Horses eating mud!

[katherine1975]

My two cobs are currently living out 24/7, they get small scoop of Spillers Happy Hoof each per day with garlic. They have access to a himalayan salt lick in the field. Notice this week that they have started eating mud, any suggestions as to what may be lacking in their diet? Last year I gave them a Dengie Paddock Lick but it is meant to last 3 weeks and they ate it much quicker and I am reluctant to buy another one.

 

[mrdarcy]

Could be any number of things.

I'd get them a mineral block - I use Rockies Red blocks as they are broad spectrum and seem to provide everything mine need. Those Dengie Paddock licks are designed as a feed replacer rather than just a mineral block - it doesn't say on Dengie's website but I believe they contain molasses and that's why horses eat them so quickly. The Rockies Red blocks last for ages and horses will only lick them if they are short of a vit or mineral rather than as food!

 

[Dubsie]

One of our 2 started nibbling wood, on the stable door, the hen house, a log jump. Someone on here (I think) suggested NAF pink powder, started him on it and and he stopped nibbling straight away.