Do-It-Yourself Slow Feeder Netting

A slow feeder net reduces the speed with which a horse consumes its hay. Boredom can cause a number of health issues in horses, including ulcers, weight gain, bickering and wood chewing. Slow feeders allow the horse to eat smaller, more frequent meals, which is healthier because it results in increased salivation and chewing time. The small diamond-shaped openings, which are typically between 1 ½ inches and 2 inches square, minimize waste. You can make your DIY slow feeder net as large as you choose, and secure it to the stable or barn wall with soft nylon cord.

Things You'll Need

  • Large vinyl bag, up to 4 foot tall
  • Sharp scissors
  • Nylon strap grid, with 1½-inch-square spaces
  • Leather needle
  • Upholstery thread
  • High quality hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a large vinyl bag from an outdoor camping store. The advantage of using a vinyl bag is that you will have solid material at the top section of the bag. Offering the horses the option to feed only from the bottom 2 feet of the bag allows the animals to hold its head and neck in a more natural position while feeding.

    • 2

      Lay the bag on a clean work surface and, using a sharp pair of scissors, cut out a section on the lower half, on the side facing you. Ensure that the cut-out section is at least 2 feet high and the breadth of the one side of the vinyl bag.

    • 3

      Use the pair of sharp scissors to cut a piece of nylon strap grid, slightly larger than the hole in your vinyl bag. Ensure that the grid has small, 1½-inch-square spaces.

    • 4

      Use a leather needle and upholstery thread to sew the nylon strap grid onto the vinyl bag. Ensure that the grid is secure and will not easily be pulled loose.

    • 5

      Sew one end of a soft, but durable nylon cord onto the back side of the vinyl bag. Tie a loop in the cord, which will be used to secure your bag against the stable or barn wall.

    • 6

      Loosen the cord which pulls the mouth of the vinyl bag closed at its top end and fill the bag with high quality hay. Pull the cord tight and tie it off.

    • 7

      Hang the bag at the shoulder height of the horse. Horses can sprain or break a leg if it becomes caught in a slow feeder, so these nets should never be placed so low that a horse can accidentally place its foot into the webbing.