|
Post by dianak on Oct 11, 2014 10:05:38 GMT -5
Hi. I have 3 mini donkeys and 1 mini horse. I have read where rye grass is a good one to grow for them. Iam wondering what size fodder system I should get and how much of it should I feed? I have also heard red clover helps also to give them selenium if I were to feed only the fodder. Also best place to purchase seed. Thanks Diana
|
|
doc
New Member
Posts: 6
|
Post by doc on Oct 11, 2014 15:43:37 GMT -5
I'm new to this too, Dianak, so no expert. I've read each pound of fodder, water and all, is equivalent to a pound of hay. The general rule for horses & hay is 1-2lb per hundred lb of horse each day.
I'm growing wheat- oats germinate too sparsely and barley isn't readily available here. I tried some rye initially, but it's pretty expensive and the little bitty seeds tended to flow out the tray drain holes.
My two mini geldings snarfed the fodder down from the very start, but my QH mare initially turned her nose up at it. Hand feeding a fistful at a time, she started to nibble at it gradually and after a week is also gobbling it- up to a point. After taking in about 2 lb, she suddenly decides she's had enough. We'll keep trying. I've seen naïve horses who even refuse carrots the first time they're offered.
You still need to feed some hay for the roughage. The only minerals in fodder is that which came in the seeds, so supplements may be in order.
|
|
|
Post by dianak on Oct 12, 2014 13:50:22 GMT -5
Thanks for your info. I plan to also feed my donkeys hay to supplement the fodder,but if I can just cut my hay bill in half,that would be great!! Hay prices have gotten so out of control I really want to get away from being so dependent on it. Hope this works!!!
|
|
|
Post by Sprouts on Oct 14, 2014 6:54:36 GMT -5
For smaller grins try adding the grain in with say wheat or barley at about day three of the growing process, just sprinkle over the wheat/barley. This helps them to not wash out of the trays drainage holes. Place an ad on crigslist for grain this has worked for me or look here on the home page under Seed Sources.
|
|
|
Post by dianak on Oct 15, 2014 7:54:25 GMT -5
Thank you so much for the great tips!!! I read a few posts about the grain being so small it went through the drain holes. I cant wait to try it!! Thanks again, Diana
|
|