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Barnyard Buddies:  wood chewing horses  |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 10:20:27 AM
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Ok, tip for you ladies with wood chewing horses. I know most of you are trying to stay away from chemicals around the house and barn. My bfff has horses that began wood chewing. She tried everything, but the only thing that actually worked was painting used motor oil on the wood where they were chewing. They don't like the smell, so they won't chew on it. BTW, her stall doors open into her paddock, so there is no ventilation problem by doing this. Just a thought for those of you who have tried everything.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 1:43:04 PM
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when I trained horses this would happen when they were bored or lacking in a mineral...i noticed it happened more often if i couldn't get them all exercised on the same day....they loved the lunges ect & would work themselves up quite well so I would cool them down slow then treat with carrots.....then send them out into the field to play & visit......i had one that came to me that ate alot of wood until I got its diet under control...seems they had no idea how to feed a horse!.....so once its minerals & vits were balanced out he did much better....this was way back in the early 1980's so never heard of the motor oil idea...love it...since you know they aren't going to snack on something they can't stand the smell of....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622
http://theoldbatzfarm.blogger.com |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 6:31:54 PM
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Mine don't chew on wood, but they are out 24/7. Horses have the ability to adopt all kinds of vices and health issues if they can't roam.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2012 : 04:48:22 AM
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I think Paula has the right idea. Horses are easiest to keep when they get to be horses...it's too bad everyone doesn't have an extra 20 or so acres to let the animals roam and socialize. Ah, the perfect world...
Never heard of this tip! Luckily, never had to deal with that vice. It's so nice to be able to get everyone's ideas so you can use them when you need to.
Marianne |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2012 : 06:25:30 AM
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Her horses are turned out all the time, except at night. I will admit, she doesn't do alot with them. Trying to get her to bring them down for the weekend and do some riding down here as there is no place to ride where she lives.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2012 : 08:54:36 AM
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"bitter apple" and or "orange oil" will deter horses from chewing on wood...also put a small tire (no steel belts) out for them to play with, and large cheap balls will also give them something to do...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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Megan
True Blue Farmgirl
155 Posts
Megan
Hudson
South Dakota
USA
155 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2012 : 10:01:06 AM
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are they getting enough hay? might sound stupid but my old mare chews on every thing if she doesnt have enough roughage to eat. i used to do alot of hard riding and tried to feed more concentates to help but all that did was get her eating everything, shed chew on trees, boards, even other horses tails. something to look in to...
www.rockriverexoticsandkennel.net |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2012 : 07:14:51 AM
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| Tina is right about the bitter apple, I have a really bad wood chewer here(not my horse) and I use the bitter apple mixed with liquid dish soap, it helps alot, so did turning on the radio. |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2012 : 07:28:12 AM
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I've tried it all. Oil on the posts, things to play with, mineral, feed, vet.... you name it I've tried it. They were in 10 acre fields at the time too. I've come to the conclusion that my breed of horse has beaver in it's background. I've talked to others that have Peruvian Pasos and every one of them said the same thing; their horses eat wood no matter what you do. So now I make sure they have no access to it. For the wooden posts I have, I wrap them in wire so they can't chew on them but the majority of my posts are steel.
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2012 : 6:02:02 PM
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Like I said, she tried everything and yes they have hay and lots of it.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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Barnyard Buddies: wood chewing horses |
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wood chewing horses
