tips on turning out

ticobay831

ticobay831

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So whose turning out in this weather.
I knew years ago i wouldn't have thought twice about it, but on the yard we have one with flat feet, so the icey ruts wont do him any good, a golden oldie at 29 not sure its good for him standing out in the snow for hours :-/ and one that suffers with ulcers and colic that cant stand in but when out an be quite lively and could possible do himself some damage, so what to do for the best :-/
Any tips would be much appreciated by many I'm sure ;-)
 
I'm also in a quandry. I have been turning out everday, until the grass totally disappeared yesterday. The yard does not allow hay/haylage in fields.

Walking the dogs this morning, the snow remains too fluffy to make a snow ball, but was "balling" under my snow boots. These are real snow boots, Merell, not fashion boots.
 
Turn them out - flat feet or not. Especially if one is ulcer prone! Movement is good for oldies. I'd have to think of a very good reason not to keep mine out, I don't see why there should be a problem just because there's some snow on the ground. Rug as usual and put some hay out, problem solved.

Yards not allowing hay or haylege in fields could be a problem though, do they not make an exception even in snow? I'd change yards! But them I'm very anti-stabling and can afford to be because I keep them at home and we have big fields. I appreciate not everyone is in that situation... but it would just annoy me too much to have a very restrictive YO.
 
I've been turning out every day so far, although it is terrifying watching them walk through the rutted & frozen gateways :-(

This morning is the worst yet, went down to -11 overnight so the yard is like an ice rink & the ruts are real 'leg breakers'.

I've left them in with haylage & put grit down. Just having coffee & porridge before i go out & turn them out.

Our oldie is a bit pottery on the ice so he goes in the school on his own for an hour, with hay, 3 times a day.

Why can't you put hay out in the fields? I've never heard anything so ridiculous, it makes a big difference to keeping them happy in this weather. I put mine out in loads of small piles so they have to walk around :-)
 
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