Alternative to mineral lick

[Hackback]

Noticed one of my 2 licking the soil yesterday. Neither like the plain mineral licks, both love the molassed ones, but I don't want them to have the extra calories (or sticky noses).

Is there such a thing as a palatable mineral supplement that I could put in their feed?

 

[maya2008]

In this weather it is likely lack of salt. Mine started it, we added salt to their feed and they stopped. The Himalayan salt licks are apparently tasty - we ordered a bag and have strung them up on trees. Problem solved.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

There are flavoured ones that come in handy little buckets that are great for soaking small amount of feed once you are finished with the lick. Pretty sure no or very very low molasses. I can’t remember the name of them but I’m sure norvite did them or Harbro

 

[lialls]

I would think that you just need to add a balancer to their feed then as that would be the equivalent of the licks. I would also add salt too.

 

[Hackback]

Thanks. They have salt licks in their stables (in overnight) which they are enjoying at the moment so maybe they do need more. I have previously tried adding salt to their feed but they weren't keen. I probably went in too quick and should have started with a tiny amount and built up.

I'll look into the bucket licks. I know what you mean @Roasted Chestnuts - I got one years ago and none of the horses would touch it. And I couldn't get it out of the bucket so I could reuse it either - damn thing wouldnt dissolve even in hot water and trying to chisel it out failed - very disappointing I hope they might be better than that now.

They do have a balancer but maybe I should increase it

Thanks all.