Fluffy Feeder & Mini Fluffy

For Fluffy Feeders, the ”standard” (#6cm) net hole size is recommended for horses using the feeder for the first time. It’s also ideal for larger breeds with bigger muzzles. The ”small” (#4cm) mesh size is best for softer stems or when there is a specific need to slow down eating.

If the mesh size is too small, the horse may find it too difficult, which can cause frustration and faster wear on the net.

The Mini Fluffy has one mesh size available, "small", which is perfect for ponies and smaller horses (e.g. Icelandic horses).

The table below helps you choose the right mesh size for your horse and pony. Please note that this is a general recommendation, and the ideal mesh size may vary depending on your horse's individual needs.

Fluffy Feeder and Mini Fluffy

We’ve designed our feeders with a safety-first mindset. We recognized the challenges of typical hay nets and wanted to create something safer. For both Fluffy Feeders and Mini Fluffies, this means they are placed freely on the ground and should not be tied to stalls, floors, or fences. This ensures safer use, as the risk of a horse getting caught or stuck is much lower compared to hanging hay nets.

70% of our customers use Fluffy Feeders with shod horses and find them safe.

When assessing the safety of our feeders for a particular horse, we look at both benefits and risks. On one hand, we consider the possible risks of using the feeder. On the other hand, we consider the risks of not using slow feeding tools, such as gastric ulcers, laminitis, colic, impaction colic, obesity, mental health issues, boredom, and increased stress levels.

If using Fluffy Feeders can help prevent any of these conditions, then the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks.

Please note that several horse veterinarians and clinics are among our resellers, and many equine well-being specialists are also our customers. They consistently report that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Important: With proper and regular hoof care, the risks can be minimized. Ultimately, the horse owner is the best person to decide whether it is safe to use our feeders with their horses. Please supervise your horse during use.

Saggy

The Saggy is designed to be hung on the wall, which presents a different risk for shod horses. Compared to barefoot horses, shod horses have a higher chance of getting caught, as their shoes may become entangled in the hay net and restrict movement.

To address this, the Saggy includes a quick-release locking mechanism and a simple single-strap attachment, both designed to reduce potential hazards.

Yes, they can. Fluffy Feeders are made from materials that allow horses to move and the feeders to eat them empty. Some horses may take a little longer to get the hang of it, usually only a small amount of hay dust is left behind.

When we see a horse choosing the feeder over loose hay or other options, we know it’s working as enrichment. Every horse has a natural need to search and explore. It is something that is built into them from birth.

With the Fluffy Feeder, a horse can explore something new at its own pace which gives him the feeling of freedom. The freedom of choice and independence. If we practice and encourage horses in exploring, they become more curious about the world leading to more relaxed and easier-to-handle horses.

This is one of the things that enrichment is all about.

Yes, all our products are machine washable at 40 °C.

This is a question we’ve discussed with our customers and tested ourselves. Our experience shows that hay stays much cleaner inside the bag compared to hay lying on the sand. Horses naturally tend to spread hay from a pile or hay rack while eating. With the Fluffy Feeder, the hay stays clean even if they toss it around. In some cases, a horse may paw at the feeder and get a little sand inside, but from our experience, the amount is minimal.

The lifespan of a Fluffy Feeder (or Mini Fluffy) can vary depending on the horse, conditions, and usage. If the mesh size is suitable for the horse, the horse is taught to use it calmly, and the feeder is used daily, its average lifespan is 1–2 years.

Factors affecting durability include weather conditions, UV exposure, and the surface on which the feeder is used. Too small mesh size or very sticky hay can accelerate wear, as can a frustrated or very hungry horse. For this reason, we often recommend offering a small amount of loose hay alongside the Fluffy Feeder.

We have customers whose feeders have lasted over 3 years, but accidents can also happen earlier. Fortunately, the Heica feeders can often be repaired, which extends their lifespan.

I’ve sometimes thought that if the feeder lasts six months, the cost is roughly 50 cents per day.

No. Fluffy Feeders and Mini Fluffies are designed to stay untied for safety. Placing them freely on the ground reduces the risk of a horse getting caught or stuck. We have not tested the feeders while tied, so we cannot guarantee their durability in that situation.