Floxie
Well-Known Member
After getting though the whole winter without issue, pony has now started eating his straw. He's deep littered so it's not the end of the world but it's always manky in the morning with nothing fresh left. It's also taking 2-3 slices to top it up daily, since, obviously, nothing fresh is left, so it's getting more expensive and awkward (collecting more straw is a pain!). He's eating it as a preference to his hay so more of that isn't the answer!
Firstly, should I worry that something is missing from his diet? Or that the straw will do him any harm?
I was going to try putting a layer of shavings down to absorb so if he takes the fresh straw off the top it's not too bad, but I'm hoping we'll be back to overnight turnout soon if the weather holds and it won't be an issue for much longer.
This (and the deep litter) is also why I don't want to consider a whole new bedding material.
Any thoughts on this? It's annoying, but I don't know if it's any more of a problem than that! Thanks
Firstly, should I worry that something is missing from his diet? Or that the straw will do him any harm?
I was going to try putting a layer of shavings down to absorb so if he takes the fresh straw off the top it's not too bad, but I'm hoping we'll be back to overnight turnout soon if the weather holds and it won't be an issue for much longer.
This (and the deep litter) is also why I don't want to consider a whole new bedding material.
Any thoughts on this? It's annoying, but I don't know if it's any more of a problem than that! Thanks