What to consider when picking your net hole size.
The net hole size you choose depends on the animal you are feeding, its developmental stage, lifestyle, and the type of hay you provide. View our net guide below to break down our sizings based on animals, lifestyle and hay type.
Net Hole Sizes
1 inch
– perfect for Minis, ponies, chickens, and horses accustomed to 1.5 inch netting. Suitable for most hay types, this netting helps control consumption. However, avoid using it with fine, short hay or compressed bales. Most restricting size, we highly recommend a slow introduction to minimize frustration.
- Lifestyle: This hole size is generally best suited for stall-kept horses, as it significantly slows down hay consumption and helps prevent boredom.
- Age: Suitable for all ages, including young horses and adults. However, senior horses with dental issues might struggle with this small hole size.
- Hay Type: Most hay types. Not suitable for fine, short hay or compressed bales
1.5 inch
– suitable for most horses, donkeys, mules, alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, bunnies, and chickens, this net provides convenient feeding access. With its versatile design, this net is compatible with fine, coarse, and medium hay, as well as alfalfa, mixes, and straw.
- Lifestyle: Can be used for both stall-kept and pasture/turnout horses. It offers a good balance between slowing consumption and providing enrichment.
- Age: Suitable for young horses, adult horses, and some seniors. Still might be challenging for horses with significant dental problems.
- Hay Type: Works well with a variety of hay types, especially those that are fine-textured.
2 inch
– a versatile solution for various equine needs. Ideal for working horses, hard keepers, as well as the young and elderly, this net offers convenient and controlled feeding. This net suits all hay types and compressed bales. Recommended highly for winter months feeding.
- Lifestyle: Suitable for both stall-kept and pasture/turnout horses. Allows for slower consumption without overly restricting access to hay.
- Age: Appropriate for young horses, adult horses, and seniors. Easier for seniors with dental issues compared to smaller hole sizes.
- Hay Type: Works well with a wide range of hay types, including coarser hay.
2.75 inch
– perfect for cows, large and older breeds. Suitable for coarser hay types. However, avoid using it with fine, short hay or compressed bales.
- Lifestyle: Most suitable for large breeds, elderly horses and cows. Offers a good compromise between eliminating wastage and providing access to hay.
- Age: Ideal for seniors with dental challenges.
- Hay Type: Works well with coarser hay types that might be difficult to pull through smaller holes.
For safety, the 2.75" must be used within a feeder *
Where to start?
When introducing slow hay feeding, always provide loose hay along with the Nag Bag for the first week. This assists your animal in learning how to "graze" from the nets properly, prolonging the life of your Nag Bag. Remember - slow feeding is only as good as the hay you are feeding. Meeting the animal's needs is very important, and making sure that you have the correct hay type will help to ensure successful net feeding. Visit our hay testing and articles pages to learn more.
Why Should I Use a Nag Bag?
Nag Bags mimic natural grazing because they allow animals to consume smaller amounts of hay over a longer period of time. This benefits animals with improved digestion and a reduction in the occurrence of colic, ulcers, cribbing, and other emotional issues.
These exceptional hay nets are knitted from a premium blend of nylon fibers, ensuring reliability and longevity and are proudly made in Canada. All our nets strictly adhere to the highest Canadian textile standards. Visit our netting page for detailed information on the creation and design of Nag Bags.
