Q: The elk here around Packwood are surely starving as the ground is all covered with snow. If I decided just until the snow is gone to put out hay for say 10 elk, how many bales would I have to put out weekly? Could I put wormer on the hay?
A: If I were feeding elk , what I would do is to put out 2 flakes of alfalfa twice a day for each elk and see if they cleaned that up. I would then adjust the quantity accordingly. If you feel that they need worming, I would use Pyrantel Pamoate, commonly sold as strongid, which can be dumped on the hay or grain. The dose is 60 cc per 1000 pounds of animal.
I think you asked me last year about doing dental work on the elk, and I am not sure, without a dart gun to sedate them, how you would go about that.
I do think that feeding them is a nice thing to do in snowy weather.
Send your questions to:
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
Past Dr. Kaia columns:
Jan. 21, 2004 Feeding Elk in Winter
Jan. 14, 2004 Why So Much Colic At This Time of Year?
Jan. 7, 2004 Mad Cow Disease Threat is Very Serious
Dec. 24, 2003 Warts on Horse's Muzzle
Dec. 17, 2003 Horse with a "Gravel" Lame Foot
Dec. 10, 2003 Dogs Have Fleas in Winter?
Dec. 3, 2003 Cats and Christmas Decorations
Nov. 26, 2003 Pigeon Fever in Horses
Nov. 19, 2003 Dogs with Signs of Lethargy or Intoxication
Nov. 12, 2003 Groom Dog Less in Winter?
Nov. 5, 2003 Dogs Eating From Cat Litter Box
Oct. 29, 2003 Dog Bad Breath
Oct. 22, 2003 Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Oct. 15, 2003 Navicular vs. Caudal Heel Syndrome
Oct. 8, 2003 Ambulatory Veterinary Practice
Oct. 1, 2003 Acupuncture for Animals
Sept. 24, 2003 Winter Care for Horses
Sept. 17, 2003 Found Sickly Puppy
Sept. 10, 2003 Horse Not Conditioned Properly
Aug. 27, 2003 Barrel Horse Anxious and Unwilling
Aug. 20, 2003 Cats Get Tumors From Vaccines?
Aug. 13, 2003 Horse Unshod All Year?