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Discussion on Abrupt change in hay type
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Member:
vera
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Posted on Tuesday, Dec 23, 2008 - 9:30 am:
I understand that one of the highest risk factors for colic is a change in hay. We normally feed straight grass hay, but last night my husband fed the horses for me and he gave them hay from a bale that was alfalfa/grass mix that was thrown in by our hay guy accidentally. I should have remembered to tell him not to, but with the holiday crazies I forgot. Will this abrupt change hurt my horses? He did feed some of the grass hay with it. And of course I fed the grass this morning and everything appeared fine. Here goes my OCD again.
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Member:
stek
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Posted on Tuesday, Dec 23, 2008 - 12:11 pm:
Angela I wouldn't worry too much about it. One of my geldings gets gassy if he gets alfalfa without being gradually introduced, but that usually happens within a few hours of the meal.
I am OCD as well and make sure to gradually introduce a menu change, but I know lots of folks that don't take any precautions whatsoever and the horses adapt just fine. I bet yours will too, and from the sound of it they have a very observant owner who will be able to spot any problems as soon as they happen which is half the battle!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 24, 2008 - 11:07 am:
A small but abrupt change in hay is not likely to be much problem. Without knowing the difference in composition and the amount fed it is hard for us to know the risk AngelaS.
DrO
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