I am happy and relieved to report that Chloe is back to her old self...
completely!
Last week's treatment
(tube through the nose into the stomach to give mineral oil)
put all systems back in check.
No blockages.
No belly ache.
So, once again we are tweaking the donkeys' diet.
They remain on grass (by way of a grazing muzzle)...
out to graze each morning...
and hay...
by way of these new slow feeders.
We simply put a flake of hay into the feeder and drop the insert on top of the hay...
leaving only what you can see through the holes exposed for nibbling.
This slows down their consumption and makes them work for their dinner.
I had to order two because chubby Daphne would chase Chloe away if there were only one.
So, if one of them becomes possessive of a feeder, there is always another one to visit.
By the time they have finished a portion, the feeders are moved across the dry lot.
These feeders are extremely sturdy.
I would bet they will last my lifetime.
I like them much better than a hay bag, because the donkeys get to eat
in the same position they graze in... nose to the ground.
We are still left with the problem of them eating their fence, however.
If anyone has any suggestions... I would welcome them!
Now if I could just put Christmas cookies in a slow feeder!
Or, perhaps I just need a grazing muzzle!
I may be addicted to cookie decorating.
Here is yesterday's batch...
Comments
I would hate to have to choose which decorated cookie I liked best.
Feeding donkeys in this climate is difficult because the feed is too rich. Limiting their hay too much may keep their weight down, but will cause other problems, such as ulcers, anxiety, behaviour problems and wood chewing. If you are going to feed hay, look for very late-cut first cutting, such as late July/ August even Sept. Get the best quality "bad" hay you can find and feed out of slow feeders.
Feeding hay, you may have to accept a certain degree of pudge to prevent other health problems. The key is low sugar, coarse hay in super slow feeders. I even double up the nets sometimes. Your girls look great.
I agree about accepting a little hay pudge to avoid other issues like ulcers, etc. They are intended to graze constantly. It's difficult - my minis are hay pudgy.
I heard that you can use a spray bottle to put tabasco on fences!
The smell alone might deter them!
Good luck!