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
Please Note: The appearance of our drawstrings is not consistent across all product photos, as the design has evolved multiple times over the past 15+ years due to ongoing product development and improvements; therefore, the drawstring colour may vary from images shown.
Not sure how to put your hay net onto a round bale? We have extensive information on this on our help desk 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, then please click here.
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 useability. 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. For simple instructions on how to convert a 6x4 hay net onto a smaller-sized round bale, please click here.
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 / 1 3/4" 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.
For more information and photos about our hay nets, please visit our FAQ & Help page.
I'm delighted with my round bale net. Previously I had a trickle net which they chewed through and then I supplemented that with a cheaper knotted net. They didn’t chew through that but it wasn't sufficient. My horses are now spending longer eating and consuming slightly less. Objective achieved and I look forward to waistlines following suit. Thank you!
L
Louise
Only put this out yesterday and I’m very impressed, great product!
A
A.G.
Very happy, excellent quality net and fits around my large bales with ease. The hay wastage has completely stopped and its also stopped the hay blowing everhwhere in strong winds.
Many thanks
Gwinnett Equestrian
S
Sophie F.
I absolutely love your nets. I’ve tried a few different brands and yours are the absolute best. This is now my second with different hole size. There is literally zero wastage, every scrap is easily hoovered up. They are extra big which makes it so easy to put on. Love them
A
Anonymous
Great Product
We now have 3 of these hay nets in various hole size to work for different horses. Small for greedy good doers, Shetland and Conny. Medium for Greedy Warmblood and large for picky Warmblood. Soft but very hard wearing. Although Greedy Warmblood has made a small hole in his plenty of wear left.
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.
Horns & Ear Tags: We do not recommend using hay nets with livestock that have horns, as netting can become caught or hooked. Similarly, if your cattle or calves have ear tags, there is a risk of them rubbing against the netting and catching a tag. This can potentially result in the tag being pulled out or the ear being injured. Although we have only ever heard of this happening with cattle, there is the probability that this could happen with other livestock such as sheep or goats so we recommend that you monitor your stock and be aware that this is a possibility.
For this reason, hay nets are generally better suited to hobby farm situations where stock numbers are low, and the benefits, (reduced waste, slower feeding, etc.) may outweigh the potential inconvenience of tag loss. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to assess whether this product is suitable for their livestock and setup. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and we can help guide you toward the best option.
Sheep: 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 3cm (1 ¼) if the hay is REALLY palatable.
Shoes: If your horse is shod, simply tie your net up a little higher if it's a smaller net. If you're using a round bale or larger size net, put your net inside a hay ring or other structure that stops their feet from coming into contact with the hay net. Direct contact between shoes and nets is not recommended.
Buckled Headgear: 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.
Rugs: 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.
Small Hooved Animals: Monitoring small hooved animals that may jump on hay nets is recommended. Although we have never had an issue reported, it is advised to watch that small feet/hooves don't become entangled in the netting.
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase from our store. If you have any issues with your order, please contact us at GutzBusta so that we can make it right. We have a clear and concise Returns and Refund Policy to make the process as smooth as possible.
To return an item, please contact us at our customer service team via the email below. Make sure to include your order number when contacting staff.
Please pack the item securely in its original packaging and include all accessories and documentation, making sure the order number is clearly visible on the box. We will not accept items that have been modified or used in any way.
PLEASE BE AWARE: You are responsible for the cost of return shipping, unless the item is damaged or faulty.
We accept returns for change of mind within 30 days of purchase. These can included swapping or exchanging item(s) for different sizes. The item(s) must be unused, in their original packaging, and in the same condition as when you received them.
We will issue a refund for the purchase price of the item(s) once we receive the item(s), excluding any shipping costs. While this process is under way, it is better to re-order with the correct item(s) to ensure your exchanged item(s) are delivered to you in a timely manner.
Incorrect Items Received
If you received the incorrect item(s), please contact us immediately. We will cover the cost of shipping the incorrect item(s) back to us. We will issue a replacement as soon as possible to you at no extra cost.
Damaged or Faulty Returns
If you receive damaged or faulty item(s), please contact us immediately. We will require photographic evidence of the damage or fault before we can process a return. We will cover the cost of shipping the item(s) back to us, and we will issue a replacement or full refund as soon as possible.
Damaged in Use
If your horse is using our nets and the net becomes damaged during use, please contact us immediately. We will require photographic evidence of the damage as well as the order number. Depending on the situation, we may offer a repair kit or exchange, subject to our discretion. Please note that general wear and tear, or damage caused by misuse may not be covered under our returns and refund policy.
Refunds
Once we receive your returned item(s), we will inspect it to ensure that they are in resalable condition. If the item(s) are in resalable condition, we will issue a refund to the original payment method within 7 business days. Please note that it may take up to 10 business days for the refund to appear on your account, depending on your bank or credit card company.
Thank you for shopping with us. If you have any questions or concerns about our Returns and Refund Policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Knotless Hay Nets - 4'x4' Round Bale
£122.00
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
[split_t4snt][split_t4snt]Add to Wishlist[split_t4snt][split_t4snt]
{ "message": ["🐎 Don't forget this..."," 🐎 Your Horse has items waiting!"],"delay": 1000 }
I'm delighted with my round bale net. Previously I had a trickle net which they chewed through and then I supplemented that with a cheaper knotted net. They didn’t chew through that but it wasn't sufficient. My horses are now spending longer eating and consuming slightly less. Objective achieved and I look forward to waistlines following suit. Thank you!
I have used a number of the medium knotless nets and I am happy with the large opening at the top which makes filling easier and they outlast every other net I have used.
Excellent haynets well designed tough yet soft knotless. Easy to fill & secure. Can be put out in paddock safely with barefoot ponies. Highly recommend
Friend recommended this as an easier way to soak and (slow) feed my horses hay. Skeptical at first as my horse is “aggressive” feeder who had tore up an expensive netted slow feed haybag before so I thought for sure this would not hold. Were few months in and they still look new, no tearing on breaking and they get soaked with his hay but they dry well, hold shape and can take a beating from food motivated horse. Together with more exercise this net has helped me get my horses weight finally where it needs to be. Yes I’m a fan of the knotless Haynes’s.
