Could mare be ready for foaling yet!!! pic's

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Gucci_b

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Bee is 325 days in foal, she is a maiden mare and living out 24/7 at the moment. I have started the milk test and the P.H is 6.8 (p.h does'nt go lower than this on the test strip) and 200 calcium. Bee is her-self no change in her mood and loving her feed, Am not getting that feeling she is ready to foal yet tho !!!!
Here are a few pic's taken today

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IMAG0122.jpg

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Gucci I would say she is a week or so off anyway but with maidens you never know and they can put up a good bag as they foal.Just watch for possible behavioural signs although with mares they can be soo quick.
I had a maiden foal two years ago who although put up a good bag and wax I watched her all night and nothing.Then as she was halfway through her breakfast she clamped her tail down hard and her backlegs looked like they were going to give way for a second.Next minute she was on the ground and foal was delivered in about 15 mins.If you are anxious I would watch her but I dont honestly think you need to be soo careful at this point as she looks a bit off yet but dont quote me on it.Good luck. :)
Edited to say I am not up on the ph kit so others may tell you with the readings your getting she may be very close.
 
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Thank you BallyshanHorses, I also have'nt got that gut feeling yet and I know her so well, but.... she is a maiden and I have nothing to go by.
 
I'd also say around a week away. The calcium level needs to go much higher (think 800-1000) and the ph needs to be at 6.2 before they will foal. Even then, the window can be 48 hours if you don't know the foaling patterns of the mare. She looks nice and shiny and happy :)
 
Thank you Spring Feather, i try to do my best for her ;)
The test strips that another H&H forum member gave me (thank u whizz) the p.h only goes to 6.8 and calcium 1000, I guess I will know when the time is near (so folk keep telling me) her teats are very warm and hard, her tail end is'nt quite ready yet...
famous last words ;)
 
I'll probably get shot down in flames for this but I did a lot of research on this before trying it on my maiden mare and it really works.
Milk produced before they are ready to foal is greyish and watery in colour and tastes salty. This will turn creamy yellow before foaling (in about 12 hours or less) and taste sickly sweet.
And before everyone says don't milk the mare you're taking away the colostrum it is is the colostrum that is the thick creamy stuff not the greyish watery stuff and only comes in just before the foal is born. You also don't need more than a teaspoon (5ml) full to taste which I think is less than you need for a PH test and the taste test is much much more accurate. Have used it 3 times now and it's been spot on every time with the mares foaling within 8/12 hours.
Saves loads of sleepless nights!
 
Micramadam I taste it too :o and yes very soon prior to foaling the milk will taste sickly sweet. However when using the strips, you only need 1cc (which is 1ml) and to be honest for tasting it you only need a drip on your finger :)
 
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