Long-lasting mineral lick - recommendations?

[hussar]

My three equines are being threatened with eviction from their idyllic but rented field because they have started eating the bark off the exposed roots of 200yo beech trees! I'm guessing this is partly boredom because of the snow and partly a mineral deficiency as they've had no access to grass for so long. They get plenty of hay and a hard feed twice a day but are good doers so not huge amounts.

We've temporarily fenced off the trees and I've given them a Horslyx tub but have to ration it as otherwise they'll finish it off overnight. Can anyone recommend a slightly less palatable but acceptable lick that might keep them occupied?

 

[loz9]

hi, iv used this one with my horses:
http://www.brinicombe.co.uk/equine/products/supplements/herbilix/herbilix.php
i found my fatty would consume a 15kg horslyx in a few days but as these arent as sweet she didnt find it as fun!
you could also try a himalayan salt lick as it also contains other minerals.

 

[hussar]

That looks promising - thanks! It's definitely the molasses in Horslyx that keeps them trapped like flies ...

 

[loz9]

you can get them cheaper if you shop around (around £13), i want to say try www.supplementsolutions.co.uk but not 100% certain! & they defiantely dont smell of molasses!

 

[gem2buc]

Horslyx sent my little filly crazy last year - after a few days of excessive consumption she was flying around on all fours!

 

[katherine1975]

I buy a 20kg dengie field lick, it is meant to last 3 horses a week and costs £15. They like eating it but don't seem to eat as fast as the sweeter licks. Went to a tyre place and got an old tyre to put it in.

 

[flyingfeet]

I would steer clear of anything sweet!

I use a 5kg rockies 5 star lick for my herd

 

[FigJam]

Have you tried a rock salt lick? I use one in the stable, but I'm sure one in the bottom of a bucket inside a tyre would work too? Or tied to a fence post?

Rock salt lick

 

[teddyt]

[ QUOTE ]
I would steer clear of anything sweet!

I use a 5kg rockies 5 star lick for my herd

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Wouldnt use a mollasses based lick and the rockies chelated licks are about £10 and last for ages.

 

[hussar]

Yes, thanks guys - I think Rockies are the way to go. I have to say I didn't deliberately choose a molassed-based lick - just didn't pay enough attention in the shop!