Posted 2008-04-25 11:02 AM (#82606) Subject: managing a cribber without a collar
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
More on the ex-show horse who has now calmed down considerably. He's now out in a 24/7 turnout with a run-in shed. This has helped with his OCD issues, i.e his pacing, weaving and cribbing have slowed down to a minimum.
The one that concerns me the most now is the cribbing. I would rather not leave him out in the turnout at night with the collar on. I am concerned he may get it caught on one of the corral panels and seriously injure himself. So I am taking the collar off at night. The cribbing, even without the collar has decreased, due to not being confined and having hay in front of him at most points during the day. But, he still does it occasionally. Even stopping in the middle of his grain to grab hold of his bucket and suck once or twice before continuing with his meal.
I realize now this is a habit, and they may do it just for the "high" it gives them, like he's addicted to the feeling - more than doing it out of boredom.
So, here are my questions:
will his need/desire to crib continue to decrease now that he's turned out 24/7?
Does cribbing truly cause gastric problems and lead to colic?
If so, are his chances of developing a gastric problem lessened with the decreased time he spends cribbing?
Should I not be concerned at all if he's only doing it once in a while?
I'd ask my vet these questions, but honestly, he's not all that experienced and doesn't really know. I sometimes think he's guessing at this stuff. (don't get me started on his answers about melanomas - I got stuck with a farm call/exam bill and all he could tell me was that he didn't know much about them. And, it's not like I have oodles of vets to choose from, he's the only large animal vet within 80 miles and the others won't come out for fear of "stepping on toes)
Posted 2008-04-25 11:38 AM (#82608 - in reply to #82606) Subject: RE: managing a cribber without a collar
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I had a cribber years ago and I didn't see any difference between having the collar on or off. You're doing alot of good things - turnout, free choice hay, etc.
I know a 25 year old QH that has been a bad cribber all his life and I think he's only had 1 colic in his entire life... He's only had 3 owners, so they know his history. One of the big issues with cribbers is they do ruin their teeth, so it's VITAL they their teeth checked twice a year so problems with loosing teeth can be avoided. I knew one life long cribber (over 30 yrs old) that didn't have any front teeth left so he wasn't able to graze, eat grain or hay - I think they had to soak alfalfa cubes for him for his food, but he sure seemed like a happy guy.
Posted 2008-04-25 11:56 AM (#82609 - in reply to #82606) Subject: RE: managing a cribber without a collar
Veteran
Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
I personally have not seen any increase in colic with a cribber. As was said it is the teeth that get damaged, and of course your property. I would set about making as many "no-crib" surfaces as possible-for example, running hot wire along any wooden/rail fences, using only rubber buckets on the ground for food/water (or removing food buckets when finished eating), etc. If he is stalled, close off any ledges-ie put grates on the window. Think of it like baby proofing a house. Look to see what he is cribbing on and either remove or change it so he can't crib anymore. You may be able to get rid of the collar entirely.
Posted 2008-04-26 7:57 AM (#82635 - in reply to #82606) Subject: RE: managing a cribber without a collar
Member
Posts: 34
I have owned a cribber for the last 7 years and for the most part, she is out 24/7. In the summer when there is plenty of grass, it's not too much of a problem. In the winter time, she does tend to crib a lot more. She has never coliced or even been ill, so I don't really believe there is any correlation between the two. I have also read that it is just a myth.
Adding a top strand of hot wire will do wonders for a cribber. I have a strand of hot wire in her stall, which is used very rarely, but when she's in it, she won't even think about cribbing.
Posted 2008-04-26 8:20 AM (#82636 - in reply to #82606) Subject: RE: managing a cribber without a collar
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Have a buddy that had a stallion that as well as cribbing and tearing auto waters up etc.nipped also.Not bite but nip and put his mouth on you no matter how many corrections.He put a dog shock on him with manual control of voltage and activation.Only took a few times and about a month later put back on for a couple more zaps.Just about 100% cured a year later.
Posted 2008-04-26 8:30 AM (#82637 - in reply to #82606) Subject: RE: managing a cribber without a collar
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
Lots of good information, as usual. I was looking at those shock collars, but I don't really have the time to stand there and watch him in order to zap him. I think he's neurotic enough without being tazered! (I know it's not like that really, but nonetheless, I think it might make things worse...)
He is a little mouthy though. Grabs his lead, grabs the crossties, etc. He also does this weird thing with his tongue - twists it and sticks it out the side. Mostly at the most inopportune times, like in the show ring! He's been known to nip occasionally (lips not teeth), but one crack in the nose puts an end to it.
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managing a cribber without a collar
