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Discussion on Do they know when to munch?
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Friday, Oct 24, 2008 - 10:12 pm:
Unfortunately, I need to get hay weekly. The good thing is that the supplier usually has hay that is consistently similar. At times however, they are running low or out, and I need to change things up a bit. The stuff I got this past week was quite different, and apparently quite tastey. Now that I am back to their regular hay, they snub their noses at it. So, (finally) here is my question: I am relying on them munching on hay throughout the night to keep themselves warm, and I am worried that they won't eat it. Will they eventually eat the non-desirable stuff if they get cold enough?
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Friday, Oct 24, 2008 - 11:05 pm:
Hi Gwen,
If they get hungry, they'll eat it. But be extra watchful for colic with the ever-changing hay routine. DrO posted a study showing that a change in hay is a likely cause for many many colics (not the same as saying that changing hay will cause colic, but too close for comfort).
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - 8:59 am:
I know. I worry about it all the time. I just don't really have another option.
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - 9:32 am:
And, I guess I am also wondering if there is a different sensation for them of hunger vs. cold, hence needing food.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - 11:32 am:
I agree with Elizabeth, if they get hungry they will eat it, no matter the temperature. You need not worry about them getting cold unless you find them persistently shivering. And if they have a good place to get out of the weather they should be fine if in good health.
DrO
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - 6:56 pm:
Gwen I feed mine different hay all the time, I think if you don't "swing" drastically like pure grass to pure alfalfa it isn't as bad. Mine get stemmy hay or decent grass hay or hay with a touch of alfalfa and I've never had a colic problem. (different suppliers)
Mine will turn their noses up at the stemmy hay, but when they get hungry they eat it...More so when it is cold out, because the grass is completely gone. When there's grass yet they poop on it pretty much.
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Sunday, Oct 26, 2008 - 6:29 pm:
Thanks guys.
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