How to Choose a Grate Size

Unlike hay nets, choose a grate size based on your hay type, not on how much you want to slow down consumption. Soaked hay typically requires a larger grate size. 

If you are questioning which size grate to order, go larger than you think. It is easier for your horse to make the transition with a larger grate and then move down to a smaller grate size, than to have your horse start out frustrated that he can't access the hay due to a smaller grate size.

Narrow | For Fine & Chopped Hay

2.25" x 5" size openings for super fine grass hay such as Coastal Bermuda, Teff, early brome, chopped and bagged forage, extremely fine alfalfa and fine hay that is conditioned. Not for soaked hay. 

Original | For Most Cool-Season Hay

Our original grate size with 2.75" x 6" size openings for most cool-season grass hays such as Timothy and Orchard and some finer grass alfalfa mix hay. Not for thick, stemmy or coarse hay. 

Wide | For Coarse & Long-Strand Hay

3.25" x 6" size openings for alfalfa and alfalfa mixes. (Due to the leaves on the alfalfa, these types of hay can compact very easily and a large grate is recommended; especially when starting a horse on the Savvy Feeder). Also use a large grate for other stemmy hay such as peanut, and long-stranded hay from a large round bale. The large grate is beneficial for older horses who have difficulty grasping hay. 

Replacing a Savvy Feeder ™ Grate

Items needed to replace the grate

• screwdriver with #2 phillips tip
• 10mm or 3/8”socket wrench or plain wrench
• Loctite (red or blue)

Included in the grate replacement kit: 

16) ⅝” bolts to attach fabric to the Savvy Feeder ™ box

16) Lock washers

4) Replacement acorn nuts

Read all instructions before starting – the bolt heads can strip and ruin the entire grate

1. Turn your Savvy Feeder ™ upside down and remove the bottom plate NOTE: Now is the perfect time to clean out your feeder - any household soap works and then rinse.
   
   
   
2. Use a #2 phillips head screwdriver to secure the bolt head on the inside of your feeder. Use a 10mm or a 3/8 socket wrench, or plain wrench, to loosen and remove each acorn nut on the outside of your feeder. Unscrew the bolts from the inside of the feeder NOTE: Any lock washers that are embedded into the outside of the feeder are ok to leave. 
3. Remove the grate, leaving fabric material attached, and the poly bars 
   
   
   
4. Place the new grate inside the feeder (which should still be upside down) with the bolt heads attaching the fabric facing up through the bottom of the feeder box. If you turn the feeder right-side up, you will see no hardware will come in contact with the horse.
   
   
   
5. Position the fabric against the feeder side and place the bar on top of the fabric and then place a new bolt through each opening (through the bar, fabric, and the side of the feeder). Place a small amount of Loctite on each acorn nut. Hold the bar with all 4 bolts in place with one hand and place a lock washer and acorn nut on each bolt on the outside of the feeder. Use your socket wrench (or plain wrench) with your phillips head #2 screwdriver holding the bolt head secure, to tighten each acorn nut.  The bars must tighten against the feeder side to prevent the fabric from tearing.  Do this on all 4 sides of the feeder. 

Any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Lenny@SavvyHorseProducts.com or 937-RU-SAVVY