Feeding 4 mth foal. Anyone????? Please!!

[Hoofprints in the Snow]

What and how much do you feed a 4 month foal ?

 

[Touchwood]

Totally depends - what kind of foal, is it still on the mare, how much forage, out at grass?

 

[bunnereeny]

I wanted to ask same question my foal os being weaned now at 5 months and out on grazing

 

[erinjane_85]

i called a helpline of a Feed Company after local tack shop recommended the brand that they stock, the call did not take too long but they gave me good advice on what/how much to feed my 5 month foal.

 

[Hoofprints in the Snow]

I think I am feeding him the right amount for him. He is still on his mother, who is getting mare and young stock D&H 2 level stubbs scoops per day., he gets his own small feed of the same, they are out at grass most of the time. They get hay at night both mare and foal look a good weight IMO. However the D&H nutritionist says I should be feeding them more. I don't want him growing too quickly and damaging his joints etc. So was wanting opinions of people who have experience of feeding young stock. Feed companies can be helpful but they are promoting their own brand and want you to buy more.

 

[Maesfen]

I've found D & H Suregrow to be excellent and you feed very little but it gives them all they need other than forage. You could add some to his current feed and slowly replace it over a week or so.

 

[Touchwood]

Yes, all of ours have D&H suregrow, I don't like pumping babies full of hard feed, its not good for steady growth rates and good joints.

 

[MadArabLady]

Are they pinching mums? if so and she is on a good mare and youngstock mix then just take a handful out of that or let them share the bucket.

 

[FOXERS]

Should I be feeding a six week old foal. Still out on grass when it is not raining but he is only picking. He has lost a bit of weight so am thinking he should be getting more than milk. Any suggestions? Living in Ireland so don't know if I can get D&H.

 

[SFleetwood]

MSB, you can get Redmills, which is excellent.

I would say if your foal is loosing condition you need to think about giving it a separate ration, or upping mum's grub.

I assume that if they are out 24/7 that the mare has access to ad lib quantities of hay, and that there is adequate shelter. Young foals can vanish in front of your eyes in poor weather. So if you are unable to stable during the worst of any wind and rain, then you may want to invest in a small turn out rug for him.

 

[FOXERS]

He is only out on nice days. If it is raining I bring him in and I have two stalls which are made into one big stall. I spend my life bringing in and out. Thinking about a small turnout rug but on the forum here most people say not to use one. I have just ordered Baileys Stud Cubes for mother and son so will see how that goes. They have access to plenty of hay when inside. Is haylage digestible for a foal at any age? Thank you for your help.

 

[AmyMay]

With all the wet weather we've been having I wouldn't hesitate to pop a little rug on your foal. As you say, you feel it's loosing weight. Haylage is fine. He may or may not pick at it. The important thing is that mum is done well - in turn doing him well. So if you've not been feeding, then the stud cubes may do the trick.