Tips, Tricks & Care

• What size of net opening do you need ?

  Net Size:	Uses:	Issue/Problem:	Type's:
  Reg 1.5"	For most horses & mixed herds to save / extend hay. Older horses.	Save & extend hay Hay waste Respiratory issues	Most average horses
  HD 1.5"	Year round use , aggressive eaters & the very playful	Aggressive play/eat   Net chewer's	Stallions,  Horses on nets year round
  Reg 1"	Need more restriction, are eating to fast from 1.5", Easy keepers	Foundered Eat to much or to fast	Ponies, Mini's & Easy Keepers
  HD 1"	Year round use. Aggressive eaters	Year round use, Bigger herds, Aggressive on nets	Extremely easy keeper breeds_ Fjord's, Icelandic's and Donkey's,
  Reg .5"	Small Mini's/Ponies, Eat to much from 1"	Foundered, Metabolic Ponies & mini's, Respiratory issues	Small Mini's, Ponies, Mini Donkey's & Foundered or Metabolic full sized that have gotten to good on the 1" net
  HD 2"	Older horses or some drafts	Eliminate wasted hay, doesn't restrict intake as much as 1.5"	Older Horses & facial /teeth issues

  
  

                         Starting Out

  
  When first introducing the Eco Nets to your horses give them their regular or loose hay and set/hang the loosely filled net nearby. This way they can approach the EcoNets in a curious manner & figure out how to get the hay, and will not get frustrated. Do this for 3-5 days, decreasing the loose hay daily until they are eating from the nets, don't continue longer with the loose hay.
  
  
• Most horses need a 1.5" hole size net unless they need more restriction due to size or health concerns, start with a 1" hole size for Ponies/Mini's and very over weight or Foundered/Metabolic/Insulin Resistant. If you have a mixed herd generally go with what the majority need or the health concern 1st, as most horses can eat & do well from a 1" net on average hay, use cautiun if the hay is overly stocky/long. We've added a 2" net for older horses & some drafts or those that don't want to restrict intake but still eliminate wasted hay. 
  
  
• When giving ‘Restricted or free access’ it is better to 'transition' them onto the nets with Loose Hay along with the Netted Hay. Give their normal ration in the nets while gradually decreasing the amount of loose hay. This gives their digestive system a chance to adapt and they won’t be so prone to constantly stand at the bale. Some horses will actually use more hay and even gain some weight in the first month but once they realize that it’s always there (like being out on grass) they relax and eat less, returning to a normal weight. If they don't slow down you probably have "to big" hole size for them.
  
  
• Remember to 'transition with loose hay' each fall or when starting to use nets again. As new horses may have been added and pecking orders change. It allows the horses to start using the nets again in the right frame of mind & not frustrated.
  
  
• Horses on ‘Restricted Free Access’ hay are calmer, more patient, happy and easier to train. No more upset tummies, acid reflux, cribbing, ulcers, colic or respiratory issues.

 Eco Nets are made of a Twisted Knotted Nylon that is UV coated and bonded. The nets do not shrink or absorb water. Our seams are made using Industrial Strength webbing & thread that are also UV coated. Webbing choice of Purple, Black, Blue, Green, Red, Raspberry, Teal & Hunter on small nets and large nets have Purple on Regular nets & Black on HD nets.

Small Net Sizing :
- Critter holds a handful of hay & prevent small critters like hamsters & rabbits from turning hay into bedding.
- Trailer have a smaller circumference than Mini and hold 2 flakes.
- Mini  hold 1-4 flakes 
- Half  hold up to 1/2 a small square or fold in 1/2 to create a net for 1-2 flakes
- Square holds up to a 75 lb small square or fold in 1/2 when using 1/2 a bale or less
- Texas holds 2 small square bales side by side, great for extra feed when away !

Large Net Sizing :
- Small holds up to a 4 x 5 ft bale or 6-10 small squares, depending on size
- Medium holds from 4 x 5 to 6 x 6 ft bale, usually up to 1500 lbs 
- Large holds up to 6 x 7 ft bale, anything consistently 6x6 + over or bigger than 1600 lbs
- 3 x 4 x 7/8 for the smaller sized Large Squares, opening is at end.
- 4 x 5 x 8/10 for the bigger Large Squares, opening at end.

EZ Feeder Kit Sizing :
EZ Feeders are sized according to the FEEDER not the Bale.
EZ Feeders are meant to attach to the top ring of the lower area of the feeder, usually 2-3.5 ft ft above ground, we do not suggest attaching to the very bottom rung as the net can freeze to the ground.
Note- If your feeder is open with rungs at the lower part, try lining with plex board, belting or we sometimes have netting in long narrow strips that can be used to prevent excess hay from falling or being pulled out. ** Be sure to attach on the inside of feeder to prevent horses getting shoes caught up or injured.

Net properly attached on 1st  2 feeders,
3rd - Open type feeder, should be lined at bottom w/ net attached to top rung.                
Note - please measure your feeder before before ordering.                               
- Small fits up to 5 ft diameter or 16 ft in circumference
- Medium fits up to 7.5 ft diameter or 23 ft circumference
- Large fits feeders over 7.5 ft or up to 10 ft wide or 33 ft circumference

 

 

• Horses can only pull small amounts of hay from the mesh. This increases the chewing motion by a minimum of 5x per bite and lessens the amount consumed. Allowing the horses digestive system to slow down and work more naturally, thus better utilizing the smaller amounts of feed.
• The hay is almost always available so they learn to relax and don’t have to guard their feed.
• Horses tend to pull hay from the nets with their heads down (when using Round Bales), simulating a more natural grazing position.
• The nets prevent the horses from being able to ‘tunnel’ into the hay, therefore improving respiration problems from breathing in the chaff and dust.
• Horses with minor respiratory problems once going onto the nets will improve or their symptoms have even disappeared completely.
• When given an Eco Net it takes much longer to eat their hay ration (satisfying chewing) and then the net becomes a toy. We have observed horses swinging the net, playing ‘tug -of-war’ and even dragging a whole Square bale around!

 

TIPS: 

MICRO, MINI & HALF nets have d-rings on each end and a sliding swivel snap on the draw cord for ease of hanging. Just pull the draw cord tight, run the snap thru eye ring or over board to hang and clip snap onto either the top or bottom d-ring depending on how high you want to hang the net ~ LOAD, HANG, SNAP & DONE !!

Square nets have 2 d-rings but no snap, if needed, they can be hung horizontally to help distribute the weight of the bale. Clip 2 HD trailer bungee's onto each end of the net by the seam adding some netting into the clip.

Texas have 2 welded D's but no Snap as they're Not meant to hang, but rather to assist with securing into tubs or feeders.

• We make our Mini, Half & Square sizes with a large opening so they very easily go over a Square Bale to make loading simple.
• You can have several nets/bags filled ahead for quick and convenient feedings later. The square bale nets stack nicely & you can hang a full Square bale in a stall on 2 bungee trailer ties so as the hay is eaten the net will raise - also eliminates multiple trips to feed in that stall for 1-3 days !! Tip - leave the twines on till ready to hang or use.
  
  To easily fill your ‘Half Bale net’: put net in a muck bucket or mineral tub, stretch opening of net over the edge of the bucket , then easily fill with hay, pull out of bucket and its ready to use!
                                                        
  
  Forking from a round bale to feed: save hay and time by purchasing a ‘Texas-Weekender Net’, as it has a large circumference to go over 2 Square bales at once. Works great for forking off of the round bale because it is so big around. You can also put net in a deep wheelbarrow or 45 Gallon drum, stretch opening of net over edges, fill with loose hay (be sure to pack down the hay real well and get lots in), then close by pulling drawstring tight and securing closed on the D provided. Remove from barrow or drum. You are now ready to feed with no more trampled and/or blowing away hay!
  
  Having problems with Freezing ? Try putting some straw, shavings, EZ PELLETZ or EcoRasters/HD black shipping pallets under/in the area where you are putting the netted hay. Also sure to place away from drainage & in a higher area. This usually stops issues with the nets freezing to the ground.
  
  If your net does freeze to the ground, do NOT tug & pull or use equipment to pull as you will damage your net !! Remove any snow and hay covering the frozen area. Then try pouring some warm water over the frozen area or even letting the sun melt it on a warm day. Some have used salt as melter but be sure to rinse the net as it can be corrosive to the net.
  
  Installing the LARGE SQUARE net: use your equipment to elevate 1 end of the bale just off of the ground, scrunch open end of net like a pillow case & put over the elevated end, pull net towards the center making sure the closed end is snug, set bale down and then elevate the opposite end so you can pull the net out past the open end, lower bale, cut & remove twines, tighten draw cord, secure on D Ring tying off excess cord & putting inside the net. All done. Remember to protect net from shod horses using a feeder or similar so horses don’t get caught on the net with their shoes !!
  
  EZ Feeder Installation 3 sizes:
  Small = under 17 ft   ( under 5.5 ft Diameter)
  Medium = 17 to 24 ft ( 5.5 - 7.25 ft Diameter)
  Large = 24 to 33 ft     ( 7.25 - 10.5 ft Diameter)
• Weave folded edge of net opening onto the pipe provided, weave every other hole, measure inside of feeder so it will fit snuggly (with connector), cut off excess pipe, install insert & secure clamp around end of pipe, equally space net on pipe and attach to feeder, approx. 2.5-3.5 ft from ground using provided ties. Use enough attachments that it will be secure and horses cannot push pipe/net away from feeder, approx. every foot. If attaching to a Poly feeder you may need to pre-drill holes, 2 per attachment point , 1 above & below the pipe, make sure you place pipe 2/3 way to top so net reaches over bale easily and feeder will still touch the ground.
  
  We have found that geldings usually will not pee on the nets (given they have some straw or bedding for that purpose, especially when pens are packed down hard in the winter).
  
  Try this “Equine Litter Box” next winter or this summer if you have penned horses- pick a spot where you would like your horses to “Go”(a somewhat sheltered area, easy to access, not to far from the feed & not where they feel trapped), put a bag or 2 of shavings and some straw in that area, move a fresh “pile” to the center of this area and watch them head over, check it out & use it. You may have to move a few piles over a few days but you will find that they will start using it like a litter box. Or if you see that they already have an area that they seem to like, put the shavings and straw there. Keep the area cleaned every so often to prevent build up and to keep fluffy. The mix prevents urine from splashing onto their legs, works for geldings & mares !! Let us know how it works for you.
  
  Do you feed compressed bales, cubes or chopped hay? Our 1/2″ mesh net works great for processed hay, cubes or chopped hay and slowing down the consumption. As this hay is much finer you will need 1 size less than normal. Example: normal use a 1.5" net, then start with a 1" for these processed hays. Also the EZ Bales & TransFeeder compact bales work well in the 1/2″ mesh nets.
  
  If you have a herd – give them a round bale of timothy or grass type hay in a ‘Round Bale’ net. **Use a feeder if shod or the EZ Feeder Kits. This will satisfy their chewing requirements, keep their digestive system working properly, occupy & prevent boredom and make them easier to train & ride!

 

CARE OF NETS:

• The life of your net will vary depending on the type of hay used and the maintenance and care given to your net. Grass hay is easier for horses to pull through the net were as alfalfa hay stocks can be harder for horses to grab. This can teach horses to be more aggressive and can lead to pawing and chewing to get the alfalfa leaves and stems. If a hole is found please repair as soon as possible to stop horses from enlarging the hole.
  
  
• As horse owners we know that all horses are different and have their own personalities and tendencies… some may learner quicker than others on how to eat through the net; some may be more content to simply eat off the net and others may want to paw at the net more; and some may need to be moved down onto a 1″ net mesh to further slow their hay consumption while others can stay on 1 1/2″ net mesh for their whole life. It is up to you, the horse owner, to be aware of how your own individual horses are using the nets and decide if any changes are necessary. If you have any questions or comments about your horse(s) using the nets, please send us an email through our contact form and we would be happy to help you!
  
  
• When not using your net: put away, clean, empty of all hay, repaired, folded or rolled up, put in a rodent proof tub to prevent damage from mice & birds, store in a dry location and out of direct sunlight.
  
  
• Remember, if your horse's wear SHOES the nets MUST be hung at chest height or higher/secured into tubs or feeders so they cannot paw or remove. Otherwise they will get caught in the netting and may be hung up or injured !
  
  
• When hanging your net remember to hang in a safe place were it can not get snagged and ripped. Hang from the D’s or from the web seam.
  Do not hang Square or Texas nets from the D-rings, as they are too heavy !! Hang using the HD bungee trailer ties and clip them onto the seam along with some of the netting to lessen the wear point. We suggest clipping heavy bales in Square or Texas nets into feed tubs, rather than hanging. 

 

Warranty, Returns + Exchanges:

 

• WARRANTY: we warranty the craftsmanship of our nets, as in the the seams that we sew (under normal use), but we Do Not warranty the netting, chew thru’s or tears in the netting. Horses are livestock and very strong animals, we cannot know which horses will figure out the nets and which will not. Chew Thru’s will Not be warrantied, replaced or repaired. Follow our "Starting Out"  tips for best introduction and acclimation to the system.
  
  
• RETURNS: returns are only accepted if the item is unopened & in it's original packaging. Item must be returned with-in 30 days from date of purchase. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs and shipping fee's will not be refunded. Receipt to verify proof of original purchase from EcoNets must be provided by customer. If you've purchased your item from one of our retailers/reps please contact them to do the exchange. Before sending your item to us please contact the Order Dept at 1-844-326-6387. Refunds will be processed within 15 days of receipt of returned item, once item is inspected & verified unopened. 
  
  
• EXCHANGES: items ordered by mistake may be exchanged for another item with-in 60 days, so long as the item is un-opened, un-used and still in it's original packaging. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs including: original shipping, returning the original item back to us, as well as sending out the exchanged item. Receipt to verify proof of original purchase from EcoNets must be provided by customer. If you've purchased your item from one of our retailers/reps please contact them to do the exchange. Before sending your item to us please contact the Order Dept at 1-844-326-6387.
  
  *** Please Note that all Exchanges & Returns are done at the discretion of EcoNets staff. If items have been opened or packaging damaged restocking fee's may apply or transaction may be declined.

Our contact info :
Toll Free #        1-844-326-6387
Local Ph #       1-780-387-3331
email :          info@econets.ca
Physical Address:  5015a-45 Ave
Mailing Address:  Box 338
Millet, Alberta T0C 1Z0