advise for wood chewers

[Debradoolittle]

I have a Horse in my barn that is eating my fences, now her pasture mate is picking up this lovely habit also...if anyone has dealt with this and has some advise as to what may be causing this, and how to stop them please I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE...

My fences are taking a beating, but my main concern is  the horses and to get to why they are even eating it, as I am concerned about them ingesting this wood and causing colic... I have tried to research this on the web..Says boredom, possible ulcers...lots of what it might be     they are tb's and only eat outside fences not stalls ??
A friend of mine has used Quit in the past ... wondering what has worked for anyone  who has experienced this..  Thanks, Deb

[JrJumperCHAMP]

We use tobasco sauce. Def gets the point across to them

[Debradoolittle]

I know I could also paint my fences with something to deter them, but I am concerned with why they may be doing it...supplement needed or lacking of minerals ?...all the horses are fat, and get hay multiple times thru out the day... They are outsideside at night and in the early morning...In all day with hay and fans....I should have it so good....LOL

[kona]

i would install electric fence on all the fencing

[JrJumperCHAMP]

oh, i see. hmmmm, maybe put a salt lick, lickit, or a ball up for boredom. My hunter loves her big yoga ball, too

[equisician]

Natural Horsemanship games at least 5 times a week and some fun de-spook exercises (walking over old mattresses, through shower curtains, over water, on top of a "podium" that you set up) things to engage your horse's mind. Its amazing how when they are entertained and thinking about new things they often stop wood chewing. Doesn't always work but worth a try :-) Best of luck! Let us know what works for you.
Adriana

[I love Arabians]

Wood chewing is usually boredom. Also hunger and I have seen horses do it from anger from being hungry. Electric fence works. The paint at red barn I think its a yellow can. Pick the dark one that works. I have even seem people use like hoof condioner, like hoof flex, koppertox etc.. until they can get to red barn to get the fence paint. That paint is not pretty on the fences though. Good luck. Also get a hay bag small holes fill it with a few pads of hay to keep them busy a little longer.
Play with your horse with natural horsemanship is always a positive training tool. 

[Classic2010]

ELECTRIC FENCING......end to all chewing problems.  It's a monkey-see-monkey-do thing.  And when each gets a good zap, they will stop.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Horses in the wild chew on sticks and branches for nutrients and I guess it wears their teeth down.  These horses are doing this outside and are not stalled 24/7, so  it seems to be a habit and not some nutrient (since so fat) missing or boredom from being kept in.  Mineral deficiency would cause them to eat dirt/sand.  Thank God they are just chewing wood and are not cribbing which causes colic.

[Debradoolittle]

I do have electric up...they chew under it...LOL
   I am  also sure alot of it is boredom..owners are never out here...  I wanted to  throw it out there and get some feedback, thank you !!

[SaddlebredShowMom]

Are you sure they are chewing the wood and not cribbing on the fence?  If they are in a good sized grassy pasture with good grazing available to them, as opposed to a dry lot or where the grass is all dried out and mostly dead, and they have plenty of room to move about and run and play, and they are still chewing away like termites, boredom would be my first bet.  Some just like the challenge of doing something different.  There is one at our barn that is turned out in a beautiful huge grassy green paddock and yet he insists on sticking his head and neck through the bars of the gate and munching down on the grass growing just outside the fencing -- and taking the gate off its hinges every single time.  Really??  We swear its just because he likes the challenge of doing something different . . . and driving us humans a little crazy at the same time too!

[Classic2010]

Ok..electric fencing....done properly....is the best.  I had my mare and stallion in their pastures next to each other,  but secured from contact by electric fencing.  We had to be very creative because a stallion, made by God Almighty and all of his parts in working order does not stop looking for a way to get to that mare in season.  She seemed to be in season every other week.  We, like I said, were very creative and made that fencing very uninviting.  I watched what the boy would and sometimes once in a bluemoon,  he just kind of forgot the boundaries and zap...he got it and learned from that session for a very long time.  Even if the electricity goes out, they still keep away. We didn't just line the boards but in between the fencing.  Remember, horses are not dumb....they are quick learners when it comes to pain.  Yes to making sure they aren't cribbing.

[Admin 1]

I have used Quit and it worked a few times......

[Debradoolittle]

Thank you everyone...have purchased the Quit, gotton some more salt...Himilyan type, and owner says she will come out more often and work some natural Horsemanship and ground work to keep busy...I do think it is boredom, so we will see...fingers crossed !!!

[Debradoolittle]

 One of the horses is now being leased,  if anyone knows of anyone who would like a free on site lease, and  or to come out and ride this other  horse  I believe this will help them... Thanks

[barngirl101]

I used a supplement called quitt and it worked with my mare!