Feeding a previously malnourished youngster

PonyIAmNotFood

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 October 2010
Messages
1,312
Location
Norf West
Visit site
Finally got my youngster from the RSPCA after he'd been quite poorly and gone through a castration. He was extremely emaciated when they first got him, had to be lifted off the ground so he's not had a brilliant start.

Brought him home on Sunday and he was very ribby, spine prominant and hips as well, but looked bigger due to a fluffy coat. He's had 4 days of a bucket feed, stabling and ad lib hayledge at night, and turnout with good grass in the day. Already, by day 4, his rib and back covering has dramatically improved? Is this too quick?

He's having half a scoop of Alfa A no molasses, micronised linseed, pink powder and for the past two days he's had a bit of watery speedi beet. How quickly would you expect him to pick up?

I never thought I would have to worry about it being too fast!
 
To add, I believe the reason he was skinny again before he came and after the RSPCA had him was not due to their care, but due to him having undergone a few vet procedures in a short amount of time and having recently had a growth spurt.
 
Forage is key. Overdo the hard feed and you may run into joint problems. I would worm count him and then get some expert advice on feeding a compromised digestive system.
 
AdorableAlice, he was wormed 7/10, but there is a worm count lady coming to a local feed store in the next few weeks, I shall see about presenting her with a bag of poo. The joint problems is what I'm worrying about just because he's picked up so fast, he's a TB cross so I didn't expect it! I rang the feed company who do the alfa a (can't remember which one it is), explained his situation and they recommended the alfa a. LJR, what's the difference with the Simple Systems feeds? Not come across them before.

Thanks :)
 
It sounds like you are doing a fabulous job! If he is pooing well and look bright in himself I wouldn't worry, you are giving him a good quality fibre based diet.

ETA: I think it's Dengie who does Alfa-A.
 
Thanks Palindrome :) he's still very quiet for an 18 month old, but he does look bright eyed, his coat looks a bit better already and he has plenty of good solid poos. He's the first horse I have properly owned myself (or will do when he passes the probation RSPCA check up in a few months), so I'm fretting about everything just yet! Good to know that he sounds like he's on the right track.
 
That is possibly out of my price range long term, but I will take it into consideration if I can work out measurements and how much I will use/how long it will last. I have to say, they sell it well on the website description.
 
Top