Check out the video for the slowfeeder from the Netherlands. Scroll down for the video (it auto starts and has sound so you might want to check your volume before clicking).
I have been trying to come up with a solution for when Baasha cannot chew hay any longer. He's doing OK now, quidding occasionally depending on the hay batch, but I need to think about solutions for when his teeth worsen. Our hay provider has been bringing us fine, easy-to-chew hay lately and Baasha is enjoying 1/2 to 1 bale per day. (These are small, 2-string bales. Did you know 2-string bales exist? *grin*)
I don't know if chopped hay is available from our hay provider (I have to ask). I just love this compact hay idea from Hartog. It looks like finely chopped and pressed grass hay that is designed to be eaten in the slow-feeder they produce, and a 20 kilo block lasts 3 days (they claim). For 17 Euros. From the video it looks like it's very finely chopped. This might be an idea for older horses but I don't know why it's not marketed that direction. It's marketed at stalled horses to reduce boredom.
I don't like what looks like a sharp-edged feeder design, and you definitely want it installed outside the stall if possible. I might be able to put it on the ground inside his corner trough.
I don't need a slow feeder, I don't want to slow my horse down, but this looks like a great idea for the future. And for when I want to pay 170Euros per month for hay.
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5 comments:
That's a LOT of hay money...let's hope he holds onto his teeth for a lo--o-o-o-o-ong time!
I wonder if you could run hay through a lawnmower...hmmm.
Ha Ha, all our hay is the 2 strand kind. My guys live on air so we feed 4 plus a 8mth old on 2 bales in the winter a day.
With the older horses I have had we used soaked hay cubes mainly. Occasionally we used bagged chopped hay from the feed store. They still liked to "eat" normal hay though. At times we used scissors and cut up normal hay for the old guy.
Sounds like you have time though.
Yeah, what's with the sharp corners? I'm surprised at what seems otherwise a good idea.
I understand for horses who can't chew anymore, but I hope the horses they are using it to prevent boredom for are still getting long stem hay. I thought the short stuff caused colic (or did I miss some new studies?). . .
Also, just a question, not complaining . . . since you have comment moderation on can you get rid of the word verification? Mine is set up that way and I never get spam . . . the new two word/distorted thing they have going on is such a pain! I can never read the distorted one. Anyway, not trying to complain lol.
Hi just found your blog and am looking forward to hearing about your adventures in Germany!
I moved my horse from Ireland to Luxembourg in 2010 and we're still ajusting so looking forward to finding out it we have similar eek moments! :D
A lady at my yard has her two horses eating from this slowfeeder type thing, i was with her when she was visiting a friend in Belgium who showed us these feeders and both rave about them. Hope it all works out for your fella!
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