Using slow feed hay nets for DonkeysUpdated 33 minutes ago

Donkeys absolutely love their hay and can be quite enthusiastic eaters, often pulling out and trampling more than they actually consume. A slow feed hay net can help manage this, but it's important to choose the right setup for your donkey.

Are hay nets suitable for donkeys?

Yes! Many of our customers successfully use slow feed hay nets for donkeys. Using a GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Net helps slow their intake, keeps hay contained, and greatly reduces waste. Many donkey owners have found that our 4cm (1 ¾") hole size nets are ideal, allowing for steady feeding while keeping hay contained and off the ground.

Brenda from iSpyaGypsy & the odd Donkey in New Zealand feeds a herd of miniature donkeys and uses our hanging Medium nets to manage their hay and straw intake, which is especially important for minis given their tendency toward obesity and laminitis. 

"It has saved so much hay because donkeys will naturally bed on their hay and straw then eat it … pee all over it  and poo all over it then not eat it. So with the nets I just don’t get that happening."

She's found the nets keep her donkeys occupied for a couple of days at a time between visits, and has stopped the mess of donkeys bedding down on loose hay, then soiling it and refusing to eat it. Being naturally curious and determined, her donkeys will happily stand on, drag, and tug at a hanging net, so a well-secured net that takes some effort to work through has been ideal for keeping them busy for longer.

What hole size should I use?

Donkeys usually follow similar guidelines to horses:

• New to hay nets → Start with 4cm (1 ¾")
• More experienced, or need slower feeding → Move down to 3cm (1 ¼")
• Very palatable hay (e.g. lucerne) → Smaller holes work best
• Stalky, less palatable hay → 6cm (2 ½") can be a better option

Always ensure the hole size is smaller than your donkey's hoof to reduce any risk of entanglement. This is especially important for miniature donkeys, as their smaller hooves can fit through a larger 6cm (2 ½") hole, so we'd recommend steering clear of that size for minis and sticking with 3cm (1 ¼") or 4cm (1 ¾") instead.

If you're using a hanging net, keep in mind that donkeys are notorious for working at knots and ties, so it pays to secure the strings well. Some of our customers thread the strings back through the net before tying off, or use our Hay-Stay with clip ties, which donkeys can't undo.

Why use a hay net for donkeys?

Using a slow feed hay net is a great option because it slows down intake, reduces the amount of hay pulled out and trampled, keeps hay contained and off the ground, and helps make your hay last longer.

"I have a hay-stay in their yards now with the 40mm and I literally throw a bale of hay in there and they snack 24/7 its my favourite because with the clip ties they cant untie it! They can all eat it together there’s plenty of room and I know where it is when I get back to the paddock and don’t have to go on a scavenger hunt."

Please Note: 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. For added safety, choose a hole size smaller than your animal's hoof and position the hay net off the ground where possible. This helps reduce the risk of entanglement during feeding.

If you'd like to know more, you can also read our other livestock guides:

→ What Size Hole Suits Your Livestock the Best?

→ Are Slow Feeder Hay Nets Suitable for Livestock?

Need help choosing?

If you're unsure what will work best for your donkey, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to help guide you based on your hay type, setup, and how your donkey is currently feeding.