Are hay steamers worth it?
Overall, I think if your horse has any dust related problems, investing in a hay steamer is a must, even if you need to make do with one of the cheaper options. If your horse is fine and happy with dry hay or just soaking the occasional dusty bale, I think if you can afford a Haygain, it is definitely worth having.
Is steaming hay better than soaking?
However, steaming is beneficial for the hygienic quality of the hay and whereas soaking increases the bacterial presence in hay, steaming reduced bacteria numbers by 98%. So whilst steaming hay for horses deals with the respiratory challenges, it is still recommended to soak hay to remove WSC.
Does steaming hay get rid of dust?
You can use steaming or soaking to reduce how much dust and mold your horse breathes in while eating affected hay.
Do hay steamers work?
Soaking hay can increase the bacteria content by almost 150%, including bacteria that can contribute to colic. Haygain Steaming helps reduce harmful bacteria. Haygain Steamed Hay has more moisture than dry hay – in some cases three times the water content.
Are hay steamers expensive to run?
Our hay steamer has a 2.3kw heating element so costs around 30p an hour to run. Check your bill for rates in your area but steaming is cheaper than using gallons of water. The hay steamer is a smartly branded wheelie bin available in 3 sizes. It’s easy to move around and the steam generator packs neatly away inside.
How much does a hay steamer cost?
Haygain Hay Steamer
| ITEM ITEM | SIZE SIZE | PRICE MAP PRICE Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) is the lowest advertised price allowed by the manufacturer. |
|---|---|---|
| Item: 32933 (ds) | Size: HG-600 Half Bale | $1,749.00 |
| Item: 32932 (ds) | Size: HG-2000 Full Bale | $2,999.00 |
Is steamed hay good for horses?
In comparison, steaming hay offers many benefits for the horse, as studies show that all respirable particles are removed and nutrients aren’t leached. Using a Haygain steamer kills all of the fungi and yeast and 98.84% of the bacteria found in the hay thanks to its unique manifold system.
How long does steamed hay last?
If the hay cannot be fed straight out of the steamer, it can be fed up to 24 hours later. If it is decided to steam the hay up to 24 hours before feeding, it should be stored in a clean dry area off of the ground so that there is the least amount of contamination as possible.
Can you make your own hay steamer?
There are companies that make hay steamers for purchase. But in case you’re feeling crafty and want to save a few bucks, plenty of equestrians have learned to build and use homemade steamers. Here are a few tutorials on how to get started building your own hay steamer.