Banana Pony Pops

If you have a horse than you know about Likit toys and inserts. They have a huge variety of products that make finding one for your stabling situation and your horse pretty easy. One of their products, the Tongue Twister even supposedly has research showing it decreases cribbing. I shot them an email asking for the original data, because if the 27% decrease in cribbing is reliable, then that is badass! 

Lickit has a bunch of flavors including the himalayan salt lick (which is my fave) but sometimes you just want something different. Or, maybe just I do? Whatever. Anyways, My ponies LOVE bananas and I wanted a cool treat for the AZ summer so frozen bananas was a perfect match. 

For this toy filler all you need is:

• mold from a previously bought filler

• bananas

• oats and barley

• bowl and masher

It only takes a couple minutes to prepare. I used 3 bananas and a couple handfuls of oats and barley.

Once its all good and mashed just scoop it into the mold. 

and freeze. 

I quick dunk in the water bucket loosens it up, pop it out, slip it on the toy of your choice and BAM! Pony Pop IN YO FACE! 

They're messy as they melt, so if your pony isn't used to popsicles I would hang this over their feeder. 

Or do what I did and just clean up after...

*Everyone has 2 cents to add about dietary needs for animals. This isn't intended to be a nutritional staple, just a treat so alter how you see fit! 

Smell Ya Later

There is officially a "hive" now

When I started this blog, my goal was to get regular people (not just the crazies like me) involved in animal enrichment. I would LOVE to see every person I know (and don't, whatever) to do what they can to better the lives of the animals around them. 

I want this to be a community of badass, dedicated, compassionate people. A hive if you will, of people who are changing what the norm of animal care looks like. 

Penny and Sally

Anyways. THIS post isn't even my brain baby, its Anns! Ann emailed me earlier this week and said something to the effect of "you post too much shit about Ellie, post something about dogs. I made my dogs a foraging game. Is it going to kill them?" JUUUUUUST kidding. Kind of. She did email me, but she emailed me telling me about what she had done with her Penny and Sally after seeing some foraging ideas for other animals here on The Buzz on Enrichment and I asked her for photos so I could share! Olfactory enrichment for your pooch! 

Here's what you need:

• Banana
• Cardboard egg carton
• Knife

You can  put whatever your little heart desires in the egg carton, but bananas are awesome and my dogs can hear one crack open from across the house. This foraging activity for dogs is brilliant for introducing fido to using their nose to find goodies. 

Divvy out the banana in a few egg carton sections and decorate the back yard! 

We're still teaching your dog to use his nose so keep it simple! 

As usual, lovely people of the inter webs...please keep a close eye on everyone when delivering enrichment! 

You Scratch My Back...

When was the last time you scratched a good itch? It's like number 4 on my list of favorite sensations. You just scratched something didn't you? Yesssssssss. 

If you have horses then you probably have, are, or probably are going to experience stall rest. Stall rest blows for everyone, but I am going to venture to guess that it's WAY worse for the pony on lock down. There are some pretty simple ways to make those four walls stop closing in and Im going to show you a simple one today.

It's raining in southern Arizona and I don't ride in the rain so its a perfect day for some new enrichment.  

Sensory enrichment is something that a lot of us forget to offer. You can swing by here to learn more about the different types of enrichment. We can offer toys for days, but sometimes you just need a good scratch and a jolly ball isn't the man for the job.

There are scratch pads available that are marketed specifically for livestock and you can find those here, but this is another option. 

Here is what you'll need:

• Clear car floor mat

• Drill

Put your mat bottom side (bumpy side) facing out and secure to the wall. That's it. Easy right?!

Try to attach it at rump level for optimal scratching goodness or fold it over a gate for some amazing chin rubs.

Viola! A bit of relief for those on the mend. 

Alright, I am going to breath in as much of this "rainy day in the desert" smell as I can before it's gone for the year.