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Post by huskiesnhorses on Jun 1, 2007 14:35:26 GMT -5
Well, sorry to say that he is back to cribbing almost as much as he ever did. I think it has less to do with the efficacy of the clay and more to do with the amount of sugar in his feed was more (as I said previously). I will look around for something different to feed him that has less sugar and we are also going to do a round of ulcer guard.
Bleah.
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Post by Gingersmom-Tate on Jun 1, 2007 15:48:25 GMT -5
I also agree about the sugar. I only use Safechoice for Sione. Ginger gets nutrena sr life design. I noticed when I switched her from Alegra she lost weight, even though I did it gradual. That was the only change in diet too. She regained it now.
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Post by pdevlieg on Jul 7, 2007 1:01:07 GMT -5
AAACK - my baby Shoqinah has started cribbing! A one year old baby with 24/7 turnout and a herd of friends he loves. why why why. I did start him on a different grain, omolene, which I hadn't used before (2 for 1 sale). Any suggestions for such a little guy? I just noticed this in the past few days. He's been on the new grain for over a month.
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Post by huskiesnhorses on Jul 7, 2007 8:31:21 GMT -5
Peri - has he figured this all out on his own or did he have anyone modeling the behavior for him? That's just a curious question.
I would feed him something that has as little sugar/molasses as you can get away with. Once I changed Chewy over from the LMF Development to the Showtime - his cribbing dropped off. He hasn't stopped by any means but he isn't doing it during grazing times - mostly just meal times.
Gingersmom and I - both had very good success with that Dynamite Miracle Clay initially - I would suggest you get at least 2 canisters and run him thru that during the change over from the old grain to the less sugary grain and see if that see if that stops it.
The only physical barrier I would consider using is that cribbing cage that snaps to a halter and goes over their muzzle. If you want my opinions on the neck devices - let me know.
I would also consult your vet - but if it seemed to come on with the new grain - my guess is sugar that is giving him acid stomach maybe?
Hope that helps...all I can say is if he does decide to become a confirmed cribber - not the end of the world but there are 2 considerations. Some people say it's contagious - I used to think that was baloney until I saw Chewy teach it to a horse at a boarding barn. But I do think that they have to be the "type" to pick it up (smart/young/bored). And the only thing other than colics is trying to do what you can to protect their teeth. I wrapped my metal flashing on the 1/2 door with vinyl and we put garbage wood on top of his favorite post to keep him from damaging the post.
Hope that helps and sorry he is "experimenting"!!
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Post by pdevlieg on Jul 7, 2007 11:45:56 GMT -5
Val - he had no one to model after, he picked this up all on his own. I hadn't noticed it before and the change in feed is all I can think of. I'm going to call Monica and have her order me some Miracle Clay and switch back to LMF and see what happens. I hope I can stop this now.
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Post by shellyr on Jul 7, 2007 11:52:00 GMT -5
The more I have read about ulcers, the more I am realizing how very common they are. I have an article I can email you if you send me a PM with your email address. I agree with Redmond that a major issue is the grain. Horses are not by nature, grain eaters. The only grain they would find in nature is the seed heads on wild oats or some other occasional plant. When you think about how much grain the average horse person feeds their horses now, it is no wonder we see so many health problems. I was going to recommend the Miracle Clay, but like Redmond mentioned - diet is a huge part. If he is getting a high sugar grain, adding the Miracle Clay will be like trying to put out a fire with a squirt bottle. You will never really get a handle on it.
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