Foals Turnout....

charliesarmy

charliesarmy

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Do you turnout 24/7 from birth or do you restrict there grazing for a while getting them used to going out, and finally do they go out regardless of the weather??
 
I would turnout during the day and bring them in at night for a good few weeks after foaling - it gives you a chance to handle it and get it used to a routine. If the weather was very bad I would probably keep them in whilst foal was very young - that's when a big barn is useful so they can still run around and play.
 
I turnout asap 24/7, as long as everything is OK.

Mine are out at night, in by day at this time of year because the mare HATES heat and bugs and just paces and gate bangs until she is bought in.
 
We turn out 24/7 from three weeks. But before that mornings or afternoons, mind you we have early foals, so 24/7 now would probably be OK.
 
Thanks guys vet advised to give foalie gradual turnout due to him having big parents...keeping his turnout gradual will save him damage as he is quite large himself so was planning half days for a week full days for a couple of weeks then take it from there ie weather my mare also doesnt cope with heat..

Not gone out today as yet as it is persisting down...
 
I had my first foal this year and was also unsure as to what to do. The day he was born, Thurs 14th May, it was lovely so he was turned out for the whole day. He did get through the electric tape as I thought he was too young to be zapped, giving me and his mum heart failure. The following two it poured so he had limited turnout. Now he is out from 6.30am untill 9.30pm. The weather has been awful this week but my stable is an old 18" square building in the middle of the field so I bolted the door open and he comes and goes as he pleases. He's an independant little tike and doesn't really care if mum is out of sight! I'm still struggling with the thought of keeping him out all night but I"m sure that will come and I am sure at 5 weeks old he could cope with it perfectly. I suppose its individual preference as to how tou want to keep your horses but I do agree with Amelia27 that puting in and out will give you the benefit of handling your youngster. The books that I have read do say you shouldn't turn out on really windy or rainy days but if like me you have to work to be able to pay for your hobby then what can you do? I also feel if your field has adequate shelter from the elements then what's the harm? You will also get conflicting advice from others who think their way is best. Follow your instinct and enjoy your baby.
 
I think given that your vet has expressed concern over the size of your foal and stress on his joints it would be worth following his advice. If you have ever sat and watched horses mooching about in the field you can appreciate how much exercise it actually is and even just half a day is A LOT of exercise for a young foal. I would consider at least 2 weeks at half a day and then two more at a full day before 24 hour t/o. I would also look at his diet to ensure that it is high in fibre and low in protein so as not to encourage growth beyond his natural means...
 
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