Porta-Grazer - Directions for Use
How to Introduce the Porta-Grazer™ Slow Hay Feeder to Your Horse
Attention: To avoid damaging your Porta-Grazer™ the drain plug must be screwed in all the way in or removed when in use.
When you introduce the Porta-Grazer™ you MUST continue to feed as you normally do, and use the Porta-Grazer™ as a secondary source of feed for the first 5-10 days until your horse is accustomed to grazing from the Porta-Grazer™ and is properly rotating the pan.
******** If forced to eat from the Porta-Grazer™ when overly hungry, or if not using it properly the pan will receive excessive wear, cracking and damage. *********
During the introductory period secure the Porta-Grazer™ by one handle so that it can’t be tipped over. Make sure that the barrel sits flat on the ground.
1) To remove the XL. Mini or Corner Feeder grazing pan – align the keyhole in the side of the pan with the arrow on the barrel handle. To remove the PG grazing pan - using two hands, simply lift the pan so that one side of the pan comes up thru the barrel opening, then give it a twist as you pull it up and out.
2) Stand the flake of hay flat against the inside wall of the barrel with the ends of the stems facing up and push downward rolling the flake over to the bottom of the opposite side. The flake will form a “n” Make sure the hay forms an arch at the top with the ends pointing downward. See Picture below:
3) Insert the pan with the hole side down letting it rest on top of the arch of hay. Pull small amounts of hay thru the holes for the first few days.
When first introducing the Porta-Grazer™ put only enough hay in so that the pan sits down inside the barrel approximately 3 inches below the lip of the barrel. This will help your horse learn how to use the Porta-Grazer™.
When the horse is calmly eating from the Porta-Grazer™ discontinue any other hay sources. (minimum 5-10 days) The Corner Feeder, XL and Mini models can be filled to where the pan tabs lock in yet the pan turns freely, and for those with the original PG model the top of the pan must be a couple inches below the lip of the barrel. Do not over fill.
Over filling will cause the pressure from the hay to push upwards on the pan pushing the pan out if the tabs line up… Always fill your Porta-Grazer™ with enough hay that your horse is not hungry at the next feeding.
*****ATTENTION - if hay has not been eaten and the remaining hay is swirled in a circular fashion or if the pan is being damaged refer back to number 2 above.
Horses usually eat aggressively because they have been left too long without feed and/or they have stomach ulcers from rationed feeding. If aggressive feeding behaviors continue contact your veterinarian.
Grazing Feeders Inc.