Hay Net

A week or so ago, I wrote about ordering a new hay net along with a few other things. I got around to filling it with a fresh flake over the weekend; I am not sure I am in love with it though. For under ten bucks, I don't think I am allowed to complain about it. But first, here's photographic proof that my last hay net truly was on its last legs.

Stitched together with baling twine.

I am only kind of picky about hay nets. First and foremost, I only use the small hole nets for safety reasons. Izzy likes to play, so I avoid using any products that I consider "leg breakers." Besides that, large holes defeat the purpose of a nibble net. Other than the size of the holes, I don't have any other requisites when it comes to buying a hay net.

The last net I purchased, the one stitched together with baling twine, lasted long enough that I have no idea when or where I even bought it. It was made of a pretty study nylon with an extra thick drawstring for hanging. I definitely got my money's worth out of that net.

The new net was not at all what I was expecting. I should have read the reviews first. That being said, I don't hate it, I just don't know if it is going to last. The drawstring is very, very thin, so we'll see how that wears. If it does break, I can easily create a new drawstring from baling twine. And, no, I am not trying to be funny.

Unlike my old net and its predecessors, the material of the net doesn't feel like poly rope. This net feels almost like cotton, but when I looked back at the description, no mention is made of the rope's material. I looked at several other hay nets and couldn't find a description of the material they were made from either. In any case, it feels softer than my old hay net, so maybe Izzy will find it more comfortable to snack from.

As far as the size, it's perfect. This net could easily hold several flakes of alfalfa, although I usually only put in one at a time as that tends to be enough for the week. It's not meant to be a meal, just a snack to help reduce Izzy's anxiety while he stands tied. 

One thing that I really like about it that has zero bearing on its usefulness as a hay net is the color. I chose the purple, and it is pretty. I know the color will quickly be hidden beneath hay dust, but for now, it is very striking. If the net lasts for six months, I'll feel as though its purchase price was money well spent. And again, it's hard to complain when the things cost less than $10.00.

I'll let you know if it doesn't last longer than a week.