FairWeather, feeding sunflower seeds ?

[Applesauce]

Welcome aboard Daydream Believer.

Equushvm To answer your question. I fed just flax seed earlier this summer and saw a minimal amount of more shine but when I added the Sunflower seeds, the shine has been tripled. So, I'd say that the flax seed does make a bit of a difference but not as big as the sunnies.

Hope this answers your question.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Bumpkin]

I pay 69 cents a pound for Flax at the Feedstore.
So to buy 40 pounds stabilized and ground with Calcium added for 58$ seems like a bargain.
If a 50 pound bag of Flax was 15$ I would buy that instead also. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies Clique" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

I hope you've all VOTED... hmmmm?

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 34 days till I pick up my little guy! AND ONLY 5 WEEKS! What have I got myself into?

[morecarrotsplease]

After reading 13 pages of this I have purchased the sunflower seeds and ordered Nutraflax! I just got in an ultra shaved, very itchy WB who also has blanket rubs. I'm eager to see if in two weeks I can give a testimonial as you all have done. You really could do commercials!

[Bumpkin]

Loff your name, reminds me of the Album of Horses chapter....No Sugar Thank You http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Bumpkin]

Bumpkining up for slb

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Tannenwald Trakehner]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I pay 69 cents a pound for Flax at the Feedstore.
So to buy 40 pounds stabilized and ground with Calcium added for 58$ seems like a bargain.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Up here in Northern Michigan, the best price I have found on whole flax is $18.50 for 50 pounds. That is only 37 cents a pound, so the Nutraflax sounds like highway robbery.

Just a few thoughts--if you grind the seeds freshly or for a few days at a time, or feed them whole, you don't need them stabilized. And calcium is about the cheapest thing in the horse pantry to add. Plus, if you are feeding sunnies, and probably also in a larger quantity than flax, are you doing anything to balance the phos in the sunnies? If not, the benefit of the balanced flax is pretty illusory, and if so, you could just add more of the calcium supplement to balance the flax in additions to the sunnies.

BUT, if the NF does work better than straight flax, more power to you folks.

Tannenwald Trakehner (http://www.atrakehner.com), Breeders & Friends of the Trakehner horse:
American Trakehners - European Engineering, Made in America!

[morecarrotsplease]

Ok, I'll have to start my experiment over again. This poor guy didn't vet out and has to go back although I'm sure he would have looked gorgeous on the sunflower/nutraflax diet!!!!

[DrssgLvR3]

I think Tannenwald Trakehner is right. I originally fed the NutraFlax b/c I was worried about the unbalanced cal/phos in both the flax & the sunnies. But I thought the NF was expensive compared to the whole flax seed that I was finally able to find- 50 lbs., $19. So I switched to the whole flax seed. I do still worry about the unbalanced ratios (ok, so I worry about EVERYTHING!) but as has been pointed out before- considering the entire diet of my horses, the sunnie/flax IS a very small part of it (1/2 c sunnies a.m. & p.m., 1/4 flax a.m.). I do however, feed a flake of alfalfa daily so I am hoping to redeem the cal/phos. ratio somewhat with that. I am happy with the whole flax seed- my horses are still shiny & my young horse's skin probs are still gone. Sorry NF!

[herzchen]

Jumping on the bandwagon....

I've been thinking to add the flax for a while now, and I heard that sunnies are what the color breeds folks use to enhance black points so this is all delightful to read...but I read an article about Omega-3's in the Horse Journal and they mentioned something about flaxseed affecting the absorption of Selenium. Since I am in a Selenium deficient area, should I be concerned about that?

Any help from the amateur nutritionists out there?
Also, anybody know where I can get an objective ration balancing? (I tried my local feedstore but the equine person who has the ration balancing program is a big flake who never got back to me after repeated phone calls. Feh.)

[slb]

I have a program and would be glad to help.

[DrssgLvR3]

slb- I would be interested in learning more about your program. Should I email you privately?

[Bumpkin]

slb tell us more!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

14 pages?

Are we all "nuts" (pun intended)

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 26 days till I pick up my little guy! Quiet desperation has set in.

[Ponio]

I'm sorry if this has already been adressed, I just don't have the energy to read all 14 pages...

Do the sunflower seeds add weight? I have a morgan and I was thinking of putting him on corn oil to bulk him up a bit--He isn't skinny, but he could be fatter-- Then I read about the sunflower seeds and I thought we'd give that a go, but I was hoping they might put some weight on too.

[slb]

Oh sorry guys...didn't get a chance to read this until now. There are a couple of programs that you can use to determine if you have a balanced diet. One is from the KER site (http://www.ker.com) ...MicroSteed, but is expensive and requires a yearly license renewal to use it...I think they figure you are going to use it for consulting work and they want a cut of the money...used to be free for 30 days every year...all you needed it for generally. Well, needless to say, I don't get paid for my input, so I selected a different program. It comes free with a cd call "A Guide to Horse Nutrition"...which is pretty good. CD is around $25 and is from Wind Shadow Media Productions (http://www.horsecd.com). They also have a great one on gaits and movement and one on conformation and movement that I haven't seen yet....just a little plug for a better than average product http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Both programs present NRC RDAs and basic forage and feed analysis as presented in the NRC equine nutrition book. However, the KER version allows you to compare KER RDAs to NRC and your analysis. While the Wind Shadow program only presents NRC RDAs to compare to. Both programs let you input your own nutritional values for your own forages, grains or commercial feeds. Both programs output a speard sheet of RDAs and your analysis and a graph version of the spred sheet with a 100 percent line so you can quickly view to see if you are meeting RDAs. Not sure about the KER version, but the Wind Shadow version also outputs up to 4 different recommendations based on feeds that you selected from a list of feeds available to you. However, it often returns strange suggestions like 58 lbs./day of timothy with a couple of supplements for 1000 lb. horse. The Wind Shadow version also has some helpful hints like chemical symbols for minerals. Additionally, both allow you to input individual horse info...like sex, age, expected growth rates, weight, work load...this is how it determines the needs for each horse. BTW, all this is stored so you don't have to input it each time.

The only thing I have to say is, that regarless of which program you use, you need to have a clear and consise understanding of what you are looking at...and that there are more than one way to determine a feeding program...by mineral ratio balancing or by RDAs (either KER or NRC). So, you need to be able to interpret the results as with any diganostic tool.

Hope this helps. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[mcmIV]

I just want to say, my horse, in his shaggy-winter-coated glory, emits a blinding sheen under the lights of the indoor!

I hardly groom him anymore and he doesn't need the blanket this winter to keep his coat dust-free.

Unfortunately I have to pack my sunnies in baggies with supplements. This weekend my supplement bin was exchanged by management for a smaller one, and I can only stuff 3 bags at a time in !

*sigh*

Now I have to bring them with me and feed after I ride I think..... I hope missing days here and there doesn't disrupt his marvelous glare.

Anyway.... just an addition to this neverending thread.

martha

[HeyYouNags]

I haven't read the whole thread, so please excuse me if this has been discussed before, but are the flax seeds whole or ground?

After reading a few pages of raves, I just bought a 50 lb. bag of sunflower seeds, and a 40 or 50 lb. bag of flax. I assumed the flax was going to be seeds, but when I opened it at home, it's powdery ground stuff. I hope it's going to be okay to use.

I'll be experimenting on 2 nags. I'm not quite ready to spring for the extra $$ for all 4 plus the donkey!

[Bumpkin]

You are going to see a big difference.
I use to feed the whole Flax and now feed the ground....but I don't know if yours is "stabilized". There are some important things to read on ground Flax, so I hope someone who is more knowledgeable on that will jump in here and save me. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Tux61096]

OK, after 14 pages devoted to the merits of a very inexpensive supplement, I figured there has to be something to this! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif So with $9 dollars invested into 25# of B.O.S.S. (never thought anything bought for a horse could be that cheap) I hope to be adding to the rave reviews and using this gremlin a lot, http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif when referring to my boy's shine!

"Keep the furry side up & the metal side down!" Unknown

[bcrider]

Well I HAVE read all 14 pages (perhaps I need a life), and I recall people had trouble finding the complete nutritional breakdown of sunflower seeds and flax. Here's a website where you just enter the type of food, and you get more detail than you will know what to do with:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl

Since it's a site for human food, the sunnies are analyzed without the shells.

Also, for you human flax lovers, try Red River cereal - so yummy and it has lots of flax in it. Don't know if you can get it in the US though - it's a Canadian product.

Finally, to add to your trivia re calcium/phosporus ratios, carrots are higher in ph than ca, and apples are perfectly balanced. I'm not going to get into the magnesium balance etc. etc. now!

"Don't react; respond." Bill Smart

[Ladybug Hill]

I guess after reading the entire thread I feel entitled to post also!

This thread is actually what got me on the coth bb. My friend (applesauce) got me interested by showing me the thread about BOSS and flax.

I occasionally "rescue" neglected horses and currently have one in the barn. She is 2 1/2 but look about 12 months old, coat is poor as well as her weight and muscling. I have put her on the BOSS and might add the flax (if my young working students can manage all that!). I have also added the BOSS for my OTT TB mare and for my palomino TB colt to see if it will "beef-up" the mare and enrich the coat of the colt.

Thank you so much for keeping the thread alive and I am hoping for fantastic results

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

Ladybug Hill--ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net)

[Bumpkin]

Welcome Ladybug!!!

Glad to see you made your debut on the famous Sunnieflax thread. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[HeyYouNags]

On the downside, that ground flax has made me persona non grata at suppertime, when I should be most popular!

I'm getting those horsie dirty looks, you know, the ones that silently accuse you of attempting to poison an innocent equine.

The sunflower seeds are tolerated, somewhat grudgingly. More of the "Why does she do these things to me?", put-upon and exasperated look.

[Applesauce]

LadybugHill:

Not just another sunnie/flax convert but now a COTH addict as well!! LOL http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[M. O'Connor]

Oh, I am late on this...and I have to admit that I have only skimmed through...

So, just one Q, if I read it right, you feed the sunnies SHELLS and ALL?

MCL

[slb]

Yup http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif....lots of fiber in those shells and they are nature's packaging...keeping them fresh and inhibiting molds and fungus. Without, they would need mold inhibitors.

[Oldenburg Mom]

LADYBUG HILL - Oh no. BOSS? Sorry, I'm having a very very senior moment. All I can think of is Bags of Sunflower Seeds... which I am sure is WRONG!!! Help help help. Or as the French would say, Au secours!

Sorry MO'Connor. There ARE no shortcuts when it comes to sunnie/flax. Go back and read from page 1... it's torture, I know, but worth it. Anyway, you can't belong to the clique unless you wade through every page (there is a test, y'know!)

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 19 days till I pick up my little guy! Quiet desperation has set in.

[This message was edited by KT 1900 on Jan. 16, 2003 at 09:06 AM.]

[Bumpkin]

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Oh, Bumpkin, I'm sooooo ashamed.

How could I have not known?

&lt;KT is seen hiding her head on her desk muttering "The ignominy, ignominy...&gt;

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 20 days till I pick up my little guy! Quiet desperation has set in.

[HossShoer]

OK already.
We are in. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
A 50 pound bag is being picked up as I post. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
It takes more the 1 cup of coffee to read this thread. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
Only 1 question???
I have about 17 horses inside and I feed on the floor in low feed tubs. Plus I have a "open concept" stall arrangement, gates and electric fence tape, so the chikens and ducks really have the run of the place.
The 8 chickens and a rooster and 3 ducks all figure they have it made in the shade with all the spilled grain. So I can't wait to see the feed tub fights with the feathered ones diving into the sunflower seeds.
It could be dangerous at feeding time. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
If it turns into a real chicken/horse fight I'll take a few pictures.
J. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[jcotton]

All mine are eating their black oil sunflower seeds with no problem- they never noticed I put anything new into their food. And the two itchie broodmares haven't noticed that whole flaxseed was added this week but then they are not picky.
The sunflower seeds have picked up the weight on my retired guy(25 yrs old)--He looks good!

[HelenD]

The chickens and such are going to start going thru your horses manure if they don't already.

My horse has a collection of bird pals that follow him around and "sort" thru - that's what it looks like the wrens do- his manure. The chickens will scratch thru it. This is GREAT for pasture/manure management as it breaks it down fast, but a bummer if they get to the manure in a stall before you do.

Depending on where/how you have your manure piles, they will very quickly become great compost piles as the chickens will sort and re sort looking for the sunnies. If you can stand the chickens, it's almost worth it.

Just wanted you to know so when you see the chickens running full speed (and squak) at something, you'll know it's just because a horse somewhere just pooped.

I can't speak for the ducks, but I've had my gelding around (laying) chickens while on sunflowers.

Helen

(S)He doth nothing but talk of his horses.
~William Shakespeare

[clickstar]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bumpkin:
Welcome Ladybug!!!

Glad to see you made your debut on the famous Sunnieflax thread. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HA!!

don't you mean the infamous sunnieflax thread!!?? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

my ponie's lookin' yummy even in crusty winter! yay!

proud member of the sunnieflax clique

[Therese]

I have to post a pic of my furry and then not furry beast. She's been on BOSS since sometime before this thread started. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Here she is while in full fur...

Her coat is only an inch thick but very dense...


(experiencing technical difficulties with this new computer...one moment please... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif)
- Therese

[This message was edited by Therese on Jan. 18, 2003 at 10:16 AM.]

[Therese]

...and in her now body clipped state. Freshly clipped, and rolled in sand. Still blazing shiney!!!

- Therese

[Applesauce]

Therese

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

She's GORGEOUS!! Your pics make me even more excited to be a part of the sunnie/flax clique.

Congrats on a beautiful horse!

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Therese]

Thanks! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

My dad's comment as we were giving her a bath: "She must be part duck, the water rolls right off her!"

- Therese

[BybeeGirl]

Where in Central VA(Charlottesville) would I get whole Flax?
Anyone???
I tried to jump on this bandwagon. Went to S.S. to pick up my first bag of flax and realized that they only sold ground flax, not whole. Suggestions?

[Applesauce]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BybeeGirl:
Where in Central VA(Charlottesville) would I get whole Flax?
Anyone???
I tried to jump on this bandwagon. Went to S.S. to pick up my first bag of flax and realized that they only sold ground flax, not whole. Suggestions?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Have you tried any of the Co-Ops? I buy flax seed in Staunton at Farm Choice. It's right off I81 on 250 across from Wal Mart and next to the Augusta Co Op. They have whole flax seed there and they sell it in the 50 lb bags.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Ladybug Hill]

Of course, Applesauce!!

Staunton is awesome, but once again Rockingham COOP stinks. They don't carry flax, have never heard of flax, and stated that "the computer was wrong" when I explained that my friends on the internet stated that it was common product to find in feed stores! (Yeah, they are very computer literate!)

Had to go to a smaller feed store and ask. He doesn't carry it, but his STAUNTON store does and he is getting it shipped up for me! $16 for 50 pounds--Is this okay?

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

Ladybug Hill--ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net)

[Oldenburg Mom]

OMG!

15 Pages??

Everyone has voted, of course, haven't they?

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 16 days till I pick up my little guy! Oh please, can't I just go back to 90 days???

**Newest member of the Klutz Clique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;

[BybeeGirl]

Applesauce
Thanks a bunch for the info. We are on the east side of C'ville (way out east) but frequently cross the big hill.
Wonder if Augusta carries it too?
Thanks again.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
KT 1900
where might I vote???

[goodymar1188]

This may be a stupid question but I read a few pages and I don't want to read 15 (!!) to get my answer so I might as well just ask. Don't laugh at me though!!

Where is a good (and cheap) place to buy sunnies and flax?? I don't need to be spending a huge amount of money on this. Also how much would you feed a POA gelding (guessing weight is around 800-900 pounds)??

Thanks so much for your help, I want to start my guy on sunnies and flax so he can shine and be beautiful like the other horses on it!

[Bumpkin]

The local Feed Store, or you can buy the BOSS at any Pet Shop or even Safeway or TARGET.
If you cannot find the Flax, just start out with the Sunnies.
JMHO of Course http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Applesauce]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ladybug Hill:
$16 for 50 pounds--Is this okay?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That sounds right. And the nice thing is that it lasts and keeps a long time. 1 50 lb bag last me a couple of months with feeding it to Jax and Caleb.

I had forgotten the Farm Choice does have a Harrisbonburg store. They are super nice...always get you what you want and try like crazy to find it if they don't have it. Their prices are pretty good too. Also, I haven't checked but it wouldn't surprise me if they carried BOSS too.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Applesauce]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BybeeGirl:
Wonder if Augusta carries it too?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't see why they wouldn't. Since you live on the "other side" of C-ville, I would call first. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Ladybug Hill]

Is it my imagination?

2 weeks on BOSS and coat a little more glossy?

Am I crazy? (on second thought--don't answer that!)

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

Ladybug Hill--ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net)

[Bumpkin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ladybug Hill:
Is it my imagination?

2 weeks on BOSS and coat a little more glossy?

Am I crazy? (on second thought--don't answer that!)

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[goodymar1188]

Another stupid question... boy I'm full of them!!
What's "BOSS"?!
What kind of sunnies do you get?!

[BybeeGirl]

goodymar1188
You can't top my stupid question. Hopefully our good sunnieflax friends won't think us both idiots.
I went in to buy the sunflower seeds at Tractor Supply and what they have says clearly on the front label
"Black Oil Sunflower" and underneath
"Wild Bird Food"
Ok, so I bought a little bag (like 5 pounds)
Is this ok for horses, obviously I didn't go in to find sunnies labeled for horses, but want to make sure I won't kill my horse (aptly named Sunshinehttp://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Anyhow the clerk couldn't answer my questions either, so sorry guys it's up to you.
Do you buy seeds that are labeled for birds?
There is nothing on the package that indicates otherwise.
Thanks again,
Kim

[Applesauce]

BOSS= Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

That's the kind of sunflower seeds you buy. You geed them shell and all.

Bybeegirl: You saw right. I actually think there's a picture of a Cardinal on the bag. Originally, it is bought and sold for bird food but it's safe to feed to horses.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Oldenburg Mom]

Bumpkin et al...

Isn't this just amazing? 16 pages... this darned thread just won't die. Fairweather... LOOK, SEE what you've done!!!!

As for the POLL... &lt;ahem&gt; I'll find it and bump it.

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 15 days till I pick up my little guy! Oh please, can't I just go back to 90 days???

**Newest member of the Klutz Clique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;

[cassie01]

OK, it's cold and I'm procrastinating going back outside so I've read all 15+ pages of this thread. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I'm convinced http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif. I'll be picking up some sunnies for my filly and looking to see where I can get the flax - I have the Nutra Flax website bookmarked just in case our feed stores don't have it.

And, the subthread on the hand vacs has got me thinking about that, too. Coming from Morgan and Arab show barns, I'm so used to having the big horse vacs around and I miss not having one where I work now!

Cripes, my barn owners are going to think I'm nuts! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[mcmIV]

Cassie - I honestly haven't needed my brand new horse vac - I think as a result of the sunnie/flax....

I use it just to help suck up the skin dirt, but mostly he's glossy shiney with minimal grooming, despite rolling, despite no blanket.... despite bein hairy.

martha

[M. O'Connor]

OK--I have jumped on the bandwagon!

Got my first delivery of BOSS w/my feed delivery, I am sure they think I have gotten very benificent towards the birds, little do they know. Didn't ask about flax, must first reconfigure my feed bins...at the moment I have one for Strategy, one for alfalfa cubes, one for Complete Advantage, one for beet pulp, one for bran, one that is empty that I put the measured feed buckets into, but which I have now filled with sunflower seeds...

Now---what is the consensus/literature on feeding the wonderful sunflower seeds to actual little ponies (I now have 3 of these, and it's HARD to get their rough little coats to shine...)? We have one, BTW that has become a hard keeper due to dental problems (doesn't do well with her hay) and is on primarily beet pulp and alfalfa cubes. Are they too rich for them? Would we be flirting with the possiblity of foundering? Or would the sunnies be fine in moderation?

ALSO--for those of you who are feeding more sunnies rather than less, have the sunnies displaced the former grain ration, and if so, to what extent?

MCL

[slb]

The beet pulp and alf cubes are great for your pony...just keep the cubes under 20% of the total feed and you should keep the carb levels down enough so there shouldn't be a problem. I feed over a pound of sunnies to my metabolically challenged horses (previously foundered, carb intolerant). They are an excellent safe feed for them. I beleive that the carbs must be digested in the way that beet pulp is. However, if this guy can't eat whole grains (not that he should) or hay, then he might have a problem with the sunnies...but, my guess is that many of them get digested without getting chewed, so there may be some benefit if that is the case.

I feed up to 2 lbs of sunnies to some of my horses. However, I have used it as a fat replacer...I now use less oil in their diets. I don't feed grain or feeds of any sort to my mature horses, so I didn't cut anything as they are basically on forage diets...beet pulp, alf cubes, sunnies, flax, and vit/min supps.

[Daydream Believer]

Well, I posted a week or two ago about how happy I was with the way my horses looked after starting them on sunnies. I have another noticable effect to report. My mustang has always had a ratty sparse tail. I never combed it out without washing it first with detangler, etc..but I could never get it to become full and nice. I figured it was just his genetics or something. I noticed this weekend that he is growing new tail hair like crazy right now! His upper tail has all new black hairs about an inch or two long coming in and it is very easy to distinguish the new growth from his old hair. It is very thick and heavy on top right now and almost looks like a "belled" tail like mules used to have. Weird eh? I will be so happy if this continues and his tail fills out and becomes "normal." http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Has anyone else seen this with their horses?

"Dogs look up to you, cats look down on you. Give me a pig. He just looks you in the eye and treats you as an equal" Winston Churchill
"No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle..." Winston Churchill

[Oldenburg Mom]

Of course, all you newbies voted, right?

Erin - please axe the "Horse Care Forum" title and rename it: SunnieFlax Forum (some horsecare discussed too) !!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif


Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. **Newest member of the Klutz Clique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;

[Bumpkin]

Elliot's next door neighbor, Lukie is a 13.2 pony. The shine and bloom in him was quite noticeable after he started Sunnieflax.

TAILS!!! With Elliot's new care and the Sunnieflax he may not need to be looking at a fake tail now. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif YIPPEEEEE

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[M. O'Connor]

&lt;&lt;Of course, all you newbies voted, right?&gt;&gt;

Vote? What vote? Point the way to the polls, I shall be glad to oblige.

I shall give the ponies a whirl on Sunnies...Yes, the pony on the beet pulp/alfalfa cubes does well on it...she doesn't have a problem chewing grain, just hay (she was always picky and would seek the seeds, leaving the stems...now she just doesn't seem to be able to chew the stems).

My horse didn't seem to appreciate the sunnies in his grain this morning, and left about 1/4 of his grain uneaten, but it may have been that he was just itchy to get out. The ponies gobbled theirs right up.

MCL
'r' H/J/HEq

[cassie01]

I didn't even have to go buy the sunnies! We had some right here on the farm http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

The farm owners do a lot of bird feeding in the winter, and just out of curiosity I went and checked out the section of the feed bin where all the bird food is. Guess what - 3 big bags of BOSS http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So... Cassie will be getting her first sunnies tonight at dinner!

[HeyYouNags]

The nags seem to have forgiven me for the poisons in their feed. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Sunflower seeds are going down without hesitation. The Fat Boy, who already gets an amount of grain only slightly greater than zero, still isn't real keen on the flax, but he's eating most of it.

In order to use up the ground flax, the nags have volunteered to be experimented on. Fat Boy and the 2 y.o. get sunnies and flax. Pregnant mare gets sunnies only (I'm having unsubstantiated fears about whether flax toxins might be harmful for fetus), and the donkey is getting flax (plus a handful of grain) only, since she'll eat anything. We'll see how the test subjects compare in shininess in a couple of weeks.

[Oldenburg Mom]

MCL -

It's been bumped... yet again!

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 14 days till I pick up my little guy! 10 days=nervous wreck; 15 day mark=babbling idiot. (thanks Spot!)**Newest member of the Klutz Clique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;

[ladybug01]

In two months it has worked so well for my gelding, that I want to try something similar for myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I hope it will help my dry itchy skin and hair. Warmer weather would help too! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Everythingbutwings]

Silently lurking, ETBW has joined the bandwagon

Not that I doubted! You will be pleased to note that, when I added the bag of BOSS to my weekly feed order, the clerk at Booth told me "We have the Flax seeds, too!" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Maddie and Wings each get two handfuls, 2xdaily and Pockets the Pony gets one handful 2xdaily. We shall work our way up! (I must dig out my measuring cup, I know it is in the tackroom, and be precise) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[Bumpkin]

Welcome ETBW!!!
Of course we would like some before and after photos http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Everythingbutwings]

What? Fat and...Fat? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I hope to see a difference when they shed out this spring. Wings has always been shiny, dare I hope for a gleam?

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[Oldenburg Mom]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Everythingbutwings:
You will be pleased to note that, when I added the bag of BOSS to my weekly feed order, the clerk at Booth told me "We have the Flax seeds, too!" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!

Faaaairrrrrweatherrrrrrrrrr. Where are YOU? See, even the feed stores are getting on the bandwagon.

LMAO!!!!!

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 13 days till I pick up my little guy! 10 days=nervous wreck; 15 day mark=babbling idiot. (thanks Spot!)**Newest member of the Klutz Clique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;


P.S. ETBW... don't forget to vote (LOL)

[Fallbrook]

Flax in Charlottesville -

I found mine at a Whole Foods market in Durham, NC (right next to my Office). They carry it in the bulk foods section. There is a Whole Foods store in Charlottesville:

Charlottesville
Whole Foods Market
300 Shoppers World Ct.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434.973.4900
434.973.4650 fax
Store hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
more store info and map


(from their web site)

Cheryl
Horses on S&F for 2 weeks now

[Fallbrook]

One more thing about sunnies -

If you buy yours at a Southern States Coop ask if they have a "Frequent Feeders" card. They punch it for each bag you buy and you get a free one after 10 (I think)

Some bird specialty stores do this as well

[FairWeather]

dont worry KT, we'll soon take over the world.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
ha HA! 17 pages!
I foresee 20 http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[Everythingbutwings]

Booth Feeds does the card punch bit, too! I had forgotten. I have one in my wallet, Booth Feeds Wild Bird Club.

Tee hee, I have one from the wine shop, too! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[Ladybug Hill]

Bought it today. So now we are on BOSS and flax! Hope my horses appreciate it! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

How much flax seed do I feed?

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

Ladybug Hill--ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net)

[Applesauce]

Chris

I started Jax and Caleb on about 1/2 cup each until they got used to it. Now, Jax gets just under a cup and Caleb gets right about a cup plus they each get a cup of the BOSS.

I think you'll notice a big difference in about 2 weeks.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Ladybug Hill]

That seems like a lot! Is that what other people are doing too?

(one cup a day? or one cup a feeding?)

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

Ladybug Hill--ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughilfarm.vaix.net)

[slb]

I know that most don't agree with MO on this, but I also think that it is a lot. Flax can affect the thyroid if given in higher quantities. I know that Dr. Kellon recommends feeding no more than 2-3 oz/day to be safe. Flax is not like feeding an oil supplement or even sunnies. It is high in omega 3 and should be balanced with omega 6 and 9. Just what that balance is, remainds to be seen. Flax does many other things that effect the metabolism and body. Additionally, feeding too much flax could result in weight loss, not gain....check out any human diet page to find out why.

Just my 2 cents http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Applesauce]

Sorry, those are daily doses. I split them up each feeding.

Remember that little green scoop? I use that to measure the flax and sunnies.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[Tannenwald Trakehner]

We feed 1 1/2 - 3 cups of sunnies per day per horse (especially in the winter, since it is subbing for added oil), and one of those common 2 ounce dry scoops that come in stuff like ShoGlo of whole flax. In the summer, when we gring the flax, they get close to 2 of those, because ground flax is much more voluminous. And on those amounts, everyone has hair that shines, hooves that look manicured, and fur that repels dirt!

Tannenwald Trakehner (http://www.atrakehner.com), Breeders & Friends of the Trakehner horse:
American Trakehners - European Engineering, Made in America!

[Ms. Anthrope]

And sunflower seeds also help dogs get rid of winter dandruff and makes them shinier http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Today's subliminal message is:

[lindac]

My sister is on the Atkins diet and she regularly eats ground flax as a morning cereal. I think its about 1/4 cup a day. So I don't think that a cup a day for 1000 pound horse is going to hurt anything. I know, I know ,people aren't equines, but the amount seems pretty small .

[Bumpkin]

Has everyone taken KT's poll?

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Eeeeeehhaaaaaaaa

Go get 'em Bumpkin!!!!

Yahooooooo. (doncha just lofff those polls!!!)

Just a thought...
KT

Proud member of the SunnieFlax Clique
P.S. OMG! Only 9 days till I pick up my little guy! 10 days=nervous wreck; 15 day mark=babbling idiot. (thanks Spot!)**Newest member of the Klutz Klique** &lt;bump, crash, waaaaa&gt;

[artienallie]

OK -

I found my *whole* flax and sunnie source. I've picked up some mouse-proof containers.

I don't need weight gain on my guys - just some skin and coat care. How much flax, how much sunnies? I noted Bumpkin feeds one cup sunnies 2 oz of ground flax.

Does the ground vs. whole make a difference?

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

[Bumpkin]

I feed the 2oz of Nutra Flax because that is what they suggested.
When I fed whole Flax I fed 1 cup. But maybe that was too much? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[artienallie]

Nowhere in this 17 page thread does it state HOW MUCH flax to feed! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Or if there's a difference between feeding ground or whole flax.

I've gathered that between 1 and 2 cups of sunnies is pretty standard (cups, handfuls, whatever) but no one's mentioned flax amounts EXCEPT Bumpkin and Applesauce. But I don't know how big Applesauce's green scoop is! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Help me out here! I thought you wanted to convert the world! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

[slb]

It is recommended that no more than 2-3 oz. of flax be fed/day. It is not just a "fat" supplement like oil or sunnies...it has other effects on the body. It can affect the thyroid as well as metabolism. Given in excess it can be used for weight loss.

Whole seeds or meal are both good. The whole seeds are best if you are not getting stabalized meal. If you grind your own, you should feed immediately or refigerate or freeze (best) as it can lose nutritional value and go rancid rapidly. I think that we have determined that 2 oz. of meal is about 1/2 cup...but then those who feed whole seeds say that 2 oz of whole equate to about 1/2 cup also. Additionally, not all seeds are created equal, so you probably need to weight it.

[FairWeather]

actually it does--i feed almost 1/4 cup 1 or 2 times a day.

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[HelenD]

I think I mentioned it in another flax thread, but I feed about 1/4 to 1/3 cup whole flax per feeding (2x a day). I also soak my whole flax althouth some don't.

I would recommend you start out very minimally, say, a "light" 1/4 cup of ground, or 1 TBLS whole and work up slowly to about 1/2 cup ground and 1/3 cup whole (soaked it turns out to be about about 2/3 cup - but I measure dry and then soak). Once you hit that amount, adjust it accordingly. You will see results in their coats within 2-3 weeks, but you'll take some time to adjust their feed amounts according to how well they do.

Also, see this other thread (http://chronicleforums.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=6656094911&f=5206053911&m=3186051271&r=1886051271#1886051271), and page 8 here I put in what I feed (although it's changed since then),


Helen

(S)He doth nothing but talk of his horses.
~William Shakespeare

[siyafunda]

Too hilarious! I mean about the life of this thread - now I feel compelled to add to it, just for kicks. Well, that and because I just called my local coop and asked about whole flax. The nice lady ordered a 50 lb bag for me and said it would be in tomorrow. 50 pounds! At 2 oz a day each for three horses! Uh oh - am I going to have to freeze these babies or do they last long as long as they're not ground? I think that's the story.

Anyway, heading over to KT's poll to add my vote. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[slb]

As long as they are whole...they last a long time. I don't think I would feed them after about 6 months as they will tend to lose nutritional value.

[artienallie]

Thanks all!

I must've become a bit blurry eyed after 17 pages to miss it. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

[Bumpkin]

Oh well, anything to keep the thread going, and spread the word http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[HelloAgain]

Guess what I've emailed Smartpak and asked them to add Sunnies to their lineup! They said they'd consider it. Go sunnies go! All the oil in my barn is frozen solid but my horsie gets her sunnies no problemo. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Proud Member: Bull-snap Haters Clique, Michigan Clique, and Appaloosa Clique!

[Bumpkin]

Well I baked horse cookies all day today....and I added Sunflower seeds to the cookies http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[slb]

Awww Bumpkin...give us a break...we were catching up to this thread with our feet pics...geezzz http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

Well someone has to hold down the Sunnieflax Fort while KT is galavanting around.... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Just because I am off freezing my tush off, having kittens, cats and dogs, shaking in my boots, driving like a maniac, and generally having a WONDERFUL time, doesn't EVER mean I can ignore the famous, SUNNIFLAX thread.

By the way, I am typing this by ESP. I am not really here.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[royal militron]

Wow! I just read this whole thread! I went out and bought some Black Oil Sunflower seeds today and I have ordered some flax seed! He'll be on both by next week. I am so excited to see how shiny he is! And...I'm hoping it will make his tail grow really fast.

This is an amazing thread....keep it going!!

"He moves like a dancer, which is not surprising: a horse is a beautiful animal, but it is perhaps most remarkable becaues it moves as if it always hears music."
"When the Almighty put hoofs on the wind and a bridle on the lightning, He called it a horse."

[Bumpkin]

Mr Elliot is on a diet, his barrel is so HUGE the Bumpkinette cannot get her leg around him.

I had his Vet, Dr Hansen, come give him a check up yesterday to see how Elliot is doing.
He said that Elliot needed to loose some wt....so Dr Hansen was asked...."Give a wee bit less hay, or stop the Sunnieflax"?

He said the Sunnieflax was fine, cut back a bit on his hay. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Loff Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[sketcher]

I hope our farm owner doesn't mind when her 6 acres of pasture grows a beautiful crop of sunnies this spring...

[Oldenburg Mom]

BTW, the new addition to the fambly,... errr Family has been on SunniFlax now for, what? 5 days?

I'm patiently waiting for the blinding shine to start ...

The adventure has begun...
KT

[WingedPanda]

Argh. I went out and bough 50 lbs of sunflower seeds and a couple lbs of ground flax yesterday. Add another number to your list of conquests. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I'm expecting some major coat improvement (it was already nice, but I want blinding) or I'm going to be very dissapointed. After reading this post, I couldn't stand it and had to try. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

One of the lessons of history is that Nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.
- Will Durant

[M. O'Connor]

I'm on my second bag of Sunnies, and will search for flax when I get back from our visit to FL (assuming I get there despite the snow...)

MCL
'r' H/J/HEq

[Tucked_Away]

Started the boy on sunnies two weeks ago tomorrow, giving them to him after I ride. Can't tell if they're actually helping or if it's just wishful thinking, but I don't think he cares: he ignored the sugar I tossed in his bucket tonight and kept on begging until I gave him the seeds. I've created a monster!

[sketcher]

Here is the whole nutritional profile for sunflower seeds.

http://www.liquidagogo.com/pages/sunflowerseeds.htm

Can anyone compare the levels of methionine and other nutrients to hoof supplements? I'm just wondering if sunnioes can replece hoof supplements for a horse with bad feet?

Proximates
Water g 5.360
Energy kcal 570.000
Energy kj 2385.000
Protein g 22.780
Total lipid (fat) g 49.570
Carbohydrate, by difference g 18.760
Fiber, total dietary g 10.500
Ash g 3.530

Minerals
Calcium, Ca mg 116.000
Iron, Fe mg 6.770
Magnesium, Mg mg 354.000
Phosphorus, P mg 705.000
Potassium, K mg 689.000
Sodium, Na mg 3.000
Zinc, Zn mg 5.060
Copper, Cu mg 1.752
Manganese, Mn mg 2.020
Selenium, Se mcg 59.500

Vitamins
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid mg 1.400
Thiamin mg 2.290
Riboflavin mg 0.250
Niacin mg 4.500
Pantothenic acid mg 6.745
Vitamin B-6 mg 0.770
Folate mcg 227.400
Vitamin B-12 mcg 0.000
Vitamin A, IU IU 50.000
Vitamin A, RE mcg_RE 5.000
Vitamin E mg_ATE 50.270

Amino acids
Tryptophan g 0.348
Threonine g 0.928
Isoleucine g 1.139
Leucine g 1.659
Lysine g 0.937
Methionine g 0.494
Cystine g 0.451
Phenylalanine g 1.169
Tyrosine g 0.666
Valine g 1.315
Arginine g 2.403
Histidine g 0.632
Alanine g 1.117
Aspartic acid g 2.446
Glutamic acid g 5.579
Glycine g 1.461
Proline g 1.182
Serine g 1.075

USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (Nov. 1999)
References and disclaimer

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

OK so i'm new to this site and just found this thread

I was told by some one on a different site to feed BOSS & Flax to a horse that had a bad abscess for hoof growth.

but my question is i also have a HYPP Poss. horse that i have to limit potassium intake for can i feed both the flax & BOSS to him??

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 3 year old buck skin

http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[slb]

Hi BYQH...recognise you from the other forum. From my info, BOSS is high in potassium...feeding 1/2 lb would provide approx. 1/2 NRC RDA. Flax is relatively low and since only 2-3 oz. is required to attain beneficial results, then you should have no problem feeding the flax.

Re: feeding the HYPP horse...what kind of hay do you feed and what else do you feed him? I had never thought about how important mineral balancing must be to a horse like this.

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

The horse with HYPP is Kiowa beautiful bay and he gets free choice fescue hay mixed with orchard grass

And 1 quart of grain type feed with the molasses omitted (molasses is high in potassium)

No mineral blocks only white salt licks and if he starts o have episodes he will go back on the hydroclothyaszied I know that is miss spelled but so what.

Hypp is no fun but can be managed if you take the time
I have not rode him in a year that was prior to his showing the HYPP so I’m not sure what to expect when we hit the trail

I have also been told that corn syrup 60cc will cause a insulin rush that will bring him out of a episode quickly so when we hit the trail I will have this in my saddle bags

Thanks
Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 3 year old buck skin

http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[Spot]

I too have joined the Sunniflax group and everyone thoroughly enjoys wolfing them down (except the goat - he doesnt seem fond of them at all).
I too am waiting patiently for the blinding, dazzling coats to glisten in the sunlight (perhaps shedding their hairy coats might help first!) but most of all am waiting for Miss Skinny to get as fat as a little pig on them!

"Spot"

[slb]

I found an interesting article about researching coyote food. They found that although rabbits/hares and related animals are the primary dinner, that they were raiding commercial sunflower seed fields and it was thought that they were eating lots of them. Although it was also believed that a few in each group didn't partake in the feast, that the majority of several groups were doing this. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

for the nutrional value of flax seeds click the link

http://www.goldenflax.com/home_pages/nutrition_home.htm

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 3 year old buck skin

http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[tinybarrels]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Back Yard Quarter Horse:
for the nutrional value of flax seeds click the link

http://www.goldenflax.com/home_pages/nutrition_home.htm

Very Interesting ... Thanks, Back Yard Quarter Horse for posting the link ... Flax is Linseed ...
I've been feeding the BOSS for over a month and in "Search" of Flax Seed ... I've asked at 5 grain elevators & 6 feed stores & only one said that they could order it for me ... the rest had never heard of it & could not find it to order.
Linseed ... Even I know what that is ... It's very common in all our feed mixes ... I can find it anywhere.
Why don't you folks, call it LINSEED ???

&lt;\__~
_//_\\_Sanity Statistics : One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three, best friends ... If they are okay, then ...

[Spot]

okay - even though we have DECREASED the grain intake since starting the Sunflower seeds (and they werent on much grain anyhow!), we have noticed that the whole lot of them are going nutty. Acting like 2 yr old stud colts - rearing, striking, bucking and galloping around like total idiots. And these are the older mares I am talking about!

What is the energy value / protein content of them? Is it possible that they are sending them over the edge or do I just have a rather silly lot right now?

Everyone is getting a big handful once a day, and my one skinny mare is getting that amount twice a day

Any feedback would be MOST appreciated!

"Spot"

[Bumpkin]

It must depend on the horse.
Soy sends Elliot nuts.
Oil or Sunflower doesn't have any effect on his mental state of being.

He is on one cup per day and 2 oz of the HealthTech ground Flax. No grain.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[slb]

All of my horses are running around like nuts....its the time of year. I've been feeding sunnies for a few months now and everyone has been very mellow and normal. This doesn't seem to be unusal "anticipation of spring" behavior for my herd.

BTW, I feed large amounts - 1-2 lbs of it to some of the horses.

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

As posted by others and me the nutritional value of the sunny/flax is as follows

Look at the protein value adjust your grain as needed I would use caution feeding large amounts with out reducing your grain or other high protein items

http://www.goldenflax.com/home_pages/nutrition_home.htm

Nutrient Profile of Flaxseed
Proximate
100 grams (3 1/2 ounces)
Food Energy
450 Kilocalories (Calories)
Fat*
41.0 grams
Total Dietary Fiber
28.0 grams
Protein
20.0 grams

*Analyzed by the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) Official Method Am 2-93, which is based on the Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations Ltd. (FOSFA) Official Method. The American Organization of Analytical Chemists (AOAC International) Method 996.06 will produce a slightly lower fat content.

Here is the whole nutritional profile for sunflower seeds.

http://www.liquidagogo.com/pages/sunflowerseeds.htm

Can anyone compare the levels of methionine and other nutrients to hoof supplements? I'm just wondering if sunnioes can replece hoof supplements for a horse with bad feet?

Proximates
Water g 5.360
Energy kcal 570.000
Energy kj 2385.000
Protein g 22.780
Total lipid (fat) g 49.570
Carbohydrate, by difference g 18.760
Fiber, total dietary g 10.500
Ash g 3.530

Minerals
Calcium, Ca mg 116.000
Iron, Fe mg 6.770
Magnesium, Mg mg 354.000
Phosphorus, P mg 705.000
Potassium, K mg 689.000
Sodium, Na mg 3.000
Zinc, Zn mg 5.060
Copper, Cu mg 1.752
Manganese, Mn mg 2.020
Selenium, Se mcg 59.500

Vitamins
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid mg 1.400
Thiamin mg 2.290
Riboflavin mg 0.250
Niacin mg 4.500
Pantothenic acid mg 6.745
Vitamin B-6 mg 0.770
Folate mcg 227.400
Vitamin B-12 mcg 0.000
Vitamin A, IU IU 50.000
Vitamin A, RE mcg_RE 5.000
Vitamin E mg_ATE 50.270

Amino acids
Tryptophan g 0.348
Threonine g 0.928
Isoleucine g 1.139
Leucine g 1.659
Lysine g 0.937
Methionine g 0.494
Cystine g 0.451
Phenylalanine g 1.169
Tyrosine g 0.666
Valine g 1.315
Arginine g 2.403
Histidine g 0.632
Alanine g 1.117
Aspartic acid g 2.446
Glutamic acid g 5.579
Glycine g 1.461
Proline g 1.182
Serine g 1.075

USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (Nov. 1999)
References and disclaimer

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 3 year old buck skin

http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[DrssgLvR3]

Did anybody notice that in the current Horse Journal, while they do recommend flax seed & all its wonderful benefits (thanks to this thread-we already knew http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif), they recommend supplementing with stablilzed ground flax meal or freshly ground flax seed. Wonder why they didn't say it was OK to feed the flax seed whole?

[tinybarrels]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DrssgLvR3:
Did anybody notice that in the current Horse Journal, while they do recommend flax seed & all its wonderful benefits (thanks to this thread-we already knew http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif), they recommend supplementing with stablilzed ground flax meal or freshly ground flax seed. Wonder why they didn't say it was OK to feed the flax seed whole?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have been told that while they do get some good out of the whole flax seed ... the horses stomach is not able to break down the hard hulls completely and therefore, much is passed straight thru without utilization ...

I have nothing to quote, on this ... but I have read it numerous places.

&lt;\__~
_//_\\_Sanity Statistics : One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three, best friends ... If they are okay, then ...

[Zephyr'sMom]

WOW. This is a long-lived thread!

I am in the middle of making some changes in Zephyr's diet, to try to get rid of his flaky/dry skin problem.

My original plan was to gradually take him off his token grain (only 2# per day, 10% protein sweet feed) and start him on just supplements. He'd be getting a combination of Blue Seal's "Sunshine Plus" and "EZ Pellets." Then I was also going to be replacing a couple pounds of his regular grass hay with a couple pounds of Lucerne Farms' Showing Chaff (oat hay with soybean oil) to get some oil into him.

I really like the sunnyflax idea. Do you suppose I should use EITHER the sunnyflax OR the Showing Chaff? Would there be any harm in giving both?

As I said, the Showing Chaff has soybean oil. Seems to me, the BOSS and Flax are two OTHER kinds of oils?

http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[Bumpkin]

Beware of Soy Oil. JMHO of course.
Elliot was on CocoSoya after atleast a year of plain Corn Oil. So Oil was not new to his diet.
He went nuts on the Soy.

I now have him on 1 cup of BOSS and 2 OZ of the HorseTech ground Flax.
No grain, other than a handful of Seniour, I believe Ruben slips him when he is feeding, just to make Elliot happy.


"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Zephyr'sMom ...

SunnieFlax takes about 10 days to kick in. Try it before the other stuff... after all it's less than two weeks.

It usually starts on the neck hair/fur ... it's cheap and it WORKS. And 10 days isn't going to kill Zephyr.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[cassie01]

Since the thread is *still* going http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I thought I'd post an update. Cassie has been on sunnieflax for about 6 weeks now (?). Her coat has gotten quite a bit shinier, so much so that other people have been asking me what I'm doing differently. I've also been able to decrease her grain a bit. She is a 2 y/o Morgan and gets 1/2 c sunnies and 1 oz. flax seeds. I am going to switch to Nutra Flax at some point though.

I have seen no problems with hotness - if anything she's calmer and steadier. Whether that is due to the sunnieflax or due to her maturing more I can't say. BUT, she's doing really well and I plan to continue feeding her sunnieflax.

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[morecarrotsplease]

This thread has gone on for so long, I've had four horses in on trial, I've aged considerably, but the point is I HAVE NOW PURCHASED A HORSE who started Tuesday on Nutra Flax and 1/4 BOSS! I'm so excited to see what will happen now! Obviously I'm hoping to be able to put on lipstick while looking into my horse's neck!!! What a time saver at horse shows!

[Bumpkin]

More Carrots Please, how is the test going on the Flax?

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[M. O'Connor]

OK, so I just went back and looked...it was January 21 that I started my 4 on sunnies; I too, have not been able to find "flax" and, duh, is it actually true that "flax" is actual linseed? If so I feel kinda dumb...always thought they looked kind of "alike." Huh. I'll bet the feed place will "have linseed." They certainly don't "have flax."

Anyway...after 2 months of sunnies on their own, I have one REAL shiny, slick, dark brown horse; one bright bay pony with an AMAZINGLY soft winter coat that is shedding out like crazy and a shiny black mane that seems as if it's in greater than usual shape, and a tail that is thicker than usual at the top (her tail is normally pretty thick, but got a little too much TLC from the kids last summer). We also have a little white Welshy pony that seems to have a nicer than normal coat for that type (he was new in December, and had been clipped), and a total furball Shetland; if the sunnies take full effect on her, it might be astonishing because she's pretty "unique" to begin with.

So--can someone confirm the flax/linseed thing?

MCL
'r' H/J/HEq

[morecarrotsplease]

Bumpkin Update!

Although the new horse had a healthy looking coat to begin with, he definitely is getting glossier. He's shedding like crazy which I'm helping along with a lot of grooming. I didn't want to have to body clip him because he's chestnut and I didn't want that lovely pumpkin orange they get when clipped and now I'm sure he'll just shed out perfectly. He is the shinest chestnut in the barn. The hair feels different on his neck somehow or am I imagining it?

[morecarrotsplease]

Oh! He also had a bump on his neck when I tried him out like a nasty spider bite or something. When he was delivered the bump was still there. My trainer said possibly it was a reaction to flies. In two days it was gone.

[Bumpkin]

The neck is where I noticed the difference first also.

I am still amazed that Elliot did not grow any winter coat this year, and he was in the most open and coldest barn he has ever been in, in his entire life. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Normally he is clipped, but not this year.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[tinybarrels]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by M. O'Connor:

So--can someone confirm the flax/linseed thing?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi ... M.O'Connor ... I just did a "Google Search" & heres some Facts :

Linseed Meal
Rex Ellsworth, the breeder or owner of *Khaled, Swaps, Ack Ack, Candy Spots, and many others, at his stables adjacent to Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona in the early 1980's, taught me of the importance and usage of linseed meal in the Thoroughbred diet. His advice was recently affirmed with a recommendation concerning the usefulness of linseed meal to the horseman of the early 1800's in an old book, "The Gentlemen's New Pocket Farrier" by Richard Mason, published in 1830, and the slightly more contemporary "Feeds and Feeding", by F. B. Morrison, 20th Ed. Unabridged, 1936. Morrison states that in the 1930's linseed meal was one of the most popular and important sources of protein for farm animals.
Linseed Meal (linseed oil meal) is a byproduct, processed from Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum) after the commercially important Linseed Oil has been extracted. Flax, flaxseed, linseed meal, linseed cake, oil meal, oil cake are some of the terms used. It is usually sold on the basis of its protein content which from USA-grown flaxseed is about 34 - 36 per cent. Argentinian linseed meal contains about 30 to 31 per cent protein. Its protein is a slightly incomplete protein, missing some of the amino acids. It also contains from one to five percent fat and is low in fiber.
Linseed Meal as a protein supplement has great importance to horses. The quality of its protein is excellent for horses and it is about 60 - 70 per cent biologically available. In some areas, it may be difficult to find or a special order. I believe that what ever hassle that it takes to obtain linseed meal is well worth it.
"Old Process" Linseed Meal is preferred, but usually unavailable. It's made in the following manner. Carefully cleaned flaxseed is coarse ground, heated, and hydraulically pressed similar to the process used to extract cottonseed oil. What's left after the linseed oil has been extracted is called linseed cake which is then ground into linseed meal.
"New Process" The linseed oil is extracted by means of a solvent, the resulting linseed meal is somewhat less palatible. Usually, at this time in North America, the solvent extracted type of linseed meal is most prevalent.
"Expeller Process" is another method of extracting the linseed oil.
Feeding Linseed Meal to Thoroughbred horses
Feed Linseed Meal as a protein supplement. To supplement (rather than substitute) for an otherwise good quality ration, add 2 to 4 ounces of linseed meal per day, primarily for its protein content, but also for residual linseed oil and micro-nutrients as conditioning agents, laxative effect, growth and finishing agents.
Limit the quantity of Linseed Meal in the ration to no more than 8 - 10 per cent of total concentrate due to its laxative effects.

Health Benefits of Linseed (Flaxseed) Oil
Linseed, is the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids (50-60% Omega-3s). It contains almost twice as much of the Omega-3s as fish oil.
1. Heart Disease
Omega-3s lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 25% and 65% respectively. Omega-3s decrease the probability of a clot blocking the artery in the brain (stroke), heart (heart attack), lungs (pulmonary embolism) or the organ (peripheral vascular disease...that is gangrene). Omega-3s will lower high blood pressure.
2. Cancers
Omega-3s dissolve tumors. Max Gerson used linseed oil for this purpose in his clinic. Dr. Budwig in Germany has over 1000 documented cases of successful cancer treatment using linseed oil along with additional support. She has been using linseed oil successfully in cancer therapy for over 30 years now. More recent research shows that Omega-3s kill human cancer cells on the same culture. Breast, lung and prostrate cancer cell lines were studied.
3. Diabetes
This disease, according to Dr. Budwig, has its origin in deficiency of Omega-3s (as well as Omega-6) fatty acids and is made worse by current lack of vitamins and minerals.
4. Arthritis
Omega-3's have been found to be effective in the successful treatment and prevention of arthritis. Both fish oils and linseed oil have been used. More recently, research using combinations of the Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids found that 60% of rheumatoid arthritics were able to completely discontinue their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and another 20% were able to reduce their dosages of NSAID in half.
5. Asthma
Linseed oil can relieve asthma noticeably, sometimes within a few days of starting to take the oil.
6. Premenstrual Syndrome
Many cases of PMS are completely relieved within one month with fresh linseed oil. Vitamins and minerals are also very important.
7. Allergies
Omega-3s help to decrease allergic response. Since the body must be rebuilt, a longer time is needed before allergies are alleviated. Total nutritional support is required.
8. Inflammatory Tissue Conditions
Included here are the diseases which end in -itis, in which are meningitis, bursitis, tendinitis, tonsillitis, gastritis, ileitis, colitis, arthritis, phlebitis, prostatitis, nephritis, splenitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, otitis, etc. as well as psoriasis and lupus. All of these inflammatory conditions may be helped by the Omega-3s.
9. Water Retention
Linseed oil helps the kidneys remove sodium and water. Water retention (edema) is involved in swollen ankles, some forms of overweight, PMS, and late stages of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
10. Skin Conditions
Linseed Oil is famous for its ability to make the skin smooth, soft and velvety. It will also alleviate those skin conditions whose origin is the lack of the Omega-3s in the diet.
11. Vitality
One of the most noticeable signs of improved health from the use of linseed oil is increased vitality, more energy. Athletes notice that their fatigued muscles recover from exercise more quickly. Omega-3s increase stamina.
12. Calmness Under Stress
Many people find this calming effect of fresh linseed oil to be its most pleasant . Omega-3s fatty acids prevent excess toxic biochemicals which our bodies produce under stress.
13. Other Conditions
Linseed oil can also be helpful in multiple sclerosis (in places where essential fatty acid consumption is high, multiple sclerosis is very rare); Omega-3s are necessary for visual function (retina), adrenal function (stress), and sperm formation; cystic fibrosis (Omega-3-containing oils will loosen the viscous mucous secretions and relieve breathing difficulties); some cases of sterility and miscarriage; some glandular malfunctions; some behavioral problems (schizophrenia, depression, manic-depressive disorder, etc.); addictions (to drugs or alcohol); and pathologically deviant behaviors.

&lt;\__~
_//_\\_Sanity Statistics : One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three, best friends ... If they are okay, then ...

[M. O'Connor]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gifIs all that a "yes?"

MCL
'r' H/J/HEq

[Shy Rider]

I've tried this too after reading all.

My bay is shiny as a mirror.

[Oldenburg Mom]

Ok.

Fairweather, this is now 20 PAGES! This is incredible!

Oh, and has everyone VOTED?

The adventure has begun...
KT

[tinybarrels]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by M. O'Connor:
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gifIs all that a "yes?"

MCL
'r' H/J/HEq
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

YES ... Ma'am ...

&lt;\__~
_//_\\_Sanity Statistics : One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three, best friends ... If they are okay, then ...

[Stono Ferry]

Well I've read all 20 pages and I'm sold. I went to Wal-Mart and bought some BOSS. The only kind they had was enriched with vitamins. Guaranteed Analysis is: Protein 14%, Fat 20%, Fiber 35%, Iodine .0000003% (Potassium Iodine), Vitamin A 900 IU/LB, Vitamin D3 90 ICU/LB. These are "Pennington" brand seeds. White bag with red cardinal on it. They call the vitamin enrichment "Bird Kote" . Anybody else use this brand? A quick look in my nutrition book seems to indicate that the Iodine and Vitamins A and D3 are in amounts suitable for horses. Anyone care to comment?

[nikki3]

I use the type with Bird Kote as well, 1 cup 2 times a day for about 8 months now without problems.
Nikki

[WingedPanda]

Ok - here's my 1 month update.

Added sunflower seeds and flax to my horsie diet a month and three days ago - my TB is bay, and he is SHINING LIKE A FREAKIN' MIRROR. Dirt just brushes off, and his winter coat has completely shed out in the month he's been on the sunnie/flax regimen.

He had a high-fat diet before - got a fair amount of oil, so he looked nice to begin with, but this is amazing. He has NEVER looked this good. Can't see much of a diff in my grey, but she's flea bitten and doesn't really get shiny. Her coat is very soft, however.

It is definitely here to stay in my barn.

One of the lessons of history is that Nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.
- Will Durant

[Oldenburg Mom]

Today, the CoTH BB. Tomorrow, the world. Sunnie/flaxers take over the world.

BUMPKIIIIIINNNNN! Yoooohooo. Another convert.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[FairWeather]

KT you crack me UP!

I have to admit--My guys have been off their sunnieflax for over a month and they are back to looking like dull doo-doo. I couldnt get INTO my barn because of all the snow, so I had to feed grain out of my trailer, and no container for the sunnieflax! Dont worry, they are back on now!
maybe I should do a photoessay!

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[Bumpkin]

Woohoo Winged Panda!!!!!

I wish our barn just fed it to everyone.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Hey, thanks FairWeather....

but if you REALLY want a laugh... look at the other thread I started on solving all your problems.

I couldn't believe it. I promise, your mouth will be hanging open. Promise.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[Duramax]

Just found this site: http://www.heintzmanfarms.com/ You can get a free sample of flax for yourself! I just ordered one! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Also on the site was this (nutritional analysis of flax):
Nutrients Amount in 45 g. (1/4 c.) of Flaxseed!
Calories 245
Protein 10.6 g.
Carbohydrates 12.4 g.
Total fat 16.9 g
Total dietary fiber 11.7 g.
Sat. fat 1.9 g.
Cholesterol. 0 g.
Omega-3 9600 mg

[Ladybug Hill]

After several months of feeding BOSS/whole flax, I would like to report. My horses look fantastic, especially my "rescue" filly. Her coat is just a beautiful chocolate brown. It has been hell getting weight on her and I think I am finally catching up!

Unfortunately, I am finding whole flaxseeds that are passing through the manure. I am convinced now that grinding is the way to go! I guess off the Walmart to buy a grinder. Anyone use a mortar & pestle? or a coffee bean grinder? or a mini electric food processor?

The horses just keep making me poorer and poorer! (but at least they are beautiful)



:eek

Chris

Ladybug Hill--Hunters and Ponies
Specializing in Palomino TBs

ladybughillfarm.vaix.net (http://ladybughillfarm.vaix.net)

[katarine]

2 healthy geldings
good deworming schedule
good dental schedule
1 month on BOSS, between 1-2 cups a day

no change in haircoat. Both are shedding of course, but I'm not seeing the proof in this here pudding just yet. Maybe yalls are further shed out than mine???

"Shoot me now! Shoot me now!"
Bugs Bunny

[Oldenburg Mom]

Is yak fur softer? Look closely at neck. Touch neck. Sooooooofffft.

My boy has much softer hair and some gloss. HAVE FAITH. And don't forget the flax!

Are they grey boys?

The adventure has begun...
KT

[HFSH]

Yes, I've noticed it mostly on my coming 2yo gelding. He has the SOFTEST yak fur. Cuddly-soft (unless he's muddy).

My horses feet are doing well too, farrier like the improvements!

Home of the RPSI & AWR stallion Remarkable (http://www.hopefulfarm.com) | YaBB me Baby! (http://www.hopefulfarm.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi) | "I Hate Physical Therapy" Clique | Midwest Breeders Group (http://www.breedersgroup.com)

[EqChick]

Okay, all - I'm wondering how much to buy initially - you have convinced me to try the mix!!

I only have one horse, though, so the 50+50/trash can approach might be a bit much. Won't it rot eventually? I'm thiking maybe a 10lb. bag each to start, mixed in a tupperware.

Also, you guys feed one cup per day in one feeding? Obviously, I'll start slow, but should it be added to every meal, or just one?

Sorry to ask such simple questions, but I do not claim to be an equine nutritionist, nor do I play one on TV...

Which came first, the truck or the trailer?

[Bumpkin]

I feed 1 cup Sunnies plus 2 oz of ground Flax in the AM feeding.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Zephyr'sMom]

Started the BOSS around the 1st of March, as far as I can recall. Started the flax around the 8th of March, I think... had to order it.

Today is the 20th, and I've yet to notice any significant changes.

That doesn't mean there won't be any, of course... he's still a wildabeest. He's barely even begun to shed. (Before you ask about whether he's soft, I will say, yes, but he's always been soft. He doesn't seem any softer. And no, he's not grey, he's sorrel. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

I did notice one thing that may or may not be related to the change in diet. The dandruff problem that I was trying to fix... body dandruff seems to have decreased, and mane/tail dandruff seems to be larger flakes that are further away from the skin. Does this mean he's not producing NEW dandruff?? Only time (and a serious bath) will tell. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Edited to add: He's getting 1c. of BOSS and 1/2c. of whole flax seed, per day.

-Zephyr's Mom



http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[katarine]

I guess I'll be the control group, using only BOSS, b/c I am NOT working harder on their stupid breakfast than I am on my own.

Legends 12% textured feed
free choice bermuda
equimin minerals top dressed.
1-2 cups BOSS
Done.

"Shoot me now! Shoot me now!"
Bugs Bunny

[Oldenburg Mom]

EqChick -

Buy the 50 lbs. NO it doesn't go bad.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[EqChick]

Thanks KT, would hate to spoil the volume discount with slow use on only one animal!

Then again, could probably split with barn-mates- will need to ask around...

Which came first, the truck or the trailer?

[EqChick]

Another question:

Do you think it would be better to introduce one at a time (e.g. Sunnies until I'm up to 1/2 cup/day, then start to add flax)? Or go ahead and introduce the mix?

Which came first, the truck or the trailer?

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> posted Mar. 20, 2003 12:43 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


no change in haircoat. Both are shedding of course, but I'm not seeing the proof in this here pudding just yet. Maybe yalls are further shed out than mine???

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Katarine

same with my two and they are up to 3 cups a day
Winter coat is real soft but not a big change and my hard keeper has not put on the weight that i would have expected

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[chaos theory]

BYQH- are your guys on just the sunnies or the sunnies/flax together? It has been my experience that ground flax actually works better than the sunnies (the flax has to be ground, not whole). I have one of my boys (the one pictured below) on just ground flax and my other two on sunnieflax mixture and they all look amazing. Just a thought... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

-Rachel
http://cheval-de-lune.net
Shiny boy thanks to sunnieflax! (http://cheval-de-lune.net/moon/lwf31.jpg)http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Zephyr'sMom]

I got the whole flax seeds because someone early on (Fairweather???) reported that the whole seeds worked just fine. There's no WAY I can grind it - I board my horse. As it is, I pre-bag his meals.

So I am patiently waiting for him to shed out, so I can see whether it's working or not. The hair he's got now is like an inch and a half long, so I'm not surprised it's not shiny. LOL

http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[BostonBanker]

I got through 13 pages of this thread last night. Got all inspired, went out and bought BOSS and Flax today. Now, I've finished the thread, and am seeing that people are suggesting ground flax as opposed to whole? Is that now the general concensus? I bought the whole....

I'm expecting miracles with this stuff after all the hype! Tristan has an above-average coat anyway (I'm a bit of a compulsive groomer), but he's never really had dapples. I'd like some dapples, please. I'd also love to see his mane and tail a bit thicker - his mane is thin enough that I can't get in as many braids as I'd like, and, of course, thicker tails are always better!

My funny shopping story: I get to the checkout of the farm store with my five pound bags of BOSS and Flax, and the cashier says, "Please tell me you aren't feeding flax to the wild birds?" (I guess that's a bad thing?). I said no, I'm feeding sunflower seeds to my horse. She gives me this look that says "horse people get weirder every day". Another employee, however, comments that someone else was in buying BOSS for THEIR horse the day before. Someone from here, perhaps?

Anyway, Tristan LOVED the seeds, and I took a "before" picture. This thread will be alive at least another two weeks, when I will post before and after shots!

"When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard; I am sure we should - so hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again." ~Charlotte Bronte

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

Chaos Theory

I have been feeding both horses Thunder and Dakota 3 cups of sunnies and 1 cup of flax seeds whole

I got the feeling that grinding the flax was a waste of time from the other posts earlier, and at 1 cup a day my little grinder is just not going to last.

The third horse Kiowa can’t have the mixture due to his HYPP (potassium is too high)

Your horse is awesome looks like it is oiled down!!! it looks like my Kiowa the HYPP fool that cant have sunnies or flax

With all the rain in Charlotte area the mud has been real bad for months i cant keep the horses clean at all let alone see their feet!! Maybe after the mud dries some and they shed out we will notice the difference

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[slb]

I don't think that we can expect great changes in all horses. The flax and BOSS are simply providing essential fatty acids. If a horse has access to green grass a majority of the year, then there won't be much, if any, change. If they are on a hay diet, or have more months of hay than grass meals, then I think you could expect a change. Additionally, if you were/are feeding other sources of fat/oil, then I doubt you will see much change. Also, it is going to depend on what is in your feed mix and what other supplements you are feeding.

I have horses on hay all year, but was already supplementing with vit/min mix and soy oil. When I added the flax, I only saw the effects of boosting the immune system. When I added the BOSS, I didn't see any significant changes either. However, I need very low carb diets for half of my horses, so I find that replacing grain products with a varied all forage diet works great. BOSS has become a significant part of that feeding program.

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[Oldenburg Mom]

Well, of course, I can't let this challenge go unheeded.

I put my new guy on them when he arrived, and that was just over one month ago. His hair/fur is VERY silky and soft. AND he is starting to seriously shed on his neck and this weekend I noticed for the first time that he is REALLY getting shiny.

I am feeding two cups sunnies, one cup WHOLE flax a day. Everyone LOFFs their sunnies.

From this thread all I can guess is that greys don't get as shiney as the darker colors... don't know why.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[Tux61096]

Ok, my horse started on just sunnies mid-January. Since he was as furry as he's ever been this winter, I wasn't expecting to see much change and guess what, I didn't; his fur was noticibly softer though. BUT now that he's shedding out, WOW, I can't believe how shiny he is everywhere, even his face and legs. "So bright I gotta where shades" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

With these results, at $8.99 for 25lbs, it has surpassed my expectations as a supplement.

Murphy's Law Clique for when there's no way that could happen, but it does!
"Keep the furry side up & the metal side down!" Unknown

[Zephyr'sMom]

Well, it's official, Zephyr has started shedding. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It shouldn't be long now! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

SLB: I was interested to hear that you're feeding an all-forage diet. I just switched Zephyr off grain myself... guess that makes him all-forage too. I'd love to hear what you're feeding, if you'd like to email me at sharon1359@spamcop.net . http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[mcmIV]

I wonder if this supplement helps speed along shedding.....

Java has been blanketless in Chicago all winter, he never got SUPER fuzzy, but was hairy enough to be fluffy warm.

He has nearly shedded out, while the rest of the barn (blanketed too) are barely started....

I always say "Its the Sunniflax!"

martha

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

**Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks. **

[slb]

Martha...while shedding is an individual thing, I think that you are correct in believing that at least flax (not sure of BOSS) aids in shedding. Many supplements that have been used to shed out horses contain either soy oil, flax, or a combination. I have used it in the past to shed out a colt that I took to sale in late winter (March, I think). While I didn't get him completely shed in 2 weeks, I did get better results than the other weanlings that were not getting flax. He is a steel grey and everyone marveled at his coat.

There are many things that effect shedding and coat quality...addressing dietary deficiencies is one. I have seen horses that hadn't shed in 1-5 years drop their coats in 3-4 weeks just by adding magnesium. This didn't have anything to do with the Mg as an aid in shedding, but rather it addressed a dietary deficiency of magnesium that resulted in better metabolisim and thus general health.

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[reddungirl]

Well gang, I'm a brand new member. After becoming absolutely hooked on the BB here by just reading for days, and after delaying my family's dinner for hours while I read this particular thread, I just had to register and jump in. I have a red dun, solid color Appaloosa-- which I love mind you, but while that peachy, buff body color with stripes is great in this red Georgia clay, there just isn't much shine. I put my gelding, affectionately known as The Boy George (he has quite the fashion sense) on Glanzen3 from Horsetech. It has made a pretty big difference, more coat moisture and gloss, less skin sensitivity, but nothing like what you guys have been raving about with the sunnyflax formula. I popped right over to my local WallyWorld and picked up the BOSS-- what does anyone think about just adding some to his routine since he's already getting flax? Heck, if it seems better, I might as well scale back to the regular NutraFlax and feed the seeds!

[Stono Ferry]

Well it's been 9 days since I started feeding BOSS. They're getting shiny! Still waiting on Nutra-Flax to arrive. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Oldenburg Mom]

We're going to be testing all you newbies on Page 22,... so everyone study hard!!!

Buuuuumppkiiiiinnn. Please start a private topic so we can pull the test questions together. (just kidding!)

The adventure has begun...
KT

[This message was edited by KT 1900 on Mar. 28, 2003 at 09:30 AM.]

[Sam7]

I saw a reference to this list on another list - like I need one more list! But am intrigued with the flax/sunflower thread. And impressed that you can talk about it for 20 pages (now going on 21 I presume).

How much are you paying for 50# of flax seeds? I see it in my natural foods catalog which is likely my best bet here in remote north Iowa. $34.76 for 25#. I am sure you are not paying that much. Do I need to get to Tractor Supply or Fleet Farm??? I've not been impressed with he selection at either one here. Wal-Mart for the sunflower seed? I can do it tomorrow.

[Bumpkin]

If you have to pay that much for Flax Seed I would suggest purchasing your Flax through Health Tech.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Sam7]

---If you have to pay that much for Flax Seed I would suggest purchasing your Flax through Health Tech.---

Do you have the url handy? I did a google but I don't think any of them are the right one.

[Stono Ferry]

Sam7, it's www.horsetech.com (http://www.horsetech.com)
They sell ground flax- it's called Nutra-Flax. I just paid $29.95 for 12 lbs. They paid shipping. My horses are getting shinier!

[Sam7]

--They sell ground flax- it's called Nutra-Flax. I just paid $29.95 for 12 lbs. They paid shipping. --
It would be cheaper for me to stay with my original source $34.76 for 25#. organic. human grade.
Has anyone ever bought it at a real store? One that I could drive to and take it home with me?

[Applesauce]

Hey!! Do you all realize that in about one week this thread will have been kept alive for 1 year!!!!

Pretty amazing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice." quote from the tv series M*A*S*H

[BfxLover]

I bought a bag of BOSS today!

The place did not have flax seeds. I think I will order the Nutraflax. I'm into convenience. ;-)

My barn owner is going to think I have flipped! or maybe not...

I have tried a variety of things to get my main horse's weight back on. he seemed to lost alot during the horrendous drought summer 2002 and then we had this AWFUL winter - a non-stop cold winter...

I've tried corn oil and an extra fat/probiotic supplement from HealthTech which he doesn't really relish - I changed from Equitech 10 to Race Ready (feed store switched suppliers), he loves the Race Ready which we mix with Equine Senior. He will be 17 this summer. I never considered him a hard-keeper until this summer :-(

Also he is a picky eater and a SLOW eater! Hates rice bran. Changes prefernce for feeds often. Now turns down alfalfa hay. Lives for grass (which we now have, thank goodness).

When he sheds, he is a lovely blood bay with dapples. He is so beautiful. Hopefully, I will see the coat improve even more but mainly I seek a source of fat that he LIKES.

My other horse is an easy keeper and is always concerned he may never eat again (e.g. major piggie)

I will let you know when I start the BOSS - I'm excited!

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Zephyr'sMom]

As of today, Zephyr is starting to get shiny... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sam7: You asked "Has anyone ever bought it at a real store? One that I could drive to and take it home with me?" ... I am starting to think I am very lucky! My local Blue Seal Feeds and Needs ordered a bag of whole flax for me. 50# for about $22. I picked it up about 3 days after they ordered it for me. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[slb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Applesauce:
Hey!! Do you all realize that in about one week this thread will have been kept alive for _1 year!!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey....should we have an anniversary paarrrtttyyy!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[Oldenburg Mom]

Yahhoooo.

Paaaaa-ty Paaaaa-ty Paaaaa-ty

Sunnie/Flax thread one year old. Eeeeehaaaaa

The adventure has begun...
KT

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

I paid 22.00 for 50# whole flax seeds at my local feed center

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[Ja Da Dee]

Well, I was going to try this sunnieflax thing, but Piper doesn't seem to care for the sunnies. He's been on the Horsetech flax with glucosomine & MSM for some time though. He was just picking through his grain on Sunday morning with a sad and confused look on his face. "what's this in here? bleck"

[BfxLover]

PAR-TEEEE I'll bring the vodka!

I tried the BOSS on my picky eater today - he LOVED them!

Question:
What do you all recommend the daily BOSS amount for weight gain (and coat) (my ASB)?

What do you all recommend the daily BOSS amount for weight gain for a fattie (my QH)?

I gave my ASB about 2 handfuls today - may have been 1/2 cup. I will record this on my calendar. He is still shedding so who knows when I'll see the benefit!

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Sam7]

--- paid 22.00 for 50# whole flax seeds at my local feed center----

What brand name of flax are you finding? I can do a google for a "dealer near" me.

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

sam7

No name on the sack but the name of the feed center is POE's in Rock Hill SC the phone number is
803 324 2925 Mr. Byrum Poe may be he can ship it to you
Or tell you where he gets it from all his grains are real fresh good quality I have a special needs HYPP horse and we make up special feed just for him 50-250 lbs at a time no minimum order of 2000 lbs like most places want they are a real old-fashioned farm center

Sam try Dogpile.com its better than Google

Back Yard Quarter Horse

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[BfxLover]

Hey y'all -

I copied this off of another board - a horse care board run by a vet - please relay your opinions - is the sunniflax best for coat shine or weight gain or both (or does it depend on the indiviual horse's metabolism and feeding patterns)?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Personally I think it very unlikely (read that as impossible) that 3 cups of sunflower seeds with hulls contain a cup of oil. In fact it would surprise me if there was a signigicant amount of oil in 1 cup of seeds with hulls when looking at the % fat of your total diet, they are just too light with hulls. Quit with the sunflower seeds, they are just pure nonsense from a nutritional stanpoint. If you want to feed them as a treat that is fine.
---------------
A cup of sunflower seeds with hull contain 21.7 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, and 9.1 grams of carbohydrate. Hulls account for 46% by weight. The hulls are a good source of fiber for equines. The cup of seeds with hull should yield one third cup of hulled sunflower seeds. The fat content in a pound of whole seeds is 115.8 grams.
-------------
THANK YOU!!! Finally some helpful information about the seeds. I think I will continue to use them instead of the oil, as our whole barn is using them, and the bulk price is really good. It looks like I will have to up the amount to get the correct amount of fat, but the fiber is good for them anyway. Again, I appreciate the information!!
-------------------
With these numbers we can see how this effects the diet. A 1200 lb (500 kg) horse eats roughly 30 lbs (12 kg) which equals 12,000 grams. So one cup twice daily equals appx 45 grams of fat which interprets to less than 0.004 of the diet. That is less than 1/2 a percent of the total diet which contains around 4 and 1/2 percent in a normal diet, more in the diet above due to the Equine Senior. Working the numbers with the protein are less than a 1/4 of a percent of the total diet by weight.

You can feed it for fun but as a nutritional supplement I still think it is a wash at these levels. It is cheap at these rates because of the little amount of nutrition it provides. I will bet once you figure in the cost per unit of nutrition it may be an expensive one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Oldenburg Mom]

BfxLover ...

Have you ever heard the old chestnut: There are lies, d@mn lies, and statistics?

I don't care if the vet said sunnies were from mars and were made from fairydust and statistically they contributed a f@rt's worth of nutrients to a horse's diet. The bottom line is: They WORK!

*sigh*

Use 'em, don't use 'em ... this is not the end of life on earth as we know it. But I'm just happy as a clam, and so are my (shineyshineyshiney) horses.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[BostonBanker]

Wow, it's only been 11 days since I started Tristan on the BOSS/flax? And to think, I've dealt with probably 25 jokes about my "bird brain" horse... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Unfortunately, the before pictures were deleted from my camera this week in my flurry of photo-taking (Conrad Schumacher clinic, visiting my old horse, AND a Tim McGraw concert - my poor camera is TIRED!). I'll have to take some after pictures soon, anyway.

The results (so far):
-I would say more shiny. Like I said, Tristan was pretty darn shiny to begin with. I do think there has been an improvement, though. He certainly hasn't gotten worse, and the SunnieFlax is about 1/4 cheaper than his old supplement, so I'll stick with it!

-Definate increase in shedding. Tristan is the type who never gets "furry", but spends most of the summer shedding out those short hairs. At the rate he's going, I'm guessing he will be DONE in the not too distant future.

-This is the big one! I sneeze a LOT less than I used to when I groom him. I'm allergic to dander, and generally after a good grooming, I will sneeze pretty much constantly until I get in the shower. This is one of the worse times of the year for me, when it's warm enough to get your horse really sweaty, but not warm enough to sponge/hose off. There has been a HUGE improvement in my allergies, and that alone is reason to continue.

Stay tuned for pictures!

[BfxLover]

KT...

I'm definitely going to use them - I have nothing to lose and everything to gain (no pun intended)!!!!

I'm still waiting on my shipment of Nutra-Flex.

I can't wait!

Will keep you notified

PS - your reply made me laugh!

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Bumpkin]

I am getting two adorable Mini Horses from a friend in the next few weeks.
Neither have had the Sunnieflax diet....so I will take some wooly "Before" photos and some afters for our thread http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Miniature Donkey]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BfxLover:
Hey y'all -

I copied this off of another board - a horse care board run by a vet - please relay your opinions - is the sunniflax best for coat shine or weight gain or both (or does it depend on the indiviual horse's metabolism and feeding patterns)?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Personally I think it very unlikely (read that as impossible) that 3 cups of sunflower seeds with hulls contain a cup of oil. In fact it would surprise me if there was a signigicant amount of oil in 1 cup of seeds with hulls when looking at the % fat of your total diet, they are just too light with hulls. Quit with the sunflower seeds, they are just pure nonsense from a nutritional stanpoint. If you want to feed them as a treat that is fine.
---------------
A cup of sunflower seeds with hull contain 21.7 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, and 9.1 grams of carbohydrate. Hulls account for 46% by weight. The hulls are a good source of fiber for equines. The cup of seeds with hull should yield one third cup of hulled sunflower seeds. The fat content in a pound of whole seeds is 115.8 grams.
-------------
THANK YOU!!! Finally some helpful information about the seeds. I think I will continue to use them instead of the oil, as our whole barn is using them, and the bulk price is really good. It looks like I will have to up the amount to get the correct amount of fat, but the fiber is good for them anyway. Again, I appreciate the information!!
-------------------
With these numbers we can see how this effects the diet. A 1200 lb (500 kg) horse eats roughly 30 lbs (12 kg) which equals 12,000 grams. So one cup twice daily equals appx 45 grams of fat which interprets to less than 0.004 of the diet. That is less than 1/2 a percent of the total diet which contains around 4 and 1/2 percent in a normal diet, more in the diet above due to the Equine Senior. Working the numbers with the protein are less than a 1/4 of a percent of the total diet by weight.

You can feed it for fun but as a nutritional supplement I still think it is a wash at these levels. It is cheap at these rates because of the little amount of nutrition it provides. I will bet once you figure in the cost per unit of nutrition it may be an expensive one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

_"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."_
- Al Matannabbi<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



And if we believed all science equations, that bumble bee wouldn't be flying.....http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[slb]

Even Dr. Beth Valentine agrees that they are beneficial in a high fat diet such as those fed to EPSM horses (required 2 cups/day oil for 1000 lb horse). Dr. Kellon agrees that they are a good alternative for providing fat....especially in insulin resistant, carb intolerant, or Cushings horses, where standard processed oils may mask symptoms and result in false glucose readings.

Since 2 cups of seeds weighs just under 1 lb. and BOSS is just under 50% oil, then feeding 2 cups would provide a little less than 1/2 lb. oil. So if you are counting oil as a nutritional substance, then it appears to be so as many horses don't need high amounts of oil and when it is quality "natural" oil, they need even less.

Additionally, the oil is not just "oil", it is a high quality, omega fatty acid. And, the seeds provide many nutrients...high protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber besides being a source of oil...that sure beats feeding other processed oils.

Proud member of the * Hoof Fetish Clique *

[This message was edited by slb on Apr. 01, 2003 at 04:48 PM.]

[FairWeather]

yea, what SLB said.

i'm not putting processed nastified oil into my beasts ever again.

and for the stats--- http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

In the words of the great Tom Ivers---"What works is real"

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[sophie]

I started my furry, dull, dandruffy 5 yo Ottb mare on the sunnies about 4 weeks ago, when I brought her 'home' from the track. The dandruff is gone, everyone comments on how soft her coat is, and she is getting shiny even tho she's shedding like crazy.

At first she was a little 'circonspect' about the sunnies, now she eagerly waits for her 'baggy' of sunnies + a handful of sweet feed. She is also very mellow, just a pleasure to work with/ride. I've been giving her 1 cup a day, but I think I'll up her to 2 cups.

Great thread everyone!

Ottbs - The finish line is only the beginning!

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

SAM7

Did you call POE'S
Can he help you

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[HFSH]

I sent 4 bags of flax and a bag of sunnies down with my trainer a few weekends ago - I got him started feeding flax to his horses! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I sent 2 bags for my boy and he wanted 2 bags for his horses.

I can't wait to see if he notices a change.

[Bumpkin]

Lucky HFSH!!!
I am the lone SunnieFlax provider in our entire 80 + stall facility http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif
Although people admire Elliot's coat, no one else seems to want to give it a go, haha, oh well their loss I guess http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Oldenburg Mom]

Awwwww Bumpkin. All alone???

Oh, that's turrible, turrible, turrible.

Well, just console yourself ... they're a bunch of dull-coated losers. (just kidding)

The adventure has begun...
KT

[morecarrotsplease]

I've been skulking about the barn being a "closet" sunnie flax person. My horse looks fabulous and I'm thrilled with it. Have any of you asked your vets about it? What do they say about it? I'm afraid to ask mine for fear I'd get negative responses!

[Bumpkin]

More Carrots, glad to hear that your Sunnieflax is working http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Sam7]

Thank you, I will do that.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Back Yard Quarter Horse:
sam7

No name on the sack but the name of the feed center is POE's in Rock Hill SC the phone number is
803 324 2925 Mr. Byrum Poe may be he can ship it to you
Or tell you where he gets it from all his grains are real fresh good quality I have a special needs HYPP horse and we make up special feed just for him 50-250 lbs at a time no minimum order of 2000 lbs like most places want they are a real old-fashioned farm center

Sam try Dogpile.com its better than Google

Back Yard Quarter Horse

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Sam7]

Are they open at this time of the night??? I thought I'd call tomorrow.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Back Yard Quarter Horse:
SAM7

Did you call POE'S
Can he help you

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Sam7]

Are there any feed experts here? I would assume so....
My old mare that I was planning to feed the flax and sunflower seeds is now on Patriot Senior complete feed ( http://www.cnlc.com/companion_animal_feed/horse_feed.html ) And beet pulp w/molassas. She is so furry I can't tell how she really looks and the rib test doesn't work very well for her as her body is sagging and her ribs alwasy show a bit. What are your ideas about adding the flax and the sunflower seeds to her Patriot and beet pulp? Will I soon have her diet so out of balance that she will be having other problems? She is on free choice grass/alfalfa hay.

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

Sam7
Poe's hours are 8:00am-6:00pm eastern time

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[Back Yard Quarter Horse]

More carrots

I had asked my vet about the sonnies flax thing and he was all for it

The only problem he had was for my HYPP Poss horse they have way too much potassium for him so 2 out of my 3 are on it

Keith

If you can't ride the papers why pay for them!!!!

Thunder 13 year old sorrel / Kiowa 6 year old bay (hypp pos) Dakota 4 year old amber champagne
http://community.webshots.com/user/keith_lori_kids

[Astraled]

My horse-tech flax seed arrived today. The beasties have been getting the BOSS for almost two weeks. I've used flax before but the sunnies are new. Hopefully, I'll have some before/after pics soon.

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

__________________________
If you cheapskate me into hell, I'll haunt you good

[Bumpkin]

Did you get your Famous Amos cookies? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[BfxLover]

My Horse-Tech flax arrived Thursday and my hard-keeper got his first fix on Friday.

and I did get the cookies! I ate them, they were fresh and yummy and my easy-keeper insisted I share...so I did...

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Zephyr'sMom]

Starting to notice a real difference! Zephyr's probably about half shedded out, and he really is starting to look shiny.

He's not getting any grain, just a pelleted supplement. Until yesterday, he's been getting (per day) 1c. of sunnies and 1/2c. of flax.

I did, however, just look at some pictures from last summer, and suddenly realized he's gotten a bit thin over the winter. Also, we're going to start competitive distance riding this summer (some CTRs, some LD Endurance) and therefore I'm ecstatic that he's already on a low-carb, high-fat, low protien diet like they recommend.

But I wouldn't mind increasing the fat a bit more, to help with his weight and caloric intake.

With that in mind, yesterday I raised it to 2c. sunnies/day, but kept the flax the same.

Would anyone like to comment on what is the maximum amount of sunnies I can safely feed? I apologize if it's been mentioned before.

(Zephyr is a 7yo, 15h, approx. 850# Arab/RMH gelding.)

Thanks!
-Zephyr's Mom

http://community.webshots.com/user/sharon_kenney1359

http://www.ZEGifts.com

[bewitchedarabians]

Well my 'crew' has been on the sunnies (no flax) for about a month now...The old mare who needed more weight IS gaining, and is actually growing some serious mane! She's always had a ratty, thin, scraggly excuse for a mane! She was blanketed over the winter so coat was already nice, but is shiny. The others are softer, still have tons of shedding to do, but am seeing mane and tail growth on them as well, plus no more "dred locks"---nice tangle free hair---yippee! Old mare is getting 2 cups BID, rest are getting 1 cup BID. Thanks to fairweather and everyone for sharing the scoop on the BOSS! They will be a part of the feeding program for my crew from now on!
Does the BOSS help any preventing coat fading/bleaching? I've used paprika in the past on my blacks with excellent results, and wondering if the sunnies will do the same? I am noticing on the old mare (bay), as she is shedded out more than the others, that her coat is showing some darker 'patches' more than usual--sunnies at work I guess. I'm going to hold off on starting the paprika again on the blacks til they get shedded out and I see what the sunnies do for them. "SUNNIES ROCK" y'all! Thanks for sharing all your testimonials!
Tabatha

Tabatha
http://bewitchedarabians.homestead.com

[Bumpkin]

Thanks for the great news Tabatha http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
I am going to start my mini's on BOSS and flax next week.
Elliot has done so well on it.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[katamount]

Tabatha:

How much paprika did you feed your black horse? Any idea how/why this helped with sunbleaching? (Thought I had read about this on another thread, but now can't find)

I'm getting ready to start the BOSS/FLAX for my two horses - one of which is black.

Can't wait to see the results.

[bewitchedarabians]

katamount,
Re the paprika, need to feed at least 2 teaspoons (spread out how ever you want to), but I did more like 2 tablespoons. It takes about 3 weeks for you to start seeing results, but they do come! My boys were blacker than they'd ever been, and talk about a shine---they looked WET they were so shiny! And I was NOT EVEN grooming them! Their manes quit tangling and dred-locking as well. Don't know WHY it works. A friend of mine had some of the Black-as-Knight supplement and told me that the paprika was the main ingredient in it, hence why we tried it. Maybe it could be a vitamin A thing?---paprika being in the pepper family and rich in vit-A? I'm going to wait and see if the sunnies help with the color before I start them back on the paprika. Very interested to see if the sunnies put the same black wet-shine on them that the paprika did.
Tabatha

Tabatha
http://bewitchedarabians.homestead.com

[katamount]

YAHOO! Started my kids on BOSS/flax today! The mare ate BOSS out of my hand - just like it was candy! The young man wanted no parts of them - from my hand. He's a bit picky - I'm finding out. Don't know if its just cause he's adjusting to new home - only been with me a week. I'm praying he'll eat them. He's the one who really needs help with his coat.

Tabatha...thanks for amounts of paprika. I think I'll see how BOSS/flax goes before giving that a try. Please keep us posted if you see the same and/or better results on your blacks from BOSS/flax.

[BfxLover]

Tabatha -

Please refresh my memory - what is BID - is that once or twice a day?

By the way, I live in the Apex NC area too!!!

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Bumpkin]

BID = Twice a day. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques" Bora Da

[Claudius]

Just checking in to thank Fairweather and all others for this thread. My dear boy's coat is rich and deep and shinier than almost anyone else's...and he LOVES the seeds!!!!!

[Taryn]

Agreed! Thanks to Fairweather for my shiny boy. The folks at my barn are positively dumbfounded by his radiant glow!

I am also very thankful for the gut moving/cleansing properties of SunnieFlax - especially after the second horse in 2 months was euthanized this weekend due to impaction. This is the desert people! I can't understand why they don't get that you have to do something for sand removal. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

www.foalcams.com (http://www.foalcams.com)

[RugBug]

Help me please!

I went to the local Petco to pick up some sunflower seeds. all I could find was a small bag of black oil seeds (think 2lbs) or a giant bag that only said "Sunflower Seeds." Is the giant bag the right kind of seeds? It was with the bird food (all other bags said 'mix with sunflower seeds"). I don't want to buy the wrong stuff and the sales folk were worthless.

[Therese]

RugBug,

You want the Black Oil ones, they are solid black. Not the white and black ones. Stores usually carry both types in the big bags. I sometimes get my black oil seeds at PetSmart, 25 lbs for $10-12.

- Therese

&lt;&lt;&lt;UNDER CONSTRUCTION&gt;&gt;&gt;
Now that my title has changed I need a new catch line!

[RugBug]

Thanks for the response Therese!

I was looking for the black oil seeds, but the only ones I could find were in a tiny bag. the large bag of "Sunflower Seeds" didn't say what kind and you couldn't see through the bag. I almost opened up a bag but didn't think that would be appreciated. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I think I will just wait til I can get down to PetSmart again. Living in a small, well small-ish, town can be a pain.

[coopjumper]

Walmart carries the sunflower seeds in a 25lb bag for little under $8.00.My neighbor who comes down and rides with me said today when she noticed two of my horses,that their coats were glowing and shining and that they were beautiful!She said her horse looked awful next to them and she was going home!Then she was going to order the flax seeds and go to Walmart for the sunnies.I've only been feeding them for 2 weeks!I'm only giving them to my private horses and not the boarders.I'm wondering when they will start noticing.Maybe I'll go up on the board if they want the extra sunnies!haha http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Bumpkin]

Target now carries these big boxes of BOSS and then inside the box are individual 5 pound bags of BOSS. Nice way to keep them. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Mini Horse, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques"

[sk_pacer]

For us Canadians, a reliable source of oil sunflower seeds is Peavey Mart; they are a bit pricey (compared to Wally World, and Zellers) but the only large bags of sunflower seeds they sell ARE black oil

[rideaspider]

So is the coat magic in the sunnies or the flax or the combination thereof? I would like to add some extra shine to my fella for show season, and he's a fairly lean TBX that can always use a couple of extra pounds, but I'm not a big fan of the "chase the supplement" game. He eats a balanced pellet + empower + yucca and is on free graze 24/7. A friend keeps both of mine for me and I try to keep their feed as simple as possible. Any tips?

"Riding is defined as the art of keeping a horse between yourself and the ground." - Anonymous

[Bumpkin]

Do a mix of the Flax and Black Oil Sunflower Seeds in a baggie. Or a bin like Fairweather does, whichever is easiest.

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Mini Horse, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques"

[FairWeather]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>but I'm not a big fan of the "chase the supplement" game <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldnt even call this a supplement--its been around for eons, we just tend to talk about it a lot here so it seems kind of 'new' http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[fullmoon fever]

I've been reading through all the threads and picked up 50 lb. bags each of flax and BOSS. Hubby has been instructed to feed 1/4 cup of each to certain horses (the "Hoovers") in the barn twice/day.

I'm sure it would be easier to mix, but I didn't have a container that would hold 100 lbs.

I'll be interested to see how soon someone notices that some horses look better than others. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Bumpkin]

One Mini is now quite shiney, although hairy, the other is not as shiney, but he is a silver dapple, so perhaps his takes longer? hehe

"Proud Member Of The I Love Dublin, Starman Babies, Mini Horse, Sunnieflax and Horse Boxes Cliques"

[INoMrEd]

Hi Bumpkin -

I thought I'd add this to the regular board in addition to our PT as it may be of interest to others.

I went to my local feed store last week as I wanted to buy a bag of BOSS. The store manager asked what I needed all those sunflower seeds for and when I replied I was going to be feeding them to my horse he was shocked and refused to sell them to me.

He tried convincing me that my horse would colic immediately from eating the seeds in the shell.

Is he crazy or what? I may try again today and buy them anyway.

Has anyone every heard of a horse colicking from eating these?

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." - DAVE BARRY

[This message was edited by INOMRED on Apr. 29, 2003 at 04:32 PM.]

[katarine]

He knows not of what he speaks.

They won't hurt your horse.

"Shoot me now! Shoot me now!"
Bugs Bunny

[INoMrEd]

Thanks - I'm going back there after work today and making him sell the BOSS to me!

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." - DAVE BARRY

[OhioColleen]

I gave my mare a handful of the BOSS as a treat yesterday and she liked them.
So I started my mare on BOSS today. My feed store was out of the Flax, I have to wait until next week to do that. I also added a teaspoon of paprika in each baggie for good measure... problem is, when/if her coat starts looking great, I'm not going to know which is responsible, the BoSS, the Flax, or the paprika!

Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy. --Albert Einstein.
~Colleen

[fullmoon fever]

I have to say I am really surprised that my horses are eating this "bird food". It's not that they are picky, it just seems such an odd thing to feed. They love it though.

I fully expected to find the seeds at the bottoms of their feedtubs after they had sorted through the "real food", but they ate EVERYTHING. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[drifting cloud]

INOMRED -- you should print out this whole thread and give it to the man to read when you go to buy sunflower seeds! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Mr. Cloud thinks I'm crazy for feeding my horse "bird food", but I can definitely see a difference in my horse's coat. He is so shiny and he has some dapples! Vet and farrier are coming this week. I'll be curious to see if they say anything. My horse is kind of a picky eater, so I worried at first that he wouldn't like the seeds. He seems to like them fine.

"The power of acute observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

[Forego]

How much of the Sunnieflax mix can you feed to assist in weight gain for a picky Tb[he loves sunnieflax!}

[Sandbarhorse]

INOMRED- had a similar, though not as drastic, experience with my feed dealer. She is VERY knowledgeable so it scared me a bit when she mentioned impaction colic.

To her credit, she read this thread, made a few phone calls to universities and nutirition experts and then gave me the all clear. I also printed some of the links posted earlier about the use of BOSS in racehorses in New Zealand. Ironically the whole experience has improved our relationship dramatically, though it was never bad. She keeps me in mind whenever a nutrition seminar or clinic is being run. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I think your dealer is just trying to do what is right for you. He/She just needs more info. and an open mind! Good luck!!

[Oldenburg Mom]

Forego ...

I've upped both to help my yearling put on a little weight.

Two cups sunnies, one cup flax, twice a day.

He's tolerating it just fine!

The adventure has begun...
KT

[katamount]

Am I feeding enough?

Both horses are getting 1/2 cup BOSS twice a day and 1/3 cup flax seed once a day. Weight is not an issue.

Have had them on it for approximately 2 weeks. Am not seeing much of a difference. Am I doing something wrong?

As anyone noticed their horses becoming "hot" after adding. My mare is being a terror, but think it's more hormonal. Can't imagine the amounts I'm feeding would make a difference, but just thought I'd ask.

[Oldenburg Mom]

Katamount ...

I have always fed my guys a minimum of 1 cup sunnies twice a day and 1/2 cup flax, twice a day.

Weight: about 900 lbs.

No, nobody is "hot" either... never had that problem.

The adventure has begun...
KT

[FairWeather]

You can add more sunnies to the diet, i wouldnt add much more flax than what you have.

I've never noticed anybody getting 'hotter'--usually just the opposite.

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[INoMrEd]

Last week I bought the 25 lb. bag of BOSS which was $11 at the other local feed store near my home.

I just didn't feel like explaining to the guy who refused to sell them to me the whole idea or feeding this to my horse, nor was I willing to print out the 25 page thread for him to read. Although when I'm ready for a refill I'll buy them from him since their prices are $3.00 less.

Now, I am simply amazed that Knowzy will eat this "bird food" and HE LOVES IT! Knowzy has been on Nutraflax since January and his coat is looking fantastic as it's shedding out big time!

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." - DAVE BARRY

[fullmoon fever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fullmoon fever:
I'll be interested to see how soon someone notices that some horses look better than others. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's been approximately 9-10 days and WOW, my one broodmare looks like polished copper...and I don't groom her.

I can't wait to see how it works on my buckskin stud...he already has a metallic sheen to his coat. If the sunnies work as well on him, I'll have to keep sunglasses handy. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sam7]

Are you all feeding flax also? I've already fed one 25# bag of sunnies and started on a 50# bag for 2 old mares but I don't see any improvement. However they are just now shedding so I might be pleasantly surprised when enough hair comes off that I can see them. I am still trying to find flax at a reasonable cost.

[OneonOne]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I am still trying to find flax at a reasonable cost.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does your feed store not carry flax? My feed store has to special order it, as they do not keep it in stock - I ordered #50 for about $14. In the meantime, I had to get flax at a health food store, and it was considerably more expensive, about $3 a pound.

Check into special ordering it from a feed store, as this will be the cheapest option. Health food or organic grocery stores will carry it (people have discovered it's healthy!), but it will be more expensive. If you need it in a pinch, however, this is the way to go.

_________________________________

** Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious. **

[wnqs]

I've posted these before and after pics on the Dressage forum, but I thought I'd add them here, too, since Sunnies have made a huge difference in my TBs weight. He gets a beetpulp/sunnies mix which he inhales like there's no tomorrow :P

Before (http://animecity.nu/helen/jiggs03.jpg)

and

After (http://animecity.nu/helen/jiggsapr01.jpg)

-Helen

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with catsup.

[FairWeather]

Helen! What a great testimonial!

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

[INoMrEd]

mmclough and sam7 - You may want to try ordering the Nutraflax from
Nutraflax link (http://www.horsetech.com/nutra-flax.htm#Quick%20Links%20to%20Product%20Pages)

Shipping is free!!!

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." - DAVE BARRY

[wnqs]

Allie: ^_^ I'm so glad the local feed store I go to carries them and even more grateful for your posts regarding them http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif It's really amazing how something as small as they are can make such a huge difference.

-Helen

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with catsup.

[nhwr]

Warning Sunnyflax can be dangerous http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

After feeding this to my horses for 3 days, they now try to take me down to get the bucket http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Extreme caution is urged during feedings.

[BfxLover]

Helen -

1) what was the time frame in which the before and after pictures were taken
2) how much and how ofetn did you feed the sunnies?

Inquiring minds want to know!

"If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their markings and limbs, their true beauty is hidden from you."
- Al Matannabbi

[Sam7]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mmclough:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I am still trying to find flax at a reasonable cost.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does your feed store not carry flax? My feed store has to special order it, as they do not keep it in stock - I ordered #50 for about $14. In the meantime, I had to get flax at a health food store, and it was considerably more expensive, about $3 a pound.

Check into special ordering it from a feed store, as this will be the cheapest option. Health food or organic grocery stores will carry it (people have discovered it's healthy!), but it will be more expensive. If you need it in a pinch, however, this is the way to go.

_________________________________

** Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious. **<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



No. No one has it on hand here. However I can order 50# from my health food co-op for $28 this month on special. That flax web site was $59 for 40#. That is not even in my fantasy budget!

[sk_pacer]

For those having trouble finding flax, check with a local seed merchant rather than the feed store, or mill. One can buy flax, cleaned, and bagged from people who sell grain seed to farmers. Grain buyers may also be an option.

Since I do not belong to a clique, I am now the founder of the Dyslexic Clique. Dyslexics of the world - UNTIE!!