Every horse needs hay, no matter if you feed hay all year round or only in the winter months. Hay can be very costly, no matter if it is in round or square bales. The question is, which is better for horses? Both round and square bales of hay can be fed to your horse, but it is important to weigh out the pros and cons to find out which would be better for you.
Square Bales- The Pros and Cons
Let's start with the most common form of hay that is fed to horses- square bales. Square bales are mainly fed because it is easier, and there is no equipment required. Square bales usually weigh 50 lbs. Some of the pros to feeding square bales include:
Easier to handle and move
Makes it easier to manage your horse's weight
Is easier to feed when horses are in multiple pens
Easy to separate in flakes and put in a hay net
Although there are a lot of advantages to feeding square bales, some of the cons include:
More expensive
Requires more labor
A place to store them out of the weather
Round Bales- The Pros and Cons
An alternative to square bales is round bales. Round bales can weigh up to 1,400 lbs. or more. This is a big disadvantage, as you would need a tractor to move the bales. Some of the pros to feeding round bales include:
Cheaper than square bales
Will last your horse longer, so you don't have to put hay out for a few days
Are convenient for pastured horses
Can be stored outside when wrapped
Some cons to feeding round bales include:
You need a tractor to move the bales
Has a higher chance of molding
More labor when feeding
More wasted hay if it is free-choice
Cost of wrapping
There are many ways in which you can compare a round bale to a square bale. In my opinion as a horse owner, I prefer square bales as they are much easier to handle and there is no need for a tractor. No matter which form of hay you feed your horse, it is important to store it correctly so it does not mold. For round bales, they need to be wrapped if stored outside. For square bales, they should be stored inside.
Whichever you decide, a way you can prevent hay waste is by using a hay net. There are many hay nets on the market, but I highly recommend Hay Chix nets. These nets are very durable and gentle on your horse's teeth. They even have lasted up to 5 years or more before needing to be replaced! Hay Chix does offer many options, for both round and square bales. Let's look at a couple of their nets for comparison.
This net is a good option for 2-string bales that are 70 lbs. You can also choose how big holes you prefer for your horse. Head here for a 20% off promo code for your Hay Chix purchase.
Photo by HayChix
Large Bale Net- 6'
If you feed round bales and want to reduce hay waste, then this is the net for you! This net will fit large square bales of different sizes. As with the square bale net, you can customize and choose how big holes you would like. There are different options for round bale nets on their website. Head here for a 20% off promo code for your Hay Chix purchase.
Photo by HayChix
Disclaimer: I am a part of the Hay Chix referral program and may make a commission at no extra cost to you.
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