Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. My name's Annette and I'm in Hmapshire, UK. My 5 year old Welsh Cob windsucks and cribs! I've tried everything from treat balls and toys to mustard, cribox and now he has antacid twice daily and wears a miracle collar 24 hours in the winter and at night in the summer(when he's in his stable) Any other suggestions. He's very food oriented and windsucks when he's run out of food/hay in his stable or in the winter when there's no grass. He also does it when bored or stressed. I really don't want him wearing the collar but it's the only thing that seems to stop him. (He was negleted for the first 2 years of his life so has worm damage and is only now starting to build muscle and grow.)
Help! Ax.

There are a couple things you can try

You can get a "muzzle" called a cribbing muzzle which will prevent cribbing while still allowing him to drink and eat.

There's also a new product on the market that the makers guarantee...but I've never tried it so can't say for sure that it would work or not! However, it's a feed supplement for wood chewing which might help with at least part of the problem. Let's see...where's my Jeffer's catalog...ah..here it is. The product is called Quitt and is made by Farnam. Says guaranteed results within 7 days.

Beyond that, try to limit the things he can crib on and reasons to crib. Make sure he has plenty of hay, room to roam, regular exercise, etc. Cover exposed wood with wire or metal flashing. Run electric wire inside fencing that is tempting to him. And spend as much time with him as you can! Good luck -
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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator

Thank you for your reply. I'll definately look into Quitt and the muzzle - have never seen either so wondering if not available in UK. Thanks again, Ax

Just for interest - I contacted Farnam about Quitt. They say it won't help Duke (for wind-sucking and cribbing) and they don't sell overseas. Thanks for the tip though - it was worth checking out.

Just out of curiousity, does Duke have a mineral/salt block?

I have found something for you ....it's called vice breaker...and they guarantee customer satisfaction...it is a little expensive like 500$ canadian but if you think of the loss of value when they do crib....here is the website...and please e-mail me to let me know if you order it as I was curious about it myself as I also have a windsucker....www.tthorse.com they will ship you a free video and I must say I was impressed..just cant afford it right now...please e-mail me and keep me posted..
joanlante@yahoo.ca

Very late on the reply here, but most online/mail order tack shops sell cribbing muzzles. Here's one for you to look at, if the link doesnt work, go to www.doversaddlery.com and search by "muzzle"
http://doversaddlery.com/search.asp?ss=muzzle&t=ss&bhcd2=1116371906

Yes, this is a coping behaviour for horses who find their life very difficult & stressful to cope with. Horses are social, herd animals, designed to eat & exercise almost constantly & who's first & main method of defence is to run. So it's not surprising when they develop 'stable vices'. This is an indication that their level of management is lacking & unhealthy in some way.

It sounds like he came to you with this problem. Once stereotypic compulsive behaviours such as this become a habit, they are nearly impossible to break. He would benefit from as natural a lifestyle as you can manage - constant access to grass or hay, not being locked in a stable, company are the main requirements. He will probably still do the behaviour, but less frequently then. I wouldn't bother about a collar, as they can be dangerous & shouldn't be left on if the horse isn't supervised.