Acorns

[Nookster]

I know green acorns are toxic to horse and can cause internal bleeding, kindney failure and constipation.

Why do horses eat them though ? is it just because they like the taste and don't realise the harmful effects?

Our horses are in about a 4 acre paddock at the moment, not due to come in from the fields at present for another couple of weeks. I spotted them (4 geldings) munching around a tree last night but very lightly. When i went over they were eating acorns. I rang another owner and they just said leave them they will be fine?

Advice? Move them off is all that I have going through my mind?

[Giveitago]

I understand that a few acorns wont hurt.

If you have a particular horse that just wont leave them alone then you may have to bring that one in.

When you're clearing the field it might be an idea to scoop some of the acorns away too. If you do this most days it will stop them over induldging.

[colettybetty]

there was a thread on this recently, only I can't work out how to get the link up. Yes, there are harmful, only thing I can suggest if you can't fence them off or have an acorn-loving pig at hand, is to gather them up yourself.

[becs]

I've just battled with this, having caught our cob burrowing under leaves & crunching them merrily! I'd been raking up the visible ones regularly - to my dismay there were many deeper out of sight.

There seems to be controversy over how harmful they are; as you say, the green acorns & green leaves having the highest levels of tannic acid.
Horsey books imply they have to eat a fair amount to do harm, but yes it can be toxic (in the ways you describe). Some horses are affected more than others.

But the problem is, when they find a few, they can get addicted - then will seek them out and consequently eat too many.

The rescue centre that loaned us the ponies didn't seem bothered when I pointed out the oaks; said too much fuss is made!

But as our cob is prone to colic, we've decided to shut them off that area until spring (when I'll checked the acorns have rotted down).

If I were you, to play safe, I'd electric fence that area off for this season.

[Nookster]

Thanks for your replys

Its seemed that way last night bec's I kept moving them away and they just wanted back no matter what.

Our fields are on an estate and the look of it counts a lot so removal of trees or fencing will be a complete no no. Main reason i haven't asked the estate owners as I already know the answer.

I might try the removal of acorns myself. Only know of one oak tree so far but will have to investigate the rest myself.

I heard people saying they can't be harmful unless a large quantity but i am fearful and don't want to take the risk. They are not allowed on winter grazing yet and think they will be moved in another couple of weeks but another couple of weeks could do harm :(

The field

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i185/Cath555/DSC00492.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i185/Cath555/DSC00489.jpg

[sheryl]

Hi,
2 weeks ago I had a very frightening experience with my horse and acorns. I started a thread on it in General called My Nightmare Day! Sorry I don't know how to do the link. Go into "Posts I've Started" when you click on my name.

I have taken my horse out of that field now, but there are others still eating the acorns showing no effects at all!!

I have done some research and there seems to be some very different ideas:confused:

If I was you I'd pick them up every day:rolleyes: