Will he learn to eat from other horses?

S

shadowboy

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 May 2006
Messages
4,754
Visit site
It has become apparent that new little fella (10month foal) has never been fed- he does not understand what has been presented to him is food- he eats it only if he hand pick grass and mixes that in- wont eat ANY other type of food other than hay. Having had him for 5 days now it is obvious that he is very very underweight- it was deciving as he is hairy and was too nervous to be felt all over- now he is happy to be handled ribs are easily felt and spine and hips promenant. Im worried about his health and I would like to provide him with adequate nutrients as although the grass is coming through he can rely solely on this at the moment- or can he? Will he learn eventually that feed is to be eaten? He will eat my hair/coat/scarf etc but spits feed out/or just kicks bowl over......
 
we have tried.....
Speedi beet + chaff
speedi beet + simple systems lucie stalks
straight chaff
straight beet
simple systems soaked grass cubes (looks like green mush)

not touched any of these, happy to try other things
 
Ok, no wonder he's not eating. You need to get hold of some foal creep feed / youngstock mix and start from there. How big is ponio expected to get?

Things that are alfa a based are difficult to introduce as a first feed as they can taste quite bitter.
 
apparetly- but now waiting for the worm count. RE: feed- was told by breeder that beet/readi grass was what they were fed. So I just went with this
 
Will he eat treats - apples, carrots, polos etc from you?

You may have more luck with a flavoured chaff of some kind. Alternatively I know some people with fussy eaters who add mint to feeds to make them more tempting, might be worth a try.
 
When was he weaned and how? If he was just suddenly removed from his dam then he may only ever have known milk and grass, maybe hay.
In answer to your question, yes he will learn from watching other horses. I would not use any type of mix, combined with the stress of moving you would be asking for stomach ulcers! I would hand pick as much grass as you can and feed ad lib hay. Leave a bucket of dampened dried grass (badminton horse feeds do a palatable one) in the stable but throw it out and replace with fresh each day.

He basically doesnt know what hard feed is! Dont panic, he will learn soon enough. Leave a mineral block (rockies do one) with him and gradually introduce a new feed in small quantities every day. Decide what you are going to feed him and stick with just that, keep it simple. A fibre or youngstock nut for example.
 
nope doesnt under stand treats either

teddyt- valuable advice thank you. He was born may 08 his change of ownership on passwprt shows Oct 08 which suggests weaning at 4/5 months!
 
Yes he will learn to eat from other horses when my filly was first weaned she did not know what hard feed was as had never had it. Now she absolutely loves her food...she was turned out with my young arab and they were fed together (seperate buckets) and she soon got the hang of it. I have been told that normal chaff is easier for youngters to eat than Alfa a so that might be worth a go. My filly gets, chaff, nuts, suregrow and calm and condition, with a little cider vinegar and oil. She certainly looks fit and healthy on it and is the same age as your youngster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top