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Post by Becca on Jun 4, 2008 14:27:52 GMT
Long story short i bought Bernie one of those pinky Himalayan salt licks (looks like a big lump of rose quartz). He loves it! he used to have a bog standard one years ago that he never touched but he is really liking this on. I was told that horses will only eat salt when their body needs it. Is that correct? or is he just eating it through boredom when he is in? and with this do him any harm?
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Post by kateflashy on Jun 4, 2008 15:42:07 GMT
ive got one in the field some of them hardly touch it but others wont leave it alone esp fredric he even bites into it
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abi
Intermediate Sh*t Shoveller
Posts: 593
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Post by abi on Jun 4, 2008 16:08:42 GMT
apparently one study showed horses had no idea when they needed salt or not, theyre about as clueless as us when we need certain minerals!
i shouldnt think it should do him any harm, but maybe only put it in once a week if hes likely to munch on it for a long time, just incase he do over do it, as i can imagine it can be a bit dehydrating, and might just come out the other end! x
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haffyfan
Administrator 
is pressing random buttons...sorry guys
Posts: 7,391
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Post by haffyfan on Jun 4, 2008 17:59:13 GMT
That's interesting abi as I have always been taught, as Becca said, that animals are great self healers, if you like, and will actively seek out to replace any vits/mins they are lacking.
I would imagine he will settle down Becca, mine have one of those two and use it fairly regulary, they also have a red mineral one (warning...these must be kept out of reach of sheep) but don't use it nearly as much. If he doesn't settle it may well be worth limiting his access just in case maybe?
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flash7
Novice Willy Washer
"It is ok to be you....."
Posts: 804
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Post by flash7 on Jun 5, 2008 16:16:53 GMT
My horse has has one all the time and he loves it but he will like the normal ones. He gets through a small one in about 2 months so ended up buying a massive one. He has never been without a salt lick but he still has been show to have deficiencies in his diet which I supplement him for. He has been using it more regularly now it's getting warmer though.
I agree with haffyfan and think that he will eventually settle down. As long as he has access to plenty of water he should be fine.
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Post by Blonde Donkey on Jun 5, 2008 20:30:29 GMT
savvys not allowed them her record for demolishing one is about three days she just bites chunks out of them. silly mare.
sunshine had one all last summer and only used it when he felt like it if he didn't want any he didn't get any
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Post by Becca on Jun 6, 2008 9:28:40 GMT
Sav thats exactly why Bern doesn't get lick its! they are gone in a night! and as for the molases tubs you can buy! what a mess. I did notice that the nights he was in with it her drank loads more water! he is out again now so will only see it when he comes in to be ridden/groomed. Ta much though guys  |
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Post by duckles on Jun 6, 2008 19:30:59 GMT
We always have mineral blocks in the field. SOmetimes the horses go through them very fast but they mostly don't. If a new or different one was introduced, it would go in a flash due to novelty!!
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Post by scattymare on Jun 12, 2008 21:13:59 GMT
Doof won't touch them! Poison!! She loves the lickits though.
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Always saddle your own horse
