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Post by mandal on Dec 31, 2010 16:40:49 GMT 1
Eating bark? Both myself and a friend have noticed that our trees and branches have been attacked during this cold snap. Is this more common in cold periods? It seems to be the pines that have been the favourite. I'll also ask the eternal question... what might they(the horses) be lacking if anything?  Modified to clarify I am talking about horses here. ;D |
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Post by lizzypeg on Dec 31, 2010 19:51:35 GMT 1
i think they just do it to increase their fibre intake....im probably wrong though. mine do it.
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Post by Mellymoo on Dec 31, 2010 19:55:21 GMT 1
Ours have been chomping the trees and hedges for 3 weeks now - keeps them occupied!
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Post by donnalex on Jan 1, 2011 0:18:47 GMT 1
Its because the floor has been covered in snow, they eat anything that is above snow level. Mine have eaten all the reed type grass that is not usually good enough.
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Post by kafee on Jan 1, 2011 2:17:08 GMT 1
Mine are having a go at the trees and shrubs they can reach as well. I think it's partly boredom, and partly due to there being little else to eat.
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Post by mandal on Jan 1, 2011 11:01:46 GMT 1
Yes, it probably is because of the snow. ;D I ggogled pine bark and it is high in antioxidents apparently. Well the extract is, you can buy it. ;D
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Post by Yann on Jan 1, 2011 11:25:13 GMT 1
I think it's pretty normal behaviour, especially at this time of year.
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Post by happysnail on Jan 1, 2011 11:44:02 GMT 1
It is really common this time of year. some will self medicate eg on willow bark which which is a painkiller (eg a sore bit from hooning about in the field), they also seem the find apple tree branches delicious. Worth identifying what's in reach in case there is something that would harm them just as with the plants growing in the paddock.
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Post by rj on Jan 1, 2011 11:45:46 GMT 1
If horses had permanent access to more a varied diet, perhaps there would not be so much laminitis? Instead of just grass - whatever sort - a selection of branches, shrubs broadleaves (thistles/nettles) etc would provide a high fibre low protein option......
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Post by happysnail on Jan 1, 2011 23:39:31 GMT 1
Great point rj
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Post by julz on Jan 2, 2011 12:52:58 GMT 1
You might find it is Deer eating the bark, not the horses... Unless you've seen them munching it?
Deer can kill tree's by pulling the bark off and eating it.
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Post by anastasia55555 on Jan 2, 2011 16:31:43 GMT 1
Our ponies have been nibbling at the bark  |
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Amanda Seater
Grand Prix Poster
Listen to your horse you may be surprised what he may tell you about yourself
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Post by Amanda Seater on Jan 2, 2011 16:43:53 GMT 1
When we had a whole selection of park land trees to choose from they only ate the cedar and pine in the winter months and didn't bother with it the rest of the year. There was one particular Cedar of Lebanon that wasn't in the field but on the foot conditioning route and they always had to stop for that delicasy but only in late winter.
In the spring they seemed to enjoy the lime trees and the sweet chestnut bark. Horse chestnut leaves in the spring and early summer yum scrum!
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Post by bertie666 on Jan 2, 2011 17:30:50 GMT 1
I caught mine and my friends having a tug of war with a huge branch earlier it was so funny hehehe
The line of trees look like they have been skinned, oops!
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Post by arabheaven on Jan 2, 2011 17:40:02 GMT 1
ori has been chewing the fence posts, YO not happy oops!! So have gathered a selection of tree trunks and branches and made her her very own wooden sculpture int he field and have had to put electric fence around the edge of the field to keep her off it!
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