HAY???

[bndranch]

I have never even heard of Johnson grass! We feed timothy, orchard, or canary here.

[kitcat0601]

What is canary? You feed birds to your animals?? Hehe.. Ive never heard of Jonson either. Im an O&A, T&A and one who is a coastal/bermuda eater. Thank God I have one that eats a cheaper hay.

[bndranch]

Yup Canary and parakeet lmao!!!!!!!! No, we have alot of wet land out where I live and the canary thrives in those wet conditions. Its a tall grass with a pretty flat blade. When its cut at the right time the horses LOVE it! We don't feed alfalfa very much, most of ours are pretty easy keepers. I do put my older gelding on an Equine Senior but thats it.

[KCQHFARM]

I've always been told NOT to feed johnson grass to horses. Cattle yes but not horses.
www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/byanim.htm

[kitcat0601]

I think they might find Turkey a bit more tasty. Stormy (my paint yearling) likes it.lol. He eats anything, in moderation of course. Im waiting for some more rain and the grass to grow a little bit more and the horses will be out eating that all summer. We have had a bad drought in Florida this year.

[bndranch]

What a GREAT site Kim!! I just had to laugh when it said animals shouldn't ingest marijuana lmao. But thanks Kim I saved it in my favorites!

[KCQHFARM]

I used that site when I had my 4-H horse club..

[kitcat0601]

That was a pretty funny thing about the pot. I know a few horses who act like they have been eating wacky weed

[bndranch]

Well I guess what is so funny is that it is illegal to grow it, so obviously if your horses are getting a little goofy that might set off the authorities lmao!!!! No officer it wasn't for me it was for my horse Goodness I wouldn't think someone would have to put an illegal substance on that list but I guess with some its a must have!

[patty dukes]

talking to the man now and he said the hay I bought was about 2/3 fescue about 1/3 orchard and a pinch of bich and clover

[bndranch]

I would be VERY leary about feeding fescue especially to a growing foal.......

[patty dukes]

well I know I can't do anything about it this bale but I will make sure I don't buy anymore fescue. Good thing she only nibbles on it.

[britzy365]

You have to be very careful in choosing hay for your horses. Cow hay is left outside... in the rain and heat.. horse hay cannot get rained on once bailed. It could cause colic ...cushings disease... and many other problems. If you have any other questions about horse hay.. let me know. I am a vet student specializing in equine medicine.

Brittany

[bndranch]

That is partially untrue that statement......While that statement is true with square bales round bales are safer in the elements then squares. We feed round bales to both our horses and our cows and they are left out in the elements all winter. Round bales are designed so that the outer layer maybe compramised however the inside is still in great shape! Most horses will not eat rotten or moldy hay.....They have to be pretty hungry for them to venture to eat those outter layers. Ours have NEVER ate the outer layer but use it for bedding in the dry lot.
Granted some horses can't be fed round bales while others can. I personally believe horses do better on a round bale as they can free choice feed which is what nature intended for them to do! I too worked as a vet tech for many years. There are the people who will swear by round bales then the others who do nothing but shun them.

[britzy365]

There are many horses who never have a problem eating round bales. But, I have also seen alot of horses come into my clinic with issues because of hay that has been rained on. I also believe in free choice hay, but from what I have seen and learned you do have to be careful with the quality of hay you are feeding them. Most horses will not eat moldy hay.. but they will eat dusty hay, which can contribute to sand colic or cushings.
Thats wonderful that you feed round bales and have never had a problem! I only want the best for you and your horses!
Looking forward to hearing from you

Brittany