FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Runner
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Last updated 24th June 2005 by Bree
Feeding of Runners
There are three rules to remember when feeding runnerbeasts:
1. Feed often in small quantities.
The runnerbeast digestive system is adapted to leisurely feeding. Hay and grass are considered bulk foods and should be supplemented by concentrate feed, such as oats. However, care should be taken not to overfeed a runner on concentrates, as this can lead to colic which is not only extremely painful, but can be life-threatening. Between 1.3kg (3lbs) and 1.8kg (4lbs) of concentrates is as much as can be handled at one time. Feeds, both bulk and concentrates, should increase in quantity as the day progresses, with the largest meal given at night since runners do not sleep straight through the night, but sleep and feed intermittently. If it runs out of hay in the night, a runner may start eating its bedding.
2. Do not work the runner hard right after feeding.
The reason for this is that after eating concentrates, the runnerbeast's stomach and bowels are enlarged, which pushes on the diaphragm and puts pressure on the lungs. Hard work at this time will cause distress and labored breathing. Concentrates should be given at least one candlemark before activities such as galloping, jumping, or draft work. Though no harm will come of a quiet ride, it is still a good idea to give as much time as possible after feeding.
3. Always provide plenty of water.
If fresh, clean water is always provided a runner will never develop the kind of thirst that causes it to drink too much. A hot tired runnerbeast will want to drink a lot, and should be allowed to do so.
Runners need protein, fats, starches, sugars, salts, vitamins, and fibrous or woody substances every day, along with plenty of water. The concentrate feed that provides he best balance of these, is oats.
List of Concentrate Feeds
Oats: Should be fed bruised instead of whole. They can have an exhilarating effect on some runners so care should be taken on giving too much to runners to be used by children or inexperienced riders.
Barley: Should be fed bruised, though boiled is good as well. Barley is very close to oats in nutritional value, though it has a less exhilarating effect on runners. It has a higher portion of fats and starches, a lower amount of salts and fiber than oats.
Maize: Should be fed with other grains. It is lacking in salts and fiber, though it is very palatable and can be used to encourage runners to eat.
Bran: The by-product of wheat after flour has been removed by milling. It has little nutritional value, but is useful as it makes runners eat more slowly and chew properly, and it helps regulate the bowels.
Legumes: High protein feed to be mixed with grains, especially good for runners involved in heavy work or in severe weather conditions.
Linseed: the seeds are boiled and then set to simmer until a jelly is formed. The jelly, mixed with grain feeds, is good for a runner that needs fattening. It also is beneficial for the runner's coat.
Carrots, apples and turnips: carrots should be sliced and mixed with grain feed. Turnips should be fed whole. Apples and apple peelings can be fed whole or sliced...alone or mixed with grain feed.
Gruel: made by pouring boiling water into a bucket with a double handful of oatmeal. Should be fed when cool and is good for very tired runners.
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1. Feed often in small quantities.
The runnerbeast digestive system is adapted to leisurely feeding. Hay and grass are considered bulk foods and should be supplemented by concentrate feed, such as oats. However, care should be taken not to overfeed a runner on concentrates, as this can lead to colic which is not only extremely painful, but can be life-threatening. Between 1.3kg (3lbs) and 1.8kg (4lbs) of concentrates is as much as can be handled at one time. Feeds, both bulk and concentrates, should increase in quantity as the day progresses, with the largest meal given at night since runners do not sleep straight through the night, but sleep and feed intermittently. If it runs out of hay in the night, a runner may start eating its bedding.
2. Do not work the runner hard right after feeding.
The reason for this is that after eating concentrates, the runnerbeast's stomach and bowels are enlarged, which pushes on the diaphragm and puts pressure on the lungs. Hard work at this time will cause distress and labored breathing. Concentrates should be given at least one candlemark before activities such as galloping, jumping, or draft work. Though no harm will come of a quiet ride, it is still a good idea to give as much time as possible after feeding.
3. Always provide plenty of water.
If fresh, clean water is always provided a runner will never develop the kind of thirst that causes it to drink too much. A hot tired runnerbeast will want to drink a lot, and should be allowed to do so.
Runners need protein, fats, starches, sugars, salts, vitamins, and fibrous or woody substances every day, along with plenty of water. The concentrate feed that provides he best balance of these, is oats.
List of Concentrate Feeds
Oats: Should be fed bruised instead of whole. They can have an exhilarating effect on some runners so care should be taken on giving too much to runners to be used by children or inexperienced riders.
Barley: Should be fed bruised, though boiled is good as well. Barley is very close to oats in nutritional value, though it has a less exhilarating effect on runners. It has a higher portion of fats and starches, a lower amount of salts and fiber than oats.
Maize: Should be fed with other grains. It is lacking in salts and fiber, though it is very palatable and can be used to encourage runners to eat.
Bran: The by-product of wheat after flour has been removed by milling. It has little nutritional value, but is useful as it makes runners eat more slowly and chew properly, and it helps regulate the bowels.
Legumes: High protein feed to be mixed with grains, especially good for runners involved in heavy work or in severe weather conditions.
Linseed: the seeds are boiled and then set to simmer until a jelly is formed. The jelly, mixed with grain feeds, is good for a runner that needs fattening. It also is beneficial for the runner's coat.
Carrots, apples and turnips: carrots should be sliced and mixed with grain feed. Turnips should be fed whole. Apples and apple peelings can be fed whole or sliced...alone or mixed with grain feed.
Gruel: made by pouring boiling water into a bucket with a double handful of oatmeal. Should be fed when cool and is good for very tired runners.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet