>>would anyone happen to know why a horse has taken to eating ANTS?



Well, I have heard that chocolate covered ants are quite tasty, but haven't ever tried it myself. I'm perfectly content with plain ol' Hershy's Chocolate kisses myself!!!

I'd rule out nutritional reasons - you said he has a salt block, but does he have trace minerals or is it just plain salt? In reality, the trace minerals are often more important than the salt itself. And does he have plenty of "real" food to munch on - hay or grass?

I'd also be concerned with ingesting sand, as well as the potential affects of the ant bites. I've known a mare to develop some severe reactions to them, causing her to break out and lose her coat, she looked awful.

Other than that, it might be just a matter of pest control, removing the ants from the premises. Just be careful of the manner in which you do it, and make sure the horses can't get a mouthful of pesticide!

Good luck...


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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator

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