HELP! Bad behaviour from feed?

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hanna1983

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Hi
the stable has - for whatever reason - fed my horse only nuts for the past 5 days. I didn't think anything of it at first, but have now realised that for about 4 days he has turned naughty on me! He constantly nudges me with his head ( not the playful way, but painful) and is really awkward when trying to groom him, especially his feet.

He used to be on a mix of mainly ready grass and a few nuts until recently. Could the only nuts diet be the cause for his behaviour?
confused.gif
 
The change in feed could do.
I would be more looking along the lines of if someone has been feeding him treats from their hand. Nudging usually is to try and get food from you.
 
even when he is really harsh nudging me? I mean, it really hurts and he lifts his head up and doesnt let me do anything. Or starts digging with his feet on the concrete in front of his stable when I try and clean his hooves...
a few days ago he was an angel and I havent done anything differently.

In regards to the treats, my suspicion is that the kids at the stable are feeding him treats all the time. I said from the start I dont want them to do that until I tell them its OK but I know they dont all listen. What should I do??
 
How long have you had him?


You could put a notice on his door saying no treats and that he bites!

I had to do this to stop kids feeding FB when he was liveried if we went away on holidays.
 
[ QUOTE ]
How long have you had him?


You could put a notice on his door saying no treats and that he bites!

I had to do this to stop kids feeding FB when he was liveried if we went away on holidays.

[/ QUOTE ]

Chico Mio,

that seems like an excellent idea! That should keep the little buggers away from him... hopefully.
 
if he's getting tons more energy from food all of a sudden, it could well explain the behaviour. why did they change his feeds without consulting you?!
i'd put a good hat on and leave your head close to his, if he gives you a good nudge, headbutt him (with hat part obv!) to show him you're not as small and weak as he thought! i've done this a few times and it gives them a bit of a shock and makes them a lot more respectful.
he sounds pent-up and frustrated, is he still getting turn-out? if so, i'd have a word with the kids and tell them they're ruining his manners if they're giving him tidbits. not sure about putting a sign up, if he doesn't bite it might just make them feed him more, because they're proving you wrong...!
 
Hi kerilli,
thats the thing, i asked and nobody there could tell me WHY they changed his food! and i have also told them that i am pretty peed off about them not even consulting me about the change.
i am not sure i can do the headbutt with the hat. i am worried that he will be scared of me rather than just respect me and i dont wnat that to happen. i dont want to hit him, slap him, pinch him, bite him or whatever, i just dont want him to be naughty in the first place. what can i do to stop the kids feeding him?
confused.gif
its so frustrating!
 
If you do put a sign up, please dont say he bites - this is admitting liability and you could get in trouble if he actually bit. good luck! x
 
Could be....I have a very placid cob, hardly effected by any feed, inc oats! However, he was feed corse mix for a week and he went off his rocker....totally lost it?? Took him off the feed and he went back to normal after a few days. Could have been coinsidence, but was totally out of character???
 
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