Description
GutzBusta® Knotted Hay Nets:
GutzBusta® Small Hay Nets are capable of taking up to 3 flakes/biscuits of hay and have a longer drawstring to easily facilitate hanging in a horse trailer.
Like our GutzBusta® knotless Small Slow Feed Hay Nets significantly reduce the incidence of colic, choke, stomach ulcers, boredom, hay wastage, and stable vices. This is great for snacks at shows or competitions while floating, for ponies or horses anytime, anywhere.
Which hay net hole size suits my horse or livestock best?
If you are unsure of what hay net hole size to choose, please click here to read our information page which discusses the sizing a little more to help you decide which hole size is the best choice for your horse or livestock. If you are still unsure, then please contact us as we are more than happy to discuss your individual animals' requirements and situation.

- Dimensions: 21" x 25" (84cm wide x 72cm high).
- Hole sizes available:
- Colour: Black
What hole size will suit my horse or livestock?
Benefits of using GutzBusta®?
What material are the Gutzbusta® Hay Nets made from?
Our entire range of knotted GutzBusta® Slow Feed Hay Nets is made from tough and durable, UV Stabilized, and heat-treated netting in 60ply polyethylene netting. This netting will not absorb water, therefore there is no change to the properties of the netting during inclement weather or if used to soak hay and the net itself does not take on the weight of the water.
What hole size will suit my horse or livestock?
Available in hole sizes: 1 1/4" (3cm), 1 3/4" (4cm) & 2 1/2" (6cm) in 60ply hole sizes, our huge range of Hay Nets suit a broad range of horses and livestock.
There are many factors to consider such as weather, workload, body weight, health status (laminitis), type of hay (stalky/fine), palatability of the hay, and herd dynamics are just a few things to consider when purchasing a net. The individual personality of the animal can also dictate the size. Some horses cannot cope with 1 1/4" (3cm), while others have their owners asking for 3/4" (2cm) sized holes. If you are still not sure, 1 3/4" (4cm) is generally a good place to start. However, please contact us to discuss via phone or email if you really are not sure what is best for your individual animals.
1 1/4" (3cm) hole size
This size is great for gutsy eaters, laminitic / EMS ponies, and horses, or if your hay is highly palatable and you want to slow consumption even more. We recommend this size for horses and ponies that have tried slow-feed hay nets before. While some horses may be frustrated by this size, others accept it without hesitation. Most Lucerne hays are also recommended for this size due to its high palatability. However, it depends on the quality and stalkiness of the lucerne and the type of horse or pony it’s been fed to.
Despite no top teeth, surprisingly we also have customers whose cattle can still eat from this size with palatable hay. Available in strong and durable 60ply. 60ply is not offered by any other slow feed business in Australia in 3cm sized holes.
1 3/4" (4cm) hole size
Our most popular hole size. 95% of horses have no trouble accepting this hole size. It's also perfect for cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, and alpacas, too. A good general slow feed hole size that restricts grazing a little, but not too frustratingly slow for most horses.
2 1/2" (6cm) hole size
Works well for broodmares, old horses, young horses, or any horse, cow, sheep, alpaca, or goat that you are not trying to restrict hay consumption with, but still want to reduce hay wastage. You can also use less palatable, coarse, or stalky hay with this size. 6cm nets will contain the hay and stop it from being blown away, tossed around, and wasted, but has little slow feeding effect. Make sure your horses feet are larger than this size if you don't have a physical barrier between the net and their hooves, or you aren't hanging them up out of hoof reach.
This link has many more ideas to help you decide on what sized hole hay net may suit your individual animals and situation.
Why use a GutzBusta®?
Our products are the most generous in size and designed to be easier to put on compared to other hay net brands available on the Australian market. We have been making hay nets for over 12 years (since 2011) and we know how the netting behaves over time. This is why we have developed a size and shape that works to enable these nets to last longer and remain easy to use throughout their life.
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. For more safety ideas, click here.