Grazing muzzles.

[dianneS]

I just got my mini a grazing muzzle. He's not terribly fat and he's never foundered, but I have a lot of pasture, much more than we need and the little guy is out 24/7.

He's getting a little plump, but not horribly fat. My farrier thinks he looks good, but I shouldn't let him get any fatter. So, I got him a grazing muzzle to wear half the day.

The problem is, the poor guy isn't even attempting to graze with it on. He just stands around and pouts. I knew he wouldn't like it and he's tried to get it off many times. Now he just stands around.

Is he ever going to figure out that he can graze with that thing on or is it going to prevent him from eating at all?

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I would have him wear it at night. I find that mine eat most of their food at night.

I have 2 drafts that like to eat and get fat. I keep them in a dry lot with access to the barn when it is dark and in the pasture during the day. They can eat, but move around more because of flies and finding shade.

 

[cowgirl22]

I think threeboyschicks is right. You should put it on at night and maybe try exercing it like lunging.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

To start I put them on and leave them on till they 'get it'. If it's too hot or they are really fighting it dry lot him when the muzzle is off so the only grazing he can do is through it.

Also if you have a cool calorie treat or if he can have a small amount of grain put it down in a large pan or very short grass on a hard dirt area so he can try picking it up. He needs to 'notice' the hole in the bottom of the thing.

Honestly it's best if the training on this is as short as possible to reduce the stress, and my Morgans both picked it up very quick this way.

Worst case if he will not graze at all with it on that would be the same as dry loting him for that amount of time, but not as good as limiting him over all time. The best they say is that they eat little on a continuous basis rather than limits and splurges, both to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome and founder.

Hope that helps.

 

[dianneS]

He got it!! He figured it out. He's grazing and no more protesting!!