This would be one of our most commonly asked questions as I think people can be overwhelmed when faced with a brand new hay net and a round bale.  We all want to put it on correctly, quickly and efficiently. I have created 2 new video's on this topic

<h3 id="how-to-put-a-gutzbusta-hay-net-onto-a-round-bale-of-hay">How to put a GutzBusta Hay Net onto a Round bale of hay?</h3>
This would be one of our most commonly asked questions as I think people can be overwhelmed when faced with a brand new hay net and a round bale.&#xA0; We all want to put it on correctly, quickly and efficiently.
I have created 2 new video&apos;s on this topic on YouTube.&#xA0;
<ol>
<ol>
<li>The first video is a&#xA0;<a href="https://youtu.be/t0u5AXP_gFE">quick and simple video on how to put a round bale net onto a 4x4 bale</a>.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t0u5AXP_gFE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<ol>
<ol>
<li>The second video I have created a very&#xA0;<a href="https://youtu.be/ogEsMZu3gMA">detailed video on how to do this with lots of options which you can click and watch&#xA0;here</a>.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ogEsMZu3gMA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
Slow Feed Hay Nets on round bales have been shown to reduce wastage by up to 46% so they are a very worthwhile investment.
<h3 id="gutzbusta-round-bale-nets">GutzBusta Round Bale Nets</h3>
<ul>
<li>We have a huge range of round bale hay nets available in both&#xA0;<a href="https://gutzbusta.com.au/collections/gutzbusta%C2%AE-slow-feed-hay-nets/products/gutzbusta%C2%AE-round-bale-slow-feed-hay-nets">knotted</a>&#xA0;and&#xA0;<a href="https://gutzbusta.com.au/collections/gutzbusta%C2%AE-slow-feed-hay-nets/products/gutzbusta%C2%AE-knotless-hay-nets-round-bales-export-bales?variant=36812387778722">knotless</a>&#xA0;materials. All are available in 3cm, 4cm and 6cm hole sizes.</li>
<li>Our&#xA0;<a href="https://gutzbusta.com.au/collections/gutzbusta%C2%AE-slow-feed-hay-nets/products/gutzbusta%C2%AE-round-bale-slow-feed-hay-nets">knotted</a>&#xA0;nets have been part of our range for over 10 years now and are made from tough, durable, UV Stabilized, and heat-treated 60ply polyethylene netting.</li>
<li>Our&#xA0;<a href="https://gutzbusta.com.au/collections/gutzbusta%C2%AE-slow-feed-hay-nets/products/gutzbusta%C2%AE-knotless-hay-nets-round-bales-export-bales?variant=36812387778722">knotless</a>&#xA0;nets are made from super soft netting which is made from 5mm thick and high strength PP (polypropylene) and comes in a super strong 240ply, the strongest on the Australian market!</li>
<li>Our hay nets are know for their generous sizing which makes them super easy to fill due to nice wide-open mouths.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id>&#xA0;</h3>
<h3 id="fitting-a-round-bale-hay-net">Fitting a Round Bale Hay Net</h3>
<ul>
<li>Sit the round bale on its flat side.</li>
<li>
Place the entire opening of the hay net over &amp; around the top edge of the unopened bale so that the net is positioned ready to pull down the sides of the bale towards the ground, then undo the wrapping or twine holding the bale together (step 1).<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/131615600_311953530010887_6350844799283657585_n_480x480.jpg?v=1624579822">
<ul>
<li>Note: if your round bale is baled tightly together like lucerne, then you can pull ALL twine or string off from around the bale first, however if your round bale is pasture, oaten etc and might fall apart, then by doing Step 1, you have the net in position to pull down the sides of the bale quickly as soon as the wrapping is fully undone and then the hay net is loosely keeping the hay bale together.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pull the net down the whole way around the bale until the drawstring edge is at ground level.<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/131479742_266795321766218_4960081955207230576_n_480x480.jpg?v=1624579813">There are&#xA0;now two different options to secure the net onto the bale.&#xA0;</li>
</ul>
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Putting_a_round_bale_hay_net_on_a_bale_2_700_480x480.jpg?v=1627900405">
<h3 id="option-1---not-encapsulating">Option 1 - not encapsulating</h3>
<ul>
<li>Now simply pull the drawstring firmly at the base of the net to take up the slack until it becomes firm around the base of the bale (slightly under the bale if possible).&#xA0;&#xA0;<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/6cm_4x4_700x500_6b16cf7f-eb44-48f1-b0cc-b05a3e958130_480x480.jpg?v=1624579827"></li>
<li>Tie a new simple knot in the drawstring at the base of the bale to secure it and then find the simple knot at the very end of the drawstring and undo it.<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Blog_15_-_Putting_a_Large_Square_8x3x4_Net_on_a_Bale_700x500_16_de2fedba-330a-4918-87c8-0c53ae9a0e60_480x480.jpg?v=1619413309"></li>
<li>
You can then let this remaining drawstring be loose, secure it back into the net (such as in a&#xA0;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60oX5Hyf_HY">daisy chain knot</a>), or put the drawstring underneath the bale.&#xA0;Be sure that the&#xA0;<a href="https://youtu.be/EbI3ncLOFVI">simple knot at the end of the drawstring is undon</a>e&#xA0;so there is nothing for legs to become entangled in.
</li>
<li>This method of not encapsulating isn&apos;t recommended for 4x4&apos;s unless a hay ring is used as it is a size that can easily be rubbed or pushed over, therefore exposing the underside of the hay bale.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="option-2---encapsulating-the-bale">Option 2 - encapsulating the bale</h3>
<ul>
<li>Once the net has been pulled to the bottom of the bale, flip the bale over on its side or 180 degrees so it is lying on the opposite side with the net on it.</li>
<li>From here the remaining net can be pulled up to encapsulate the bale.&#xA0; The sizing of our round bales is made to encapsulate, therefore doing so will take up the extra netting.</li>
<li>
The drawstring can then be pulled tight and tied off to secure the net around the bale. Ensure that the simple knot at the very end of the drawstring is undone so there is nothing for a horses legs to get entangled in.
<ul>
<li>Tip: Use the drawstring to weave any gap together which will also take up more of the drawstring length.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Once encapsulated you can manoeuvre your hay bale in its net to where you wish and either have the opening on top (if you wish to secure drawstring to something overhead or open it up from time to time, or you can push your bale over so that the drawstring is underneath the bale.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3-options-on-what-to-do-with-your-drawstring">3 Options on what to do with your drawstring!</h3>
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Putting_a_round_bale_hay_net_on_a_bale_700pix_2_480x480.jpg?v=1627610272">
<div>&#xA0;</div>
This is again explained far more comprehensively in our&#xA0;<a href="https://youtu.be/ogEsMZu3gMA">You Tube Video</a>, but here is a summary.
#1 You can simply take up the slack of your net by pulling up the drawstring, tie a simple knot at the base of the net and then undo the simple knot at the end of the drawstring.
#2 You can undo the simple knot at the end of the drawstring, take one end and tie a loop, then feed the other end of the drawstring through the loop to take up the slack of the net. That way you can either secure the drawstring at the base of the net, or pull it up to fully encapsulate.
#3&#xA0;<a href="https://youtu.be/bqZtvPevmJU">Daisy Chain Knot</a>&#xA0;- this is simply a quick release knot that most of us at some time have used to tie our horses up with.&#xA0; You simply continue looping the the drawstring until you get to the very end and make sure the last loop is close to the simple end knot so again, there is nothing for feet or hooves to get caught in.
 <img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Round_bale_Blog_July_2021_692pix_480x480.jpg?v=1627613923">
Using a&#xA0;GutzBusta Round Bale Hay Net on your round bale can be executed in a variety of ways:
<ul>
<li>With a hay ring</li>
<li>Without a hay ring</li>
<li>Not encapsulating</li>
<li>Encapsulating</li>
<li>Drawstring closure at the base of the net</li>
<li>Drawstring closure on top of the net</li>
</ul>
Using a hay ring with a hay net often increases the hay savings as the 2 work well together.<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/34_480x480.png?v=1628809178">
A very well set up round bale feeding area!
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Blog_changes_10th_FB_sizing_SM_Posts_of_Putting_a_round_bale_hay_net_on_a_bale_480x480.png?v=1628809906">
Safety First!!
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Putting_a_round_bale_hay_net_on_a_bale_700_1_480x480.jpg?v=1627617677">
There are so many ways that your GutzBusta Hay Net can be used, we love to see our customers ingenuity!
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/39_480x480.png?v=1628743970">
Thanks to our many customers for sharing their ideas, photos and stories.
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/35_480x480.png?v=1628740719">
<div>&#xA0;</div>
Round bales can be moved with tractors or bale forks with a net on, as long as you make sure you don&apos;t spike the hay net and therefore break the net.
<img alt src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0276/0110/9131/files/Putting_a_round_bale_hay_net_on_a_bale_700_a06ea8a9-c873-46a3-a01a-a5a2dd8c2d1c_480x480.jpg?v=1627617666">
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Fitting a GutzBusta Round Bale Hay Net onto your Round Bale

These Large Square bales are fantastic for putting out a lot of hay at once, feeding a lot of horses or livestock at once or a few mouths for a long time. They can also be broken down as a ‘biscuit’ and fed per large biscuit too. Using slow feed hay

These Large Square bales are fantastic for putting out a lot of hay at once, feeding a lot of horses or livestock at once or a few mouths for a long time. They can also be broken down as a &#x2018;biscuit&#x2019; and fed per large biscuit too. Using slow feed hay nets is one of the most effective ways to reduce hay wastage. It&#x2019;s also linked to a lot of benefits, including improvements in horses&#x2019; physical and mental health. Net types of slow feeders are safe, durable, easy to fill, and can be used anywhere.I have created a <a title="GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Nets - Fitting a Large Square 8x3x3 and 8x4x3 Bale" href="https://youtu.be/6cI_-nLPni8" style=" text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" id="isPasted">YouTube video</a> to show this process, however please read below to see an explanation with photos.<iframe allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cI_-nLPni8" title="YouTube video player" width="560">&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;</iframe>GutzBusta Hay Nets over these Large Square Bales and also Round bales of hay prolong the longevity as well as decrease your labour due to not having to put hay out as frequently. It ensures that your equine companions and other livestock always have something to eat. Studies have shown up to a 46% reduction in hay wastage when using slow feed hay nets.The Large Square export bale (8x4x3 &amp; 8x3x3) hay nets are wonderful at keeping these huge and considerably heavy bales of hay together. We do advise leaving either the bottom or a second bottom string in place&#xA0;to take the pressure off the net and hold the bale together better.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-fd94aa05-ff8a-40ea-913a-bc51a7b62fe2-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_6_480x480.webp" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Although we have never had an issue with this, some of these bales can weigh over 600kg, so by leaving a string in place until around half the bale is eaten will assist in keeping the bale together and looking after your hay net. Putting your GutzBusta hay net on a bale1. Position your bale where you would like it to be. Please note that we have designed the nets to fit on from the top edge down on their side so that strings are easily accessible for cutting and removing. We have NOT designed the nets to fit with the bale flat side down and attempts to do so will mean the net won&#x2019;t fit as well as expected, especially with the 8x3x4 bales.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-4f856fde-cb53-4624-b347-154b112a14d0-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_1_480x480.webp" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">2. Pull netting out of packaging and place over top of bale and open up.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-d457556d-7973-4125-a06b-a82d2276ce4c-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_3_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">3. Continue to pull out and spread the netting over the top of the bale and then down the sides of the bale.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-cd195e38-2869-4414-8797-285f2789e594-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_4_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">4. Pull the netting down around all sides of the bale until the netting is evenly placed around the entire bale and touching the ground.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-f0f2d6f7-c8f3-4372-84e5-d665ae5dd481-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_6_480x480.webp" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Photo of bulk netting at base of bale.5. The next step you have two Choices:<ul><li>a) You can leave the bale like this, find the drawstring and tie the net off,</li></ul>OR<ul><li>b) You can totally encapsulate the bale.</li></ul> 5a) Not encapsulating the bale. To discuss 5A a little more in depth:<ul><li>Once you have symmetrically manipulated the netting to cover the entire vertical sides and top of the large square 8x3x3 / 8x4x3 bale, at ground level find the knot of the drawstring pull it up firm to take up the slack and tie it off with a simple knot at the base of the net and then undo the simple knot at the end of the drawstring so there is no loops in the drawstring for feet or legs to get caught in.<ul><li>This extra netting isn&#x2019;t a problem if your horses aren&#x2019;t shod, and as long as the hoof size is greater than the netting hole size. You may be able to rock or manipulate the bale with the tray of a ute or bullbar to gently tip up one long side a little to then be able to stuff some of the excess netting underneath the bale. Of course, do this with caution!</li></ul></li><li>NB: If horses are shod or you have smaller hooved animals such as foals or young stock on larger holed nets then you must have a hay ring or physical barrier of some sort.</li><li>When tying off your drawstring, simply find the drawstrings knot, pull it up firmly, tie a new simple knot at the&#xA0;base of the net to secure the drawstring in its firm position and then&#xA0;undo the simple knot at the end of the drawstring. The loose ends of the drawstring can then be left loose so there is nothing for the horses legs to get caught in or tied back up into the net or shoved underneath the bale if possible.</li></ul> We do advise leaving either the bottom or a second bottom string in place to take the pressure off the net and hold the bale together better.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-e2b1ca61-c135-497a-ae96-43b74121d14c-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_16_480x480.webp" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">5b) Encapsulating the bale with the net.<ul><li>To encapsulate one of these bales, you ideally need a tractor with front end loader and hay spikes.</li><li>You can do to step 4 above so that the netting is all the way to ground level over the bale.</li><li>Next, and this part must be done exceptionally carefully, you get the tractor with front end loader spikes on it and gently aim the spikes into a net hole and not the netting itself.</li></ul><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-cdf01080-263b-4cd9-9557-6dcb7924a1a5-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_8_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><ul id="isPasted"><li>Then pick up the bale carefully with the tractor and take it a few feet off the ground.</li><li>VERY carefully find the end of the drawstring and pull this up firmly (without going underneath the bale) and take up the slack as much as possible while remaining safe and not being under the bale (and having an experienced, safe tractor/front end loader operator).</li></ul><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-c43682f6-9864-41d1-b886-2c8373ab367d-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_9_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><ul id="isPasted"><li>Tie this off with a simple knot at the base of the net, and then undo the simple knot at the end of the drawstring so there is no loop in the drawstring and only 2 x free ends of drawstring.</li><li>Next, carefully lower the bale back to the ground ensuring the drawstring is underneath the bale on the ground (or it can be tied up into the bale).</li></ul><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-a40e8e62-2e51-4553-9b2c-34e4f52c617d-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_10_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><ul id="isPasted"><li>Your bale is then ready to go and be eaten from once you cut all but the bottom or the second bottom string. Be very careful when cutting the string that you don&#x2019;t cut the net itself.</li></ul><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/1QNmd2YbWyA79XA0/hc/g5KDM28XWG29aByw/2025051423-aa3b998b-964b-49bd-8c8b-f0bfb9f41840-blog_15_-_putting_a_large_square_8x3x4_net_on_a_bale_700x500_15_480x480.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Remember, if your horses are shod, their feet aren&#x2019;t trimmed regularly so they have large chips or splits, or their hooves are smaller than the net, then you MUST have a hay ring or physical barrier of some sort between the net and the horses hooves.

Fitting a Large Square 8x3x3 and 8x4x3 Bale

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Hay Nets & Round Bale Installation

Can you soak hay with a Gutzbusta Hay Net?

What size net do I need?

What's the difference between Knotted & Knotless nets?

Knotted Hay Net Info & Range

Knotless Hay Net Info & Range

Which hole size do I choose?

Wet weather ideas for your Round Bale Hay Nets

How strong and durable are these hay nets?

Are the hay consumption rates much different when using a GutzBusta® Hay Net?

Troubleshooting - what if my horse refuses to use the hay net?

How long does it take my horse to eat each sized GutzBusta® Hay Net?

Can GutzBusta® Hay Nets be used with shod horses?

Can my horse really eat from such small holes?

Are our hay nets indestructible?

What ply netting do we use? What ply netting thickness is best?

What are GutzBusta Hay Nets made from?

How much weight will my Hay Nets hold?

What are GutzBusta hay nets made from?

General Slow Feeder Net FAQ

Round Bale Hay Nets Info & Range

Measuring your Round Bale to Determine the Net Size Needed

Which size Round Bale Hay Net do I get?

Benefits of using a Round Bale Slow Feed Hay Net

The number 1 question asked about round bale hay nets: What happens to the netting as the bale is eaten down?

Round Bale FAQ

Benefits of Slow Feeding

Safety for shod horses or foals

Health & Safety FAQ

What size hole suits your livestock the best?

Are Slow Feeder Hay Nets suitable for cattle, alpaca’s and other livestock primarily in the hobby farm area?