Question for Vicki

[Jillis]

Vicki, I posted this question on the Feeding Bucks thread, but it seems to be fading, so I am reposting it as a new thread. Thanks!

Originally Posted by vicki
Not saying you, but filthy water buckets that are never cleaned out



Why is this Vicki? Because the bucks will drink less if the bucket is dirty?

I give my bucks some apple cider vinegar in their water, and I give them very warm water twice a day now that the weather has become very cold. We give all the animals very warm water to encourage them to drink, and to keepo the buckets from freezing too fast.

The bucks "grain" treat is more than half alfalfa pellets, some prime oats, some Boss and a very little sweet feed (Poulin Grain 18%). I also give them kelp powder and Sweetlix Meatmaker minerals.

They get about a large handful of this mix apiece every morning and night. Is this a good mix for bucks?

Should I still be giving them AC?

Thanks!

[susanne]

jillis if you offer your boys warm water twice a day they most likely will drink enough to keep them flushed. i don't believe that ac alone will prevent stones if they don't drink because the water is too dirty.
mine would not drink if i would leave the water out for one day.
dirty water is not very apealing
my boys are getting about a handful of grain (cob) one scoop alfa pellets and plenty of hay. i do give one teespoon of ac in the morning because of the grain.
after breeding season is over i will quit grain and ac.
i think with feeding grain i would always give ac.

[Jillis]

Thank you, susanne. Does cob = corn-oats-barley?

Thanks!

[dap]

And is BOSS=black oil sunflower seed?

And my buck does not seem to drink his water at all! I just brought his bucket in a couple of days ago and cleaned it with bleach, rinsed it out real well and refilled it. I added some honey and just a little salt to try and entice him, but he didn't seem to go for it. So last night when I brought it in and changed the water, I added molasses. What else might I do to encourage him to drink? Should I be changing it more often than once a day?

[susanne]

jillis cob is corn oats barley

dab boss is black oil sunflower seed
i bring my bucks twice a day fresh water. you can try and put a little bit (1/4 cup) apple vinegar in the water. no salt, no sugar.
make sure you have the bucket rinset very very well after you used the bleach.
i shrub the bucket with a brush every two days thats all.

[dap]

Thanks, I will try the apple cider vinegar today.