Knotless Hay Nets - 4'x4' Round Bale
New to the GutzBusta® product range are the Knotless GutzBusta® Hay Nets.
This new super soft netting is made from 5mm thick and high strength PP (polypropylene) and comes in a strong 240ply, the strongest on the Australian market!
Like our regular knotted nets, the knotless hay nets are available in Small, Medium, Large as well as in Round Bales and Large Square Bales. This means the new nets are still super easy to fill due to nice wide-open mouths.
Not sure what size to purchase?
Did you know that you can always buy a bigger net and convert it down to the smaller-sized bale if needed? However, if for example you are only ever going to get 4x4 round bales, then there is no use buying a larger hay net.
Do you know how to measure a round bale of hay to decide what sized round bale you need?
Not sure how to put your hay net onto a round bale?
We have extensive information on this on our Blog page which includes a video link. For a super detailed version on how to put a hay net on your round bale with lots of options on what to do with the drawstring,
we have changed over to black nets again for our knotless range, with only a few white ones left.
Both the knotless and knotted hay nets are made from our very own GutzBusta® sizes that we have developed over the years with feedback from our customers.
They are superior in size, strength, and useability. Having a super wide mouth that makes them easy to fill is one of the greatest attributes of our nets.
It’s also important to note that you cannot compare the knotted nets to the knotless ones in terms of ply as they are made of entirely different materials. Ply refers to how many individual strands are in each section of the netting. The strength is in how strong those individual strands are, how tight they are, and what material they are made from. So you are comparing apples to oranges if you are comparing knotless to knotted in terms of ply.
Are you after some flexibility in sizing? Sometimes, especially in drought situations we simply don't know where our hay is coming from next. If you want a hay net that is flexible to all round bale sizes, then perhaps consider purchasing a 6x4 round bale hay net. I personally use this size, even on 4x4 round bales. For simple instructions on how to convert a 6x4 hay net onto a smaller-sized round bale,
Sometimes it might be round bales, and sometimes a Large Square 8x4x3 or 8x3x3 bale of hay is all that you can get, such as in a drought. In these times, our most flexible hay net is basically a 'one size fits all' is the Large Square Export (8x4x4 / 8x3x4) net, as it will fit both the round bales and the large square bales. The Large Square Bales are available in both knotted and knotless. This is how easy it is to adjust the hay net down a size.
Round Bales:
- Dimensions:
- 3x4: 1.1m diameter x H of 1.7m
- 4x4: 2.25m x 2.6m
- 5x4: 2.25 x 2.6m
- 6x4: 2m diameter x H of 2.1m
- Hole size:
- 3x4 - 3cm, 4cm and 6cm
- 4x4 - 2cm, 3cm, 4cm and 6cm
- 5x4 - 3cm, 4cm and 6cm
- 6x4 - 3cm, 4cm and 6cm
- Colour: Black only
Please note that to order a 2cm - 4x4, hay net, you have to click on 4x4 to enable the 2cm option to be visible.
Why use GutzBusta® Slow Feed Hay Nets?
All GutzBusta Hay Nets including the Round Bale Hay Nets decrease wastage by up to 46%. In our situation, a 4x4 round bale of pasture hay can last 3 to 4 horses for 7 to 15 days with a 4cm net, depending on how cold the weather is. This rate was for Winter, however, in Summer, we found that a 4x4 lasted these horses nearly 3 months due to being low sugar/palatability.
Our products are designed with large drawstrings to secure the hay net around your round bale. It’s easier to put on compared to other hay nets available in the market.
We’ve been making and selling hay nets for over 10 years (since 2011) and we know how the netting behaves over time. This is why we developed a size and pattern that works to enable these nets to last longer.
For more information and photos about our hay nets, please visit our livestock page and our FAQ & Help page.
Caution:
It is not recommended to leave buckled halters or other types of buckled headgear on your horse when using ANY type of hay net as your horse may get caught. If your horse is shod then simply tie your net up a little higher. You can also put your net inside a box or other device that stops their feet from coming into contact with their hay net.
Similarly, do not let horned animals such as sheep or goats, and cattle with ear tags eat from the hay nets as they may tear the netting, get entangled, or remove the ear tags.
FAQ
FAQs
Which Hole Size should I choose?
When choosing a hay net hole size, several factors should be considered. Here is a summary of the key points for each hole size mentioned:
20mm Sized Holes:
- Suitable for "expert level" ponies that can eat from 30mm hay nets at impressive speeds.
- Recommended for horses or ponies that have mastered eating from a 30mm hay net.
- Ideal for feeding Lucerne to greedy horses or ponies.
30mm Sized Holes:
- Great for voracious eaters, such as ponies, minis, and horses familiar with slow feed hay nets.
- Laminitic horses usually benefit from 30mm sized hay nets.
- Relieves boredom for stabled horses or as a backup net for when the first hay net empties.
- Recommended for gutzy horses, ponies, or livestock, especially with palatable hay or slow feed experience.
- Not commonly used for goats, cows, or sheep, but some may use it with palatable hay.
40mm Sized Holes:
- The most popular hole size for slow feeding, accepted by over 90% of horses.
- Suitable for slightly stalky hay, providing hay-saving benefits and increasing hay longevity.
60mm Sized Holes:
- Ideal for saving on hay without significant restriction.
- Commonly used with low-sugar or coarse and stalky hay, great for older horses and cattle.
- Suitable for pregnant broodmares or younger horses where slow feeding is unnecessary.
- Caution: Ensure hoof size is larger than netting size for horse safety.
General Considerations:
- GutzBusta 40mm holes are a good starting point, with flexibility to go up or down in size.
- Weather and hay type can influence the suitable hole size.
- Palatability determines the hole size, with more palatable hay allowing for smaller holes.
- Horse's health status, weight, and workload should be considered when choosing a hole size.
- 40mm and 60mm sizes are suitable for saving on wastage, while 30mm slows down eating.
- Monitor horse's response when introducing a new hay net to avoid over-facing.
- Different livestock can use various hole sizes, with 40mm being common.
- Different hole sizes are used throughout the year, for various hays, health conditions, and weight management.
- Be cautious with shod horses and use appropriate hay rings/feeder to prevent entanglement.
Which Bag Size should I choose?
Extra Small: Float/yard sized net capable of holding up to 1 generous biscuit of hay. Suitable for stables, yards, and floats.
Small: Float/yard sized net capable of holding up to 3 generous biscuits of hay. Versatile and strong, suitable for stables, yards, and floats.
Medium: Capable of holding up to 4-6 biscuits or half a bale of hay. Ideal as an overnight net for stables, yards, and floats.
Large: Full small bale-sized net available. Easy to load a full small bale of hay into. Suitable for stables, yards, and paddocks.
Extra Large: Perfectly fits a 3-Stringer Bale.
Round Bale: Available for different round bale sizes (3x4, 4x4, 5x4, 6x4). Comes in various net sizes (3cm, 4cm, 6cm).
8x3x3 / 8x4x3 / 8x4x4: Large square bales in sizes 8x4x4, 8x4x3 and 8x3x3. Available in different net sizes (3cm, 4cm, 6cm). Can fit all sizes of round bales.
Note: Custom sizes are not available for premade hay nets.
Knottless vs Knotted
Knotted hay nets are made from UV-stabilized polyethylene netting and have been in use for 8 years. They come in various ply sizes and are tough, durable, and easily repairable. They have been used by many horses and can last 2 to 6 years. Knotted nets are suitable for soaking hay and do not take on the weight of water. They are available in black and offer hole sizes of 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm.
On the other hand, knotless hay nets are made from high-strength polypropylene and have been available since 2019. They are softer and do take on some weight when soaked. The deluxe knotless nets are considered more luxurious and have become popular due to their softness. They are the strongest on the market with 240 ply and come in hole sizes of 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm. Knotless nets are also only available in black.
When it comes to strength and longevity, there isn't a significant difference between knotted and knotless nets. Both types have proven to be tough, durable, and long-lasting. While some horses may prefer one material over the other, there is no way to predict which will suit an individual horse better without trying them. Ultimately, the lifespan of the nets depends on the individual horse and usage. Knotted nets have been used for 2 to 6 years without needing repairs, while the lifespan of knotless nets is still unknown after 3 years of use.
