Posted 2014-12-11 10:58 AM Subject: Weanling Eating Geldings mane!!!
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Posts: 226
Anyone have any suggestions on how to get my baby to quit chewing on my gelding's mane? I googled it and found a couple things that say she could be mineral deficient. Which I feed her third cutting alfalfa/grass mix. Triple Crown Growth and free choice salt. SO I don't think that is the case.....
I saw a couple places that said Bitter Apple for dogs might work or putting vicks on the mane??
Posted 2014-12-11 11:07 AM Subject: RE: Weanling Eating Geldings mane!!!
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Posts: 226
Thanks! I will look into it :) yah her buddy is my 28 year old gelding, so he prolly isn't very exciting for her :) but I blanket him in the winter so she wouldn't be able to chew on him, thanks again!
Posted 2014-12-15 11:53 AM Subject: RE: Weanling Eating Geldings mane!!!
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Posts: 139 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Canada
A high percentage of weanlings actually have ulcers but rather than outright ulcers maybe your weanling has a bit of extra acid and inflammation from the stress of being weaned that triggered the eating of the mane just to get some fiber. The hay you describe may actually be too soft or rich lacks fiber or texture and it simply feels good to have some fiber in the gut. Unfortunately it is the hair on the other horses mane. I actually saw this same situation some years ago. Ask your vet if I am nuts here.
I suggest you try a flake a day of crunchy grass hay yet have a good quality mixed hay as well free choice. See if he chooses that. more fibrous hay at least some trime. It may also help to have him looked at for ulcers .
I would also look at how much grain he is getting and make sure you follow manufacturers recommendations. Make sure he is not stealling extra from other horses. The horse I saw actually had an impaction colic from all the hair and that was when I saw it, after the vet got there.
Make sure the weanling feed has lots of fiber anmd texture and a little extra ground flax a day may help his tummy. The rule is never feed over 2.5 lbs grain at one time 5 lbs total/day) to a 500 lb weanling ( probably a max of 1 lb per month of age total grain per day). Usually 6-7 lbs grain is plenty for even a yearling unless you are fitting up for a show or sale.
I would add 1/2 cup a day of milled flax for gut function and essential oils and the flax would help with texture as well.
Posted 2014-12-16 8:34 AM Subject: RE: Weanling Eating Geldings mane!!!
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Posts: 226
Thank you everyone, I am going to take all of your advice and get things figured out. Thanks for your fedd suggestions too, I really appreciate all of your responses!
Weanling Eating Geldings mane!!!
