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As grazers, foraging plays a vital role in the well-being of horses. Forage and water is the basis of the horses’ diet, providing the adequate amount of energy as well as prolonged satisfaction. Since domestication, hay has been a substitute for grazing, providing essential nutrients and fostering natural foraging behaviours. Therefore, selecting the right way to provide hay is key not only to improve your horses’ health, but also to cut back on your losses. In this post, we are going to explore various hay feeder options for both interior and exterior settings, delving into their features, advantages, and considerations.
Hay Feeders for Interior Stables
Giving the hay in the floor
Usually, the hay is put in the entrance of the box, away from any droppings to prevent contamination.
Advantages:
Giving the hay on the floor encourages natural head-down feeding posture and reduces dust inhalation.
Disadvantages:
Some horses are slow eaters and tend to step on the hay, which leads to wasting. Also, when hay is given on the floor some horses might be more inclined to eat their beddings.
Wall-Mounted Hay Racks:
There are several models to choose from. There are even some slow-feeding options.
Advantages:
Space-efficient, minimizes hay contamination and decreases waste.
Disadvantages:
Doesn’t allow for natural feeding position, has potential for messy feeding habits, limited to a fixed location and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Hanging Hay Bags and Nets:
There are several models you can choose from and you can adjust the size of the holes to your preference, since smaller holes promote slower feeding.
Advantages:
Promotes slower feeding, reduces hay wastage, keeps horses entertained longer, reduces wastage.
Disadvantages:
Requires frequent refilling, may pose entanglement risk if not properly secured.
Hay toys:
There are also some balls and toys that you can fill with hay.
Advantages:
Keeps the horses entertained.
Disadvantages:
They are not big enough to fill daily rations, they are more like a distraction, and some horses don’t interact with it.
Hay Barrels
These are just barrels that have holes in them and you fill them with hay. You can buy them or build them yourself.
Advantages:
Another form of slow feeding, keeps horses entertained, reduces wastage.
Disadvantages:
Horses are always eating with their head twisted, which is not very good. Also, there are always areas that are inaccessible for the horse, requires frequent cleaning.
Automatic feeders
These feeders are programmed to drop hay in specific times. There are several models you can choose from, but the most common ones are like cabinets you hang on the wall with three racks that will release the hay in the programmed times.
Advantages:
You only need to fill it up once a day, you can use them for controlling your horse’s feeding when they have weight problems, restricted diets or high energy hays that you need to dose OR you can also use them for supplementing horses with specific foods, which can be very useful for athletes.
Disadvantages:
Doesn’t allow for indiscriminate access to hay, needs frequent cleaning, takes up space in the box, some horses are not used to it and get frightened.
Hay Feeders for Exterior Paddocks
Giving the hay in the floor
If you are going to place the hay on the floor in the exterior, the best way is to place the hay in a higher part of the paddock, so it is less probable to get mud.
Advantages:
Giving the hay on the floor encourages natural head-down feeding posture and reduces dust inhalation. Hay feeder can be expensive and require maintenance, so you don’t have that investment.
Disadvantages:
Horses tend to step on the hay and even lay down in it, which leads to wasting. Also, when hay is given on the floor there is significantly more risk of contamination.
Ground Hay Feeders
Advantages:
Mimics natural grazing, reduces dust inhalation.
Disadvantages:
Susceptible to mud and contamination, may not be suitable for all weather conditions. Need regular cleaning.
Covered Bale Feeders
Advantages:
Protects hay from weather elements, minimizes wastage. Last a long time in good conditions.
Disadvantages:
Initial cost may be higher, requires occasional cleaning and maintenance.
Slow-Feeding Hay Nets and Boxes
Advantages:
Prolongs feeding time, aids digestion, reduces hay consumption.
Disadvantages:
Requires monitoring to prevent entanglement, may not be suitable for all horses.
In the tapestry of equine care, hay feeders weave a crucial thread, influencing not just nutrition but also the overall well-being of our beloved horses. Whether within the confines of a stable or under the open sky of a paddock, choosing the right hay feeder involves a thoughtful consideration of your horse's needs and the surrounding environment. Embrace the diversity of hay feeders, each catering to unique preferences and conditions. Optimize your equine companion's feeding experience, and witness the harmony between horse and hay flourish. Selecting the perfect hay feeder is more than a choice; it's a commitment to fostering a healthier, happier equine lifestyle.
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