Any Anti-Chew Goop That Actually Works?

[JulieM]

In light of Brig's swollen mouth, last night I went over his still with a fine-toothed comb to see if there were any tell-tale signs of injury. I discovered plenty of fresh chewed-upon areas. He's out as much as possible, worked daily and given free-feed grass hay. I'm doing everything humanly possible to keep him occupied so he will chew less.

When I was a kid we used pine tar to keep my mare from eating our barn. I don't think it was effective unless applied constantly. I remember people would use mixtures of cayenne pepper and other homemade remedies back then.

Now that we're in 2008, is there anything that works for eating wood?

[sariditty]

I haven't had to use this myself, but I'm using a hoof and skin supplement through them (all OK'd by my vet).
www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productClassId=1703

[gemic]

We have busy beavers this winter too. Hay doesn't always keep them busy so from time to time I give them a pony pop. It helps relieve the boredom when they are indoors. www.ponypops.com good company, good customer service.

[sandra]

Mustard thats what Ive used for years they hate it.

[jenarby]

If you don't mind the color stain.....mix cheyenne pepper with laundry soap power and water. Make it into a paste and "paint" it on. He won't chew it again. We use it on banadages to keep horses form pulling then off. We also paint it anywhere our cribbers enjoy grabbing onto. You'll have to reapply it occasionally but it works.

[bluebluesea]

If Blue gets in that sort of mood, I use any form of habenero pepper sauce. That stuff is truly nasty and it only takes once and the memory lasts a really long time.

[alisonph]

Julie,

One of mine tends to favor the higher lignin forages, such as wood. I find that a mineral salt block helps to stave off the craving.