If a mesh size is too large, it tends to fall out. Too small and they won't be able to extract it and cause frustration. To avoid potential waste: use a day net and clip it in a tub. Photos and instructions can be viewed here, scroll down to Attach Swivel Clips in a Tub or Water Trough to Secure Your Day or Bale Net.
What about soaked hay?
Soaked hay typically requires larger mesh sizes than dry hay because the ends don't protrude up through the netting like dry hay. Regardless of the mesh size or slow feed device, it tends to come out in bunches since it sticks to itself. Learn how to test your hay and avoid soaking if the results of NSC's are 10% or less.
Should shod livestock use any netting device on the ground?
No. Due to the dangers involved in using any mesh material that can potentially get caught on a horseshoe it is not recommended. See our Slow Feed Solutions By Enclosure Type & Weather Conditions to learn more about appropriate choices for shod livestock.
Questions?
Contact an expert by email or call 888-489-0022.
To learn more about happier healthier horses, see our how-to resources:
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