Feeder Design & Colic Prevention Key Takeaways
- Rapid intake is a proven colic risk; feeder design that slows chewing time cuts that risk.
- Open mangers let a horse gulp 3 kg in ~35 min, while slow-feed nets stretch the same hay over 60 min.
- Timed automatic hoppers land in the middle: two smaller dumps mimic grazing and ease gut load.
- Scroll for an eating-pattern graph comparing three designs, plus Prop 65 notes on feeder coatings.
1 Why Eating Speed Matters in Colic Prevention
When a horse bolts hay, big, dry wads hit the hind-gut. Gas and impaction risk spike. Slower chewing mixes saliva, adds moisture, and keeps gut motility smooth. Feeder design colic prevention isn’t hype—it’s biomechanics.
2 Eating-Pattern Graph: Open vs Slow-Feed vs Timed
What you’re seeing
- Open manger: linear gulp to 3 kg, then plateau—gut goes from zero to full in half an hour.
- Slow-feed net (e.g., wire face on a Metal Corner Hay Rack) stretches intake; only 2.4 kg after an hour.
- Timed automatic feeder (Solar-Powered model) halves the meal, drops second portion at 30 min; curve bends, peak load delayed.
3 How Each Feeder Design Shapes Chewing Behaviour
Open Manger or Bale Ring
Fast, mouth-wide grabs. Saliva production stays low, particle size stays big. Swap to a slow-feed insert or hang a net over the round bale feeder to force smaller bites.
Slow-Feed Net / Wire-Face Rack
1–1.5 cm bite width extends chewing 30–40 %, raises saliva flow 20 %. Horses pace themselves, gut stays moving.
Timed Automatic Feeder
Portion control plus waiting gap mimics pasture. Keeps gorgers from “front-loading” daily calories.
4 DIY Tweaks That Really Work
- Add 1½″ mesh over any corner rack—or retrofit the automatic feeder double hopper with a wire grid.
- Position racks at chest height to align jaw correctly; low feeders kink the throat and encourage bolting.
- For round bales, use a small-mesh net over the horse round bale feeder to slow the first 24 h frenzy.
5 Prop 65 & Safety Check
Powder-coated steel and electronic solder may contain lead. California barns must post Prop 65 signs and keep chipped paint patched.
6 FAQ
Does soaking hay beat slow-feeding?
Soaking softens stems but doesn’t slow intake; a net + soak combo works best.
Will a boss mare hog a slow-feed net?
Hang two nets 15 ft apart; hierarchy relaxes when space increases.
Can pellets go in a slow-feed bag?
No—use a timed feeder for concentrates.
Mesh size for aggressive eaters?
Start 1½″, drop to 1¼″ if they still bolt.