need some advice about a cough please

[rose bud]

Hi everyone,
I have a cob mare who lives out 24/7. She is in very light work at the moment (gentle hacking once or twice a week)
She has developed a cough over the last week or so because I have been feeding her dry hay.
As we only rent a field soaking hay is a bit difficult and I was wondering if there were any alternatives?
I am looking for something that is low energy and was thinking about haylege or fast fibre as a hay replacer?
Also, se has been coughing up mucous I noticed this morning so I was wondering if it may be worth giving her a cough medicine?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[AmyMay]

If she's been coughing up mucas it may be worth giving your vet a buzz.

 

[rose bud]

I'm pretty sure its just from the dust in the hay as she did it last year. I was able to soak it last year but was just after some alternatives.

 

[AmyMay]

In that case I'd think about feeding haylage instead.

 

[rose bud]

Thank you for your advice amymay.
Do you know how haylege compares to hay in terms of energy?
Thanks x

 

[AmyMay]

Haylage is generally higher in energy. But not enough to worry about imo.

 

[LaurenBay]

Haylege is more sugary but lest dusty. So if you can't feed wet hay I would try haylege. Haylege is also cheaper to buy. It can effect a Horses behaviour though. Mine went a bit loopy on it.