Feeding a 9 month shetland

P

Poppy25

New User
Joined
6 October 2016
Messages
7
Visit site
Hi guys,

I'm stuck to know what to feed my 9 month Shetland, I've owned her for 4 days and she's had a long travel and been on a boat so my issues might be settling in problems.

The previous owners didn't feed her because she lived out but I have to bring her in at night. Overnight I've tried giving her hay in and out of haynet and she isn't really eating it, she doesn't seem interested in a hand full of chaff or readigrass. She'll nibble pony nuts (which the previous owners gave me for travel) I've even tried cutting up bits in apple.

I'd just like some advice, I know hay is an important part of their diet and I don't want her to not get the correct nutrition, I know you have to be so careful with Shetlands. Her teeth are being checked next week, should I try tiny amounts of speedibeet?


Thanks :)
 
Please don't feed hay from a net to a weanling.

All she needs is hay. It's possible that she's never been fed hay if she's recently weaned or has been out at grass 24/7, so it might take some time for her to get used to eating it.

Soaked grass nuts (something that smells really grassy), might tempt her to eat if you are really worried about her not eating overnight.
 
Thank you, I originally tried feeding her hay on the floor, she didn't seem to eat much, when I tried the haynet, she was playing with it so I thought it would encourage her, didn't work though, I'll go back to putting on the floor.
 
Can you feed hay in the field, so that she can watch her field companion eating it? She might just need a bit of help cottoning on.
My shetland doesn't eat a huge amount of hay - he probably gets through the equivalent of a thin small bale slice in 24h. He doesn't seem to have a problem maintaining condition
 
I think she is a bit unsure, that's a good idea, I'll give it a try. When your used to big horses it's hard to judge hay for a little one.
 
Auslander said:
Can you feed hay in the field, so that she can watch her field companion eating it? She might just need a bit of help cottoning on.
My shetland doesn't eat a huge amount of hay - he probably gets through the equivalent of a thin small bale slice in 24h. He doesn't seem to have a problem maintaining condition
Click to expand...


I think she is a bit unsure, that's a good idea, I'll give it a try. When your used to big horses it's hard to judge hay for a little one.
 
apercrumbie said:
What is her current routine? How long does she spend out? Is she eating grass?
Click to expand...


She's currently out to grass 6am-4.30pm,
The grass is grazed but she seems to be finding things to eat. I've been taking her for a little walk about before she goes in her stable at night, her beds always quite clean so i think she's fairly settled. So many people were saying to be careful because they are little pigs, so far all she wants to eat is my shoe 🙈
 
Hi OP, firstly congrats on getting your new little one.
Often these tinies (tho most people think they are dustbins) will not eat much for a few days on arrival.
Def give her hay on the floor, try 2 piles - damped and dry. I'd expect her to eat approx half a small bale section overnight (about 3 pounds in weight)
Monitor exactly what she is drinking, also how many times she pee's in stable and also how many droppings she is putting out.

I'd give her another 24+ hrs on this, but would also call vet today ref the eating/droppings amount v low etc, with a view to possible visit in next 24/48 hours (depending on what exactly she is eating & drinking). Its very quick for a horse/pony to get dehydrated.

Hope things improve x
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
Hi OP, firstly congrats on getting your new little one.
Often these tinies (tho most people think they are dustbins) will not eat much for a few days on arrival.
Def give her hay on the floor, try 2 piles - damped and dry. I'd expect her to eat approx half a small bale section overnight (about 3 pounds in weight)
Monitor exactly what she is drinking, also how many times she pee's in stable and also how many droppings she is putting out.

I'd give her another 24+ hrs on this, but would also call vet today ref the eating/droppings amount v low etc, with a view to possible visit in next 24/48 hours (depending on what exactly she is eating & drinking). Its very quick for a horse/pony to get dehydrated.

Hope things improve x
Click to expand...

Thank you :)
I've seen her wee outside but inside the wet patch is very small, she does go to her water bucket a few times when I watch her, she does drink but it's never a lot. She has droppings in and out of stable, I'll try and monitor if the amount changes. I hope she'll be ok 😔 She seems happy enough, she has a lie down at night.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top