Make your hay last longer, reduce waste, and keep your horses happily nibbling throughout the day with the GutzBusta® Knotless Round Bale Hay Net. Designed to fit most 4x4 round bales, this net is perfect for paddock feeding, large herds, and any horse or livestock owner wanting a safer, more efficient slow-feeding solution.
Made from super-soft, knotless netting, this design is gentle on muzzles and gums while still offering impressive durability. The drape and movement of the knotless mesh creates a natural grazing experience, encouraging your horse to eat at a slower, healthier rate and preventing boredom-related behaviours.
Dimensions: 1.45m Wide x 1.85m High
Net Colour: Black
Drawstring Colour: Red
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?
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 now 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 usability. 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.
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.
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.
If your sheep are eating hay where they will likely burrow their heads into the bale to chase seeds or more palatable sections of hay within the bale, then we recommend starting at 4cm (1 ¾”) sized holes, or perhaps 3cm (1 ¼) if the hay is REALLY palatable.
Caution:
Shoes: If your horse is shod then simply tie your net up a little higher if it is a smaller net. If you are using a round bale or larger size net, then put your net inside a large box, hay ring or other device that stops their feet from coming into contact with their hay net. Direct contact of shoes and nets is not recommended.
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.
Do not let horned animals such as cattle, sheep or goats eat from the nets due to possible entanglement.
Cattle or stock with ear tags are cautioned from eating from the hay nets as they may rub their head and potentially remove the ear tags.
It's important to keep in mind that horses wearing rugs might rub against the nets. To reduce the chance of a rug clip getting caught on the netting, make sure your buckles are properly secured and not sticking out, or consider securing the hay net to limit contact between the rug and the net. If rubbing is a concern, you might want to avoid having your horse wear a rug altogether.
When choosing a hay net hole size, several factors should be considered. Here is a short summary of the key points for each hole size:
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.
If you intend to soak hay in your net, we recommend rinsing the net in cold water prior to first use for a few minutes.
Which Bag Size should I choose?
Hay Net Size
Knotless (Width x Height)
Knotted
Approx Capacity
Extra Small
55cm x 65cm
21" x 25"
65cm x 55cm
25" x 21"
1 biscuit/ flake of hay
2kgs / 4.4lbs of hay
Small
70cm x 80xm
27" x 31"
85cm x 72.5cm
33" x 28"
2-3 biscuits/ flakes of hay
4kgs / 8.8lbs of hay
Medium
95cm x 85cm
38" x 34"
105cm x 85cm
41" x 33"
4 -6 biscuits/ flakes of hay
10 -12kgs / 22 - 26.5lbs of hay
Large
140cm x 100cm
55" x 39"
150cm x 110cm
59" x 43"
1 full small bale of hay
1 x 2 stringer /small bale
Over 11 - 25kgs / 24 - 55lbs of hay
Extra Large
160cm x 150cm
63" x 59"
160cm x 150cn
63" x 59"
2 x full small bales of hay
1 x 3 stringer square bale, including East and West Coast Bales
Over 68kgs / 150lbs of hay.
Note: Weight can vary depending on the type of hay, whether you’re filling from a round bale or using biscuits/flakes, and how tightly the net is packed. Larger nets may also hold different weights based on the hay used. Our hay nets can handle a significant load, so the listed capacities are a general guide, they’re capable of holding more if required.
Knotless vs Knotted
Our Knotted and knotless 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, the knotless hay nets are made from high-strength, UV Stabilised 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.
Knotless Hay Nets - 4'x4' Round Bale
£115.00
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Gutzbusta hay bags are the best!!! I happened to see them on Facebook and started to look into them. Read every review I could find as well. If you saw how badly my gelding is with bags you would know these have to be pretty darn tough. I’ve got 1 1/4”, 1”, and 3/4” bag. 3/4” goes in the trailer to keep them eating it at a slow rate. The 1” are for over night and I have the 1 1/4” for during the day and they get two of them at separate times to keep them eating but at a controlled weight and time! I love the knolls because I feel they are so much easier on a horses lips as gums. My boys have been using them for about 4 months and we love them! I would recommend them to anyone wanting a durable and easy on the horse hay bag!!
Bought one before the holidays to replace our old hay net. These are huge. They fit completely around the massive round bales I get. I tie them off so the Gypsy Vanner doesn't roll them upside down to be able to eat unhindered. I'm gonna sell him if he figure out how to untie knots. The nets work so well that I bought another one.
Decided to try a 2 1/2 inch full bale net and am super pleased how easy it is to load an and tie it up. We added carabiners to each end of the net that are clipped to an eye ring on either side of our wooden Hay feeder to keep it in place. That system worked so good we bought three more for our other hay stations.
