Switching to straw ahead of foaling

[Nikkimac23]

My mare is in foal and we think she’s probably not got long left to go although not 100% sure and no obvious signs yet

shes currently on shavings half mats half concrete floor

it seems the common idea is she needs a straw bed for foaling - she’s a bit of a mucky pup in the stable having mostly lived out prior to coming to us (she’s now in at night and when extremely wet) although I do think she’s getting better at peeing in one corner

can you give me advice on best stable management for straw bed please worried she will be stinky

thanks

 

[Goldenstar]

Mares are best foaling on straw .
We swopped the mares stable on to straw once we saw them getting ready probably a fortnight before the due date .
You need of course the best straw you can and if you think the mare will eat excessive amount you will need to give her small amounts to eat before you put her on a whole bed .
managing deep litter is a knack and you learn how to do it best for your mare I removed all visible droppings and then level the bed where the mare pees the bed will grow up you remove this until it’s level with the rest of the bed.
The bed will need decent banks around the edges and with mares they can get mucky and wet so you may need to dig out some of the banks and replace them to keep on top of this .
Add straw as often as you think .

The first day the foal went out usually the morning after birth here but in winter it may be more difficult we removed the whole bed swept out and replaced with shavings .

 

[Xmasha]

We switch to straw a couple of weeks before they are due. A good thick bed is ideal, with a decent base as some mares will really trash the stable and the last thing you want is bare concrete patches when foal arrives. After the mess from the birth has been cleaned away we remove droppings and also areas where the mare wees the most, so as not to disturb the rest of the bed too much.
We switch back to shavings the minute the navel dries up and falls off. good luck with the foaling

ETA : i invested in a pair of overalls ( with a hood) this year and what a difference that made, i didnt really smell that much

 

[Starzaan]

You need a very good, big straw bed, deep with proper banks for foaling, and go straight to the door so no concrete showing.
straw is nice and easy, just do a full muck out every day and it’ll be lovely.

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

You need a very good, big straw bed, deep with proper banks for foaling, and go straight to the door so no concrete showing.
straw is nice and easy, just do a full muck out every day and it’ll be lovely.

I did this for mine, and one mare dug down to concrete by door and kicked her foal out on the bare bit ? ?

Seriously, as above, big bed, big banks, full muck out, leaving middle to dry in day if you like. Replace removed straw with fresh everyday and wear a hat for your hair and overalls to reduce smell

Also as above once foal is clean and dry and navel drops off switch back to shavings or whatever you are using but keep the bed nice and deep and cosy

 

[Starzaan]

I did this for mine, and one mare dug down to concrete by door and kicked her foal out on the bare bit ? ?

Seriously, as above, big bed, big banks, full muck out, leaving middle to dry in day if you like. Replace removed straw with fresh everyday and wear a hat for your hair and overalls to reduce smell

Also as above once foal is clean and dry and navel drops off switch back to shavings or whatever you are using but keep the bed nice and deep and cosy

??? I had a mare once who used to shove her foals under the fence into the yearlings field to get beaten up, and then bugger off to the other end of the field. Such a cow ?

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

??? I had a mare once who used to shove her foals under the fence into the yearlings field to get beaten up, and then bugger off to the other end of the field. Such a cow ?

The same mare also kicked her foal over the first day he tottered out into the field after defying the odds and 2 separate vets that tried to put him down at hours old ? some mares aren't made to be mums ???

 

[Nikkimac23]

Thanks guys ?? god don’t my girl is only 4 she’s a maiden (not a planned Foal a bogof) and I just get vibes that she’s not going to love being a mum but we shall see she might surprise me