📘 How to Use the Porta-Grazer™ (Step-by-Step)
⚠️ Important Safety Note:
Before using the Porta-Grazer™, check the drain plug at the bottom. It must be either:
- Fully screwed in
or - Fully removed
This prevents damage to the base when the feeder is in use.
🔄 Step 1: Introduce Gradually (5–10 Days)
Do not switch cold turkey to using the Porta-Grazer. Instead:
- Continue feeding hay the usual way (on the floor, in a net, etc.)
- At the same time, place hay in the Porta-Grazer™ so your horse sees it as a second option.
- Allow your horse 5 to 10 days to get used to the feeder and the rotating pan mechanism.
📌 If a hungry or stressed horse is forced to eat from it before understanding how it works, it may chew or slam the pan, causing cracks or damage.
🔒 Step 2: Secure It Properly
To prevent tipping or rolling:
- Tie or secure the Porta-Grazer™ by one of its handles to a wall or fence.
- Make sure the bottom sits flat on the ground, not tilted or propped up.
This helps the horse feel more stable when exploring the new feeder.
🌾 Step 3: Load the Hay the Correct Way
Loading hay properly helps the pan rotate and allows smooth feeding. Here’s how:
- Take a flake of hay and stand it vertically inside the barrel.
- Push it down and over to the opposite side to form an arched shape, like the letter “n”.
- Make sure the ends of the stems face downward (this prevents jamming).
- Place the grazing pan hole-side down on top of the arched hay.
- For the first few days, pull a few pieces of hay through the holes to encourage your horse to start foraging.
📏 Step 4: Don’t Overfill
It’s tempting to cram in extra hay, but resist doing this at first.
During the introduction period:
- The pan should sit about 3 inches below the rim of the barrel.
- This gives your horse space to learn how the rotating pan works.
Once your horse is comfortable:
- For XL, Mini, or Corner models: fill until the tabs on the pan lock in, but make sure the pan can still spin freely.
- For the original PG model: ensure the top of the pan sits slightly below the rim.
🚫 Do not overfill the Porta-Grazer. Too much hay creates pressure from below, which can pop the pan loose or make it hard for the horse to use.
✅ Step 5: Switch to Porta-Grazer-Only Feeding
Once your horse is eating calmly and confidently from the Porta-Grazer:
- You can stop feeding hay on the ground or in other feeders.
- From this point on, use the Porta-Grazer as the primary hay source.
Make sure your horse always has enough hay to avoid hunger anxiety. Horses that go too long without forage may become aggressive or anxious.
🧠 Step 6: Monitor Behavior
Watch for signs your horse is not using the feeder correctly:
- Is hay left untouched inside the barrel?
- Is hay swirled in a circle instead of eaten?
- Is the pan getting cracked, jammed, or slammed?
If so, revisit Step 3 (loading method). Improper hay orientation can block access or frustrate your horse.
Also watch for aggressive feeding behavior. This could indicate:
- The horse was previously going too long without hay
- There may be an underlying medical issue like gastric ulcers
📞 If these behaviors continue, consult your veterinarian.