Frequently asked questions

Q. Is there any advantage in ad lib feeding?
A. Most certainly. Most farm animals eat for most of the day, so giving them hay just once does not fulfill their requirements. This is particularly so with horses which have small stomachs compared to their size, so they can only eat a relatively small portion at any one time. Also, most farm animals are herd animals, so those which are dominant will keep out the others.  Both problems are overcome with big bales, and a Big Bale Feeder will ensure the hay is neither spoiled nor wasted.

Q. How long will the Big Bale Buddy last? 
A. This unique concept in large round bale feeders is made with a tough, durable, rot and stain resistant, 1500 denier, woven polypropylene with 1200 hours of UV  protection. The thread used to sew the seams and the elastic are also polypropylene. Polypropylene is a very tough durable plastic, hooves and horns will not hurt it, its only natural enemy is the sun. If left out in the sun year round, the Big Bale Buddy will last at least 2 years. If it is used only in the winter months or if year-round under a shelter or in the shade it will last much longer. 

Q. Is there any kind of warranty with this product? 
A. We will replace the Big Bale Buddy if it rips in the first year under normal use (the feeding of round bales to livestock). If this should happen please contact us directly for replacement. In New Zealand the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Sale of Goods Act may apply. 

Q.  What about loose bales? 
A.  If your bale is loosely rolled and tends to fall apart when the strings are removed, the strings can be cut and taken off in stages as you pull the Big Bale Buddy down. If you are having trouble getting your Bale Buddy on, some hay can be removed from the outside of the bale and stuffed into the top after the feeder is on the bale. 

Q. I do not presently use a round bale feeder because I am afraid that my horse will get
hurt. Is the Big Bale Buddy safe?
A. Yes. The Big Bale Buddy has been on the market since 2006 and has a 100% safety record. There is no risk of leg or neck injury and it will not rub away the mane like some rigid feeders. 

Q. What happens to the hay in the Big Bale Buddy if it rains? 
A.  Any rain that hits the sides of the Big Bale Buddy will simply shed off. Water will still enter the hay through the opening at the top of the feeder. However, since this is the hay that gets eaten first, it is rarely a problem. If you are using the Bale Buddy during prolonged hot, wet weather, the hay should be checked periodically for quality. A run in shelter is excellent protection for both your live stock and your hay. If this is impractical, the Big Bale Buddy may be turned on its side to protect the hay during excessive wet weather. 

Q. What if my animals are to short too reach the top of the bale? 
A. Simply fold down the top of the bag so that the elastic is gripping the sides of the bale and the top edge of the bale is exposed. Alternately, the Big Bale buddy may be laid on its side until some of the hay is eaten.

Q.  How much hay will the Big Bale Buddy save me?
A.  Using the Big Bale Buddy will ensure that almost all your hay gets eaten. In comparison, when feeding large round bales without a feeder, up to one third of the bale is wasted. 

Q. How many animals can effectively eat out of the Big Bale Buddy?
A. It is best to have a feeder available for every 4 or 5 animals you are feeding but because no animal eats 24/7, in fact one feeder can provide the necessary hay for more, depending on the species, age, size, whether lactating, what other feed is available, etc.

Q. My stock have made a small hole in my Big Bale Buddy, is there any way to patch it? 
A. A simple and effective solution is to cover the hole on both sides with duct tape. Alternatively you can take it to an auto or marine upholsterer and have a patch sewn on. If it has been less than a year since you purchased your Big Bale Buddy, please contact us for a free replacement. 

Q.I have difficultly putting the Big Bale Buddy on by myself as the elastic pops off one side before I can get it hooked over the bale all the way around. Is there any way to make this job easier? 
A. Tie a ribbon around a tent peg and drive it into the bale about four inches down from the top, then hook your elastic over the peg and begin walking around the bale hooking the elastic down as you go. The tent peg will keep the elastic from popping off before you get it over the bale all the way around. The ribbon will make it easy to find the tent peg so you can remove it before you pull the bag down the rest of the way. 

Q. We found the Big Bale Buddy quite difficult to put on the first couple of times. Is there any way this job could have been made easier?
A. If your Big Bale Buddy is at the top end for your size it may be difficult to put on. Before using the Big Bale Buddy for the first time, it helps to give it a good stretch. If two people are available, one person can grab each side of the elastic top opening and pull, as if you are having a tug of war. If doing it alone, a good option is to hook the elastic top opening over a fence post and give it a good stretch that way.

Q. What about small cattle breeds?
A. Big Bale Buddies have been used successfully with pure bred Dexter cows. These are approximately 100cms at the shoulder, or waist high. If other breeds or younger stock cannot physically reach the hay when the bale is full, roll down the top, see above.

Q. Can big round bales be moved without access to a front end loader?
A. Yes, if you have a tractor with 3 point linkage you could acquire a bale spear. These are available, new, in New Zealand, for approximately $380.


If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please send us your question to bbbuddynz@gmail.com or call on 021 368 312.

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