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Post by sarahec on Jun 25, 2011 23:28:57 GMT 1
My horse, nearly 4, digs holes. Not just little holes but sometimes 1 - 2' wide and maybe 6'' deep. He has plenty to eat, hay, grass etc, a companion and other horses around. He also paws the ground when he eats and can do the same when he gets bored. Anyone else seen this? Any ideas why he does this?  thanks  |
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Post by laurac on Jun 26, 2011 2:21:58 GMT 1
does he eat the dirt he has dug up?
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Post by 2 bays & a grey:D on Jun 26, 2011 5:41:47 GMT 1
Mine are doing this in the new field, I have never seen them do it before and I have no idea if they eat it, there was already a huge hole in the field from the previous field, I think McGyver may be the culprit.
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Post by bertie666 on Jun 26, 2011 9:23:09 GMT 1
I have 2 who do it! They usually lick where theyve been digging. I also have a terrier so my field looks like little land mines have gone off all over it!
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Post by Furiey on Jun 26, 2011 10:57:01 GMT 1
Bailey does this, he started when he saw us swweping up acorns and came over and stared pawing at the ground. the hole he dug then ended up about 3 feet round and nearly a foot deep. Now he as found a better spot to dig where it is sandy and tree roots don't get in the way. That spot is now probably getting on for 8 feet round and around 2 feet deep along the back. He doesn't try to eat/lick anything but he does roll in them and will sleep in the large hole he has made too.
edit: 2 feet deep is big enough, 32 feet deep would need the fire brigade to get out of!
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midgey
Olympic Poster
Posts: 571
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Post by midgey on Jun 26, 2011 12:25:07 GMT 1
Horses in the field next to mine have dug a hole over the years ,they roll in it regularly after they have had a little dig. Mine will paw at the ground before rolling but don't dig holes.
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Post by shammers on Jun 26, 2011 13:11:13 GMT 1
Hi, all of mine at sometime or another dig holes and sometimes lick the dirt, here is an interesting article explainging why www.animavet.com/EatingDirt.pdf x |
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Post by sarahec on Jun 26, 2011 23:09:04 GMT 1
Hi all, thanks for replies.
I am very glad there are others that do this, i was beginning to think he was the only horses that did this as i have seen nor heard of it before. He doesnt eat the soil, but on occassion i have seen him eating roots that he digs up.
And thanks for article shammers - i will take a look at that.
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