Big Bale Buddy FAQ
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 under a shelter or in the shade or only in the winter months 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.
Q. How do you use the Big Bale Buddy?
A. Stand the bale on a flat end and remove all strings and bindings from the Bale. Then hook the elastic opening over the top edge of the bale all the way around. Next, tug the bag down evenly all the way around the bale until it is completely covered. Then flip the bale over onto its other flat end and tug the elastic up over the edge all the way around so that is pulling in evenly toward the center of the bale. Your hay is now ready to feed. If your bale is loosely rolled and tends to fall apart when the strings are removed, the strings can be cut and taken off 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 fall of 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 bale 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.
Q. My horses 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 upholstery or boat top repair place 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 is the difference in hay saving between the Big Bale Buddy and the Slow Bale buddy?
A. Here is a comparison between the two feeders done by Dutch Hollow Acres: 600lbs Round Bale vs 3 hungry horses.
Bale fed with no netting (in Big Bale Buddy)
1 bale lasted 7 days
86lbs per day
29lbs per horse per day
Bale fed with slow feed netting
1 bale lasted 10 days
60lbs per day
20lbs per horse per day
If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please send us your question to info@bigbalebuddy.com or call us tollfree at 866.389.9952