Yearling on box rest??

[jess894]

Needing ideas for keeping my yearling entertained for a possible 2+ months! He'll have horses around him 24/7 along with a football and treatball filled with fibre nuggets. Ad lib hay, mainly off the floor, but some in double netted net to keep him busy. He's currently fed fibre beet, small handful of Alfa A Oil with his its & minerals, do I need to change this at all? Thinking of giving him a bucket of readigrass each day too, along with walks in hand for a pick at grass.

Thanks!

 

[PorkChop]

Feel for you - horrid situation.

It sounds like you have most things covered, and it is great that he will have company at all times.

If he is allowed to be hand grazed then I would do it as much as physically possible, it will really help to settle him - though be prepared for a few high jinx.

I personally wouldn't give any bucket feed if at all possible - if you can hang some gorse it can keep them amused for ages.

 

[dollyanna]

I would be careful with readigrass, it made my yearlings a bit bonkers! So keep an eye on that. Look at agrobs heu cobs for the treat ball as an alternative to fibre nuggets (just hay so could really fill the ball) and they are also good soaked as a bucket feed or they have a selection of herby chaffs which may be a lower energy alternative, or just a change. Compressed blocks in the tiny nets are also good for hanging, along with veg/fruit - although these may need slicing so baby teeth can get a bite more easily.

 

[jess894]

See I've tried him with likits and the hay blocks but he's never been interested was just wanting a small hard feed to get his vitamins and mineral supplement in. Thanks guys!

 

[Tiddlypom]

What's he on box rest for? Whilst grazing in hand may sound like a good idea, if he messes around and even gets away from you, he could end up aggravating the injury.

I'd be inclined to keep him in the whole time. It sounds like you've got a good set up for him.

Good luck.