Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use Orange Slow Feeder Nets?
Our goal at Orange Slow Feeders is to produce the longest lasting, highest quality products available, to save people time and money, so our customers can spend their time and money doing the things they love to do, with the people and animals they love.
Will using Orange Slow Feeder nets save me money?
Yes! Let’s say you have a horse that chews through a net in 24 hours (we call these beavers) and that you spend $10 a week on a net. After a week you are done trying to put it back together and fighting it, so the next week, you buy a replacement net.
There are 52 weeks in a year, that’s $520 dollars on 1 horse in a year!
Compared, let's say you purchase a Pumpkin Net from Orange Slow Feeders for $65 and it only lasts a year. That's a savings of over $450, in just one year.
Plus, we find that most people get 3-6 years of everyday use from our nets.
What are Orange Slow Feeders made of?
A Factory New Marine Grade netting that is finely braided, 4 mm in thickness and is a UV inhibited polyethylene twine.
Mesh size: 1 3/4”
How durable are Orange Slow Feeder nets?
They are the longest lasting heavy duty net available on the market today. Extremely durable.
How long does the netting last?
We are getting 1 to 6 years of every day use from our nets.
1 to 3 years on our every day use for stagnate nets.
How do I ensure the longest life possible for my Orange Slow Feeder Net?
The more surface you can utilize and get livestock stock to use the longer the net will last.
Stagnate nets like bulk material and Hoop Net replacements need to be rotated or moved around every month or so if possible.
The more surface covered the longer the net will last.
Can I wash my Orange Slow Feeder Net? If so how?
Yes! Pressure wash, or soak or spray with vinegar and water.
Does weather conditions have any influence on the life of the netting?
When it is cold the netting will get cold and stiff but will still be pliable/workable.
The netting does NOT hold moisture so it will NOT freeze. Because it does not hold moisture, you have no bacteria growth so it will not smell either.
In extreme heat the netting will get soft. It should be kept out of the direct sun light to prolong life.
Can I soak hay in my Orange Slow Feeder Net?
These nets are perfect for soaking hay because they do not hold water. The netting material is designed to drag along the bottom of the ocean.
Why are my nets becoming stiff?
Dirt and grime will work its way in between the fibers of the netting, not allowing the net to go back to its original length.
Pressure washing the net as needed will help prevent this.
What size should I use?
The size really depends on on what you want to do with your feeding program.
We encourage our customers to share their pictures to give people ideas that may help them if they are looking for a better slow feed solution.
Can cows use Orange Slow Feeder nets?
Absolutely! Our usual mesh size 1-3/4” is a good size but you can always ask us for a larger size if needed.
Can my horse chew through the Orange Slow Feeder?
We have had maybe a handful of horses chew through these nets.
Most of them are the ones that suck the net up into the jowls and no net is going to be able to withstand the molars of an animal that size.
My horse is wearing shoes. Can I use Orange Slow Feeders safely?
You need to protect the horse from the net.
The netting has a 1200 lbs breaking strength. The netting is NOT going to break. The shoes will get ripped off.
It is very important to hang the hanging nets correctly!
Protect shod horses from the big round bales and big square bales.
Can I attach my Orange Slow Feeder Net to a fence?
It depends on how sturdy the fence is.
If it is new fencing and the fencing was put in with hanging nets from it in mind, our nets will be a good livestock slow feeding solution. If not, we do not recommend it.
My horse has been diagnosed with ulcers. How can Orange Slow Feeder nets help?
Always check with your vet.
What we do know is horses produce 8 gallons of saliva a day. If there is not food in the system for that saliva to work on, it works on the empty system and causes all kinds of trouble.
Using the Orange Slow Feeder nets will slow most horses down, which will make that feed last longer.
Horses are designed to graze 18 hours a day. Keeping that system full of food for the saliva to have something to work on.
How will my horse react to the net?
Most will not even skip a beat and some will not be so happy at first. Some are used to being able to gobble their food down, go for the gold so to speak.
For some horses, they think the holes are too small and they have to work too hard. We all have our opinions and so do they!
How do I teach my horse to use a net?
All livestock lives depend on their ability to eat in order to survive in this world. Put it in front of them, they will go to eating.
Can I use a Round Bale Net without a feeder?
If all livestock are barefoot, yes. If your animals are shod, you need to protect them from the net.
How do I install a Round Bale Orange Slow Feeder Net?
The round bale nets and large square bale nets open very wide.
Round Bales:
- Set up like a coke bottle, opening the net up as wide as it will go.
- Drape the net over the top and shimmy it down the bale all the way.
- Flip it on to its side, cut the strings off and pull them out.
- Flip it again so now the draw rope is facing up, and the bale is back standing up like a coke bottle but on the other end.
- Pull it closed, put a half hitch knot in. Dally the rope up and tie it off and stuff it inside the little opening.
- Unwrap the bale until you have only 1-1/4 wraps left.
- Open the net as wide as it will go and shimmy it all the way down.
- Flip the bale 180 degrees and finish pulling the wrap off.
- Pull the draw rope closed, put a half hitch knot in. Dally the rope up and tie it off and stuff it inside.
Big squares:
If you have a tractor with a spear:- Sit the bale on the spear and open the net up wide as it will go.
- Drop the net over the bale.
- Take it to where it needs to be, set it in place and draw the rope up tight.
- Put a half hitch knot in. Dally the rope up and tie it off and stuff that in the hole.
If you don’t have a tractor, there are a few options:
- Lay the net down in the bed of the truck and open it as wide as you can and have the bale provider set it right down into the net.
- Pull the net up and close it up.
- When you go to pull the netted bale out of your pick up, MAKE sure the net does not get snagged on anything coming out of the truck.
Another option:
- Put the bale in place
- Put the net over the top and tighten it down as the bale is eaten down.
How is the Round Bale eaten down?
Your animals will keep moving the net around with their feet and/or nose until the net is picked clean.
Do I need to re-tighten the Round Bale Net?
If the Net is the right size you should not have to tighten the net at all. All bales of all types are made differently.
Will the Round Bale freeze to the ground?
The netting does not hold water so it will not freeze.
However if the livestock are able to step on the Net and press it into mud, then the mud freezes, the mud can freeze the net into the ground.
I am outside the US. Are duties and taxes included in the the order?
No. For all orders to be shipped outside the United States, buyers are responsible for any additional costs associated with receiving your order in your country, including duties and all taxes.