Sodding sparrows!

[yhanni]

Sparrows are decimating my horses' poos every day & making a terrible mess. It's taking me ages to muck out & I'm getting through far more bedding. It's only happening to me and one other livery and the only common denominator is that our horses are fed on micronised linseed. Has anyone else had this? I think I might have to change to linseed oil which I don't particularly want to do but I don't know what else I can try?

 

[cauda equina]

A cat?

 

[HBB]

Yeah I've had this happen and there is nothing you can do to deter them. I didn't mind it happening in the paddocks but it's a pain in the ass in the stables. In my case it was the micronised linseed but the benefits outweighed the annoyance and the birds were getting fed too.

 

[be positive]

Mine get linseed and very rarely birds go through their droppings in the field, I do not see any sign of linseed in the ones I pick up and wonder if it is because I soak it in with the grassnuts so it is more fully digested, worth a try if it is passing through and becoming bird feed as it will mean the horse is not getting the full benefit, I haven't fed whole oats for years but remember how many passed through with no noticeable change to their appearance.

 

[Gloi]

At least you still have sparrows. Their population has dropped very seriously so look after them.

 

[dorsetladette]

I feed linseed lozenges. There like a small pellet - it might help deter the birds

 

[yhanni]

At least you still have sparrows. Their population has dropped very seriously so look after them.

They are doing very well! Little porkers the lot of them! ?

 

[little_critter]

They are doing very well! Little porkers the lot of them! ?

I bet they have nice glossy feathers too!

 

[yhanni]

Thank you. I'll try the linseed oil & save the micronised linseed for when they're out 24/7. Their feed is wet but perhaps I should soak it for longer? I'll experiment & report back x

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Take it a a sign that you should suspend poo-picking, at least for the winter. There really is no need if the birds are dispersing it for you.

 

[Prancerpoos]

Cherish your spadgers! Sounds like you have been giving them a good spoiling

 

[irishdraft]

I have the same problem with Jackdaws pecking micronised linseed seed in the field absolute pain for poo picking . I think I'll try thd soaking thing as well .

 

[Carrottom]

Definitely the ML, sparrows on the yard, pied wagtails in the field. If I don't empty the wheelbarrow the sparrows have a field day and spread it all over the yard.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I had noticed the jackdaws had started scattering my mare's droppings. I have very recently started feeding her micronized linseed so I guess that is why. Nice to have an answer. Handy for me as I don't clear droppings on this field.

 

[Leam_Carrie]

This is interesting my horse’s droppings get scattered my pony’s don’t. Horse is feed linseed. Glad the birds enjoy it. It does makes poo picking hard work (and seems to reduce volume?!).

 

[yhanni]

Take it a a sign that you should suspend poo-picking, at least for the winter. There really is no need if the birds are dispersing it for you.

I don't poo pick the field - too muddy & too steep & rested for 6 months.
This is in the stables - there were 10 spadgers on one poo this evening having a proper party!! Perhaps I should just embrace them as part of life's rich tapestry ?

 

[paddy555]

I don't poo pick the field - too muddy & too steep & rested for 6 months.
This is in the stables - there were 10 spadgers on one poo this evening having a proper party!! Perhaps I should just embrace them as part of life's rich tapestry ?

I have exactly the same with my horses that get micro linseed. No problems with those that don't get it. I have worse problems than sparrows. Mine are crows and they can dismantle a heap of dung in minutes.

 

[yhanni]

Just to update - I changed to linseed oil and within 36 hours - no sparrows sifting through the poop!! The downside is that they have all decamped to my friend's stable and she is not best pleased.

 

[Keira 8888]

Just to update - I changed to linseed oil and within 36 hours - no sparrows sifting through the poop!! The downside is that they have all decamped to my friend's stable and she is not best pleased.

Good result though!!