Hay steamer

[Philippa]

Has anyone used one of these and are they any good??

I prefer to feed hay over haylage but some of the hay we get can be dusty and I’m thinking a steamer may be the way forward rather than soaking as current prima donna won’t eat soaked hay. 🐒

[heidi1]

I have a haygain and wouldn't be without it now. It was a Christmas present to myself a few years ago and has made a massive difference to the ponies especially when you start to get towards the end of winter and the hay is not as good as it was at the start. Another benefit which is not so widely known is a double cycle (so steamed for twice minimum time) is the equivalent of a 16hr soak so fabulous if you have a laminitic or anything on a strict diet and much more palatable than hay that has actually soaked fo that long never mind the water it has soaked in

[Philippa]

Thanks. That’s the problem I’ve got at the moment. Mine are always in at some point of the day even through summer and this years been such a long winter and you’re right the hay was good at the start but we are onto hay that’s been stood for 10 months. I’ll look into your brand and see what it’s like.

[Philippa]

What size steamer did you get Heidi?? I’m looking wondering if I should but the bullet and get one that feeds 2-3 or would a single horse one do. I would ideally do 4 nets a time if I got the bigger one. Or would need to do 2 in the smaller one if they would fit.

[heidi1]

I've the one for 2-3 horses and I'm glad I went for that size. Are Haygain at any shows near you in the near future and you could then have a look at them and they may have show offers! I know they're always at Hickstead if you're there for the Derby in a couple of weeks.

[Philippa]

I’m not at the derby meet but will be there for the RI. Im thinking I might just bite the bullet before then though as I could really do with it ASAP.

[heidi1]

From my experience, I'd say go for it, I've never regretted getting mine

[Philippa]

Thank you. I've ordered one. I've gone for an ascot one. I read the reviews and they seem really good too. Hopefully will be here Friday. Can't wait.

[Philippa]

Well my steamer has arrived. It's fab!!!

Pony loves the steamed hay, so easy to use.

[sarahp]

Just a word of warning - the reduction in sugars is pretty minimal - around 3% according to the research papers quoted by Haygain as opposed to 34% by soaking - so if the primary use is for laminitics soaking is much more efficient. Makes sense if you think about it as with soaking the sugars are actually removed into the water which is then poured away. On the other hand, steaming is very efficient in reducing dust and bacteria so steaming would be the method of choice if the pony's problem is in its wind, or just that the hay gets dusty.

[Philippa]

Hi sarahp yes thanks for that. I had read that it still requires soaking prior to steaming if for laminitis and steaming haylage actually increases the sugar levels.

Fortunately I’m using mine for breathing and dust.