Posted 2007-07-24 9:00 AM (#64318) Subject: Horses licking dirt?
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Urbana,MD
Ok..I have a 4 year old that has picked up what I call a bad habit of licking the dry dirt.I have heard this can be from a deficancy(SP) All 3 of my horses are well fed.They get fed 2x daily with wet beet pulp mixed in at both feedings.Plenty of free choice quality hay,and fresh water.Oh and free choice salt lick.I also add a salt to there feed.They are on daily wormer as well with a paste worming spring and fall for bots and tapes.My 4yr old seems to have picked it up from my other mare.They find a dry spot and just start licking.The strange thing is this mares mother doesn't do this.Do you think I should get that stuff for the removel of sand to put in there feed?I am in MD and it is more like clay dirt,but I am worried this dirt is just sitting in thier intestines,and my cause colic at some point?
Posted 2007-07-24 9:23 AM (#64319 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
Could be a boredom habit or they are needing a mineral. Is their salt block a mineral one? I would also try adding a mineral supplement to their diet. There are many products available on the market. I would dicsuss what type of supplement you should use with your vet if you are feeding a commercial pelleted feed. Sure don't want to over do the minerals. You'll definately want to worm them more frequently as they are most likely picking up eggs if they are in a dry lot.
Posted 2007-07-24 9:55 AM (#64322 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Veteran
Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
I agree that this is probably more from boredom than any other cause, although I would consult with your vet to be sure. I would recommend toys in the pasture and more work for your four year old-keep her busy!
Posted 2007-07-24 10:28 AM (#64325 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Urbana,MD
They have a mineral salt lick,and plus I add a mineral salt to thier diet(because of the dirt licking)I thought maybe they needed more minerals or something.My horses are on daily wormer.... fat and otherwise very healthy.I do agree on more work for the 4 year old.She has had the last 9 months off because I have been pregnant with twins.I have now started working her and hope to stay more consistant with it.I do think she may be bored.Although the other mare does it and she is in regular work.
Do you have any experience with that sand remover stuff they feed in sandy areas?I think it is called sand clear?Any experience with it?Do you think the dirt comes out or is building up.
Posted 2007-07-24 2:40 PM (#64339 - in reply to #64325) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Veteran
Posts: 238 Location: West Coast
Originally written by horsecrazi on 2007-07-24 8:28 AM Do you have any experience with that sand remover stuff they feed in sandy areas?I think it is called sand clear?Any experience with it?Do you think the dirt comes out or is building up.
Psyllium is what Sand Clear and other brands are. Sand colic can be a common problem for horses here in California, so all of my horses are on Psyllium. They get it once a month for 7 days. My vets have never heard any sand in their gut and I've never (knock on wood), had a problem with sand colic. I know others at our boarding stable who don't give their horses psyllium who've have problem with sand colic, so I think it does work.
My sister-in-law's gelding started eating sand, he too is well fed and has access to a salt block. She put him on Platinum Performance and the dirt eating stopped. In his case, I suspect he was deficient in something in his diet.
Posted 2007-07-24 6:14 PM (#64346 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Why add the mineral salt to their feed? If you offer it free choice they'll lick what they need, instead of force feeding. I always offer red(mineral) salt and yellow(sulfur) salt so the horses can dial in their dietary needs. Most feeds today already have minerals and salt in the formula and supplementing can be too much of a good thing.
Taking into account all the other posts another reason might be ulcers. Clay is commonly used to ease ulcers and neutralize stomach acids. There are several new(old human drugs) out on the market to help treat ulcers/acid reflux/heartburn. (Prilosec in equine form just sponsored PHBA world in Tulsa, OK.)
Posted 2007-07-25 7:07 AM (#64370 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Urbana,MD
Huntseat...I added the minerals to see if maybe they needed extra.I figured if that was the case then they would stop the dirt licking.It hasn't stopped so I don't think it is due to a lack of minerals.I only add a TBS at each feeding.Not sure maybe it is boredom.The strange thing is the other day after I got done riding my 4 year old.I had her tied to an outside post so I could give her a hose down.There is a dirt bank in front of the post and she just started licking the dirt.So getting worked did not seem to matter.It is very strange I can't figure it out.
Posted 2007-07-25 8:34 AM (#64373 - in reply to #64318) Subject: RE: Horses licking dirt?
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
A good way to test at home for sand levels it with there poop! I watched the vet do it everytime when they came out and can't see why everyone can't do it. I use a clear garbage bag, add some poo and water. Shack it really good and allow it to settle. The sand will collect at the bottom of the bag. If you feel there is a lot of sand considering the amount of poo you used you may consider starting sand clear and using this test again to track progress. Of course a vet opinion is still best but this test will at least help you get an idea.
Horses licking dirt?
