Why is my horse not eating his hay?
Giving some alfalfa might help his stomach out if that is part of the issue both because most horses love it and it tempts them to eat, and full tummies buffer the acid better, and also because the higher calcium content helps neutralize some acid directly. Not eating hay is really concerning and not normal.
What’s the best way to feed a horse with hay heaves?
Feed him chest-high. Placing feed on the ground ups your horse’s exposure to dust, while feeding from a hay bag or rack placed above his withers can promote the inhalation of hay and dust particles. A chest-high feeder avoids both these scenarios.
What’s the best way to feed a horse with dust?
Placing feed on the ground ups your horse’s exposure to dust, while feeding from a hay bag or rack placed above his withers can promote the inhalation of hay and dust particles. A chest-high feeder avoids both these scenarios.
How can I tell if my horse hay is too hot?
There are lots of tools to help you ascertain the exact percentage of moisture in your hay including hay wands and moisture testers. Some balers even read every bale as they go through the machine. Yes, farmers are becoming high tech each year. If you have a worry that your stack is becoming too hot, then contact your Fire Department.
Why do horses get heaves when they eat hay?
Heaves was linked to horses eating poor-quality hay fairly early on, as well. In fact, people first thought that bad hay packed up in the intestines, causing pressure on the horse’s diaphragm, with respiratory difficulties as a result (that’s NOT what happens).
What does it mean when a horse coughs and wheezes?
Severe horse coughing and wheezing could be a sign of a serious respiratory illness called Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) in horses, otherwise referred to as heaves. Formerly known as COPD, this respiratory illness may become life threatening after years of prolonged coughing.
How long does it take for horse hay to sweat?
Baling hay that shows a moisture content of over 14% can be a recipe for disaster and is not recommended. Once hay is cut, it will ‘sweat up’ for approximately two to three weeks.
What can you feed a horse that won’t eat alfalfa?
“You can replace up to about 40% of their hay intake with beet pulp, or hay pellets can also be added (to a horse’s diet) to reduce the number of pounds of hay a horse has to eat a day,” Thunes says. “And, it is a rare horse that won’t eat alfalfa.”
Causes of pain while eating include poor dental maintenance, mouth ulcers, gastric ulcers, and inflammation or abrasion of the esophagus. All of these factors can have a dramatic effect on appetite and can prevent your horse from wanting to eat. Have your horse’s teeth checked at least once or twice per year.
