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Discussion: slow feeders in pasture
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crowleysridgegirl |
slow feeders in pasture
Jan 25 2012, 6:48 AM EST
Most of these featured seem impractical to be left out year-round in a pasture.We have 4 horses out the majority of the time in pasture,and,the nets on the ground would definately be a no no.So,are any designed for year-round outdoor use that are NOT wood?
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SquareOneFarm |
1. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Mar 26 2012, 1:57 AM EDT
I'm no expert, but I would think the Small Mesh Hay Nets would be fine. That's what I'm getting ready to do, but my horses are all barefoot. I agree that nets on the ground wouldn't work for shod horses.
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Equemily |
2. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Mar 27 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
| Post edited: Mar 27 2012, 12:05 PM EDT
The feeders I made last year have been holding up well in 24/7 weather, and the only wood I used were the posts which hold the barrels up.They're 55 gallon plastic barrels with hinged lids. I had to make "caps" to go on them to keep rainwater out, which I haven't posted any pictures of. The caps are just a pieces of a waterproof tarp cut into circles and screwed onto the tops of the barrels. The downside to them is if rain gets on the hay that's in the net at the bottom (due to sideways rain), the horses tend to not eat it and we have to remove that hay (not easy considering the only way out is through the top or pulled through the little holes of the net). So we have been filling the barrels with less hay than usual when we know it's going to rain. That way the hay gets almost all eaten, and if some gets a little wet, it's easy to pull that small bit out and then refill with fresh. The other downside is that they are basically permanent - I haven't figured out a way to easily move the barrel feeders around, so when it's wet there is a fair amount of mud at each one. Still pondering a solution to that. Some would also say that they don't like the fact that the horses are stationary while eating from these, but a) some of our horses wear front shoes, so low-hanging SMHNs aren't a good idea, b) we have a LOT of wind up here (top of a hill with no windbreak) so the hay has to be contained somehow, and c) drawstring/sack-style haynets take three to four times longer to refill than the hay barrels, and when you have 8 hay stations, there aren't a lot of other options that make sense - at least none that I've discovered! My few cents... Emily Do you find this valuable? |
SpottedTApps |
3. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Mar 28 2012, 12:13 PM EDT
Mine are out 24/7 and they are wood. Yes, there is some wear to them, as to be expected. The first 2 I built 4 years ago are still in use although the lids have rotten/fallen off. The 3rd I built is similar but with a few mods. It is a year old and holding up better. The first 2 were to be prototypes and they were made with untreated wood that was stained after building. The 3rd was made with treated plywood and I anticipate it to last 5+ years with no problem. If you go to the Florida page of the tracks by location you will see my feeders. I love them. I'm contemplating building a new one using the plastic decking type material that looks and acts like lumber but is plastic. Do you find this valuable? |
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SpottedTApps |
4. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Mar 28 2012, 12:28 PM EDT
I added new pictures of the newer of my feeders in the photo album for this website.
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Healthezhay |
5. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Jul 31 2012, 1:57 PM EDT
The Health EZ Hay Feeder is made with durable, FDA approved plastic and shelters the hay from the elements year round. It can be hung from fences, trees and posts alike - I hope you find this link helpful: www.healthezhayfeeder.com
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Badger/ |
6. RE: slow feeders in pasture
Aug 6 2012, 12:14 PM EDT
| Post edited: Aug 6 2012, 12:16 PM EDT
The Equine Hay Baskets with hockey netting added are great out in pastures and are not made of wood. They are durable, safe for the horses, easy for one person to move if you want to relocate them, ventilated and drain well. I put photos and how-to up here:http://paddockparadise.wetpaint.com/page/Slow+Feed+Hay+Basket Do you find this valuable? |
