Twin Foals

  • Thread starter Thread starter AMH
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that's great news, thanks for the update and v v best of luck with them.
if you get desperate for help there maybe ask locally, ask on radio or something? i'd help if i was nearby... and i'm sure other horsey people would too.
 
AMH said:
We've had some very kind offers - worst of it is that I keep the horses with my cousin here in Devon, but live in SE London, so it's she who will bear the brunt of the care. We have had some very kind offers - she and I both work full time. At the moment the vet says that they need 1.2 - 1.8 litres of milk a day each, which we think we can manage for the next couple of days, and by then a decision might have been made for us... We're so lucky with the mare - she's foaled before but it's her first time with us, and she's just being brilliant.

Just been out to have another check - the 'weaker' one is a little more alert but we're trying not to get too optimistic. BUT I've just been told that the stronger one, while I was writing, has been picked up and then took herself to her mum and latched on. RESULT! Will put film on the same link as before, momentous occasions here...
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Thats a shame i was about to say i am in SE London and could offer a hand but yes Devon is a little far xx
 
where in Devon. I am in Exmouth and experiance on hand rearing warmblood and fallabella foals. I work full time but may be able to lead a hand. Either way very best of luck the biggest problem with bottle feeding is choke and lung problems but IMHO what will be will be you can only do your very best
 
Very best wishes for your two fillies, they look a lovely pair. I hope the weaker one turns the corner soon, not least so that you can get some sleep! I will keep looking for updates, it's really interesting reading about them, thank you for posting.
 
Juniberry said:
where in Devon. I am in Exmouth and experiance on hand rearing warmblood and fallabella foals. I work full time but may be able to lead a hand. Either way very best of luck the biggest problem with bottle feeding is choke and lung problems but IMHO what will be will be you can only do your very best
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That's really kind. We're North Devon, South Molton, so probably a bit far!

Both still hanging in there - assuming they're both still here in the morning the vet's heading out to do IgG test and then we'll take it from there. Looks like it could be a long old night...
 
AMH said:
That's really kind. We're North Devon, South Molton, so probably a bit far!

Both still hanging in there - assuming they're both still here in the morning the vet's heading out to do IgG test and then we'll take it from there. Looks like it could be a long old night...
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Hey AMH I work in South Molton and live in Barnstaple - very happy to help if I can in any way even if its just the odd night of sleepovers so you guys can get a whole night of sleep and recharge batteries - PM if I can help in any way x
 
Just want to wish you all the luck in the world, and so good the internet is such a useful tool for you with finding people near with experiance who can help with your special little girls good luck.
 
If you got your weaker foal through the first critical part.. and she lives.. stands and nurses.. could you not foster her onto another mare???

I have heard of mares raising twins... but at the same time agree with Alec that horses are only really meant to raise a single foal!
 
Somehow managed to miss this! Sounds like you've been given some wonderful advice! FWIW we have a mare at work who will raise 2 foals if nec.

Wish I were closer, as I'd be there helping as much as I could (though that said, I am on crutches at the moment). Fingers tightly crossed for both foals! x
 
Thank you everyone for your good wishes. Just done feeds - and, miracles, the weaker foal was up, with help, and suckling!! Had a few tears, been a day and a half and plenty more to come, but massive relief to get her on the mare. Quite down on her pasterns behind but strengthening, and the more we can get her up and moving, the better. The stronger foal is pretty good, if a little wibbly, once it's up on its feet - takes itself to mum and feeds well. Ironically, the foal I've been describing as weaker is actually bigger boned than the other - I think that might be part of her problem, as well as (according to the vet) possibly being a bit immature in her lungs. But she's breathing and suckling and trying to get up more often, so lots of positives.

Still taking it very much one feed at a time but we're a long way from giving up yet. :)
 
Best of luck with your girls my fingers are crossed all your hard work will pay off. I think they would be best to stay together if possible. 20 odd years ago I know someone who had Conni twins & they did just fine with mum & at 6yrs both were about 14hh.
 
Oh I am so glad the weaker foal is up, will be waiting with baited breath for updates.

Sending all the positive vibes in the world to you!
 
keeping everything crossed for the two little sweeties. Well done to you, i cant imagine how much hard work it must be, especially by surprise! Will be worth it, keep up the good work :D
 
This is amazing. I sadly saw my mare's aborted twins at 7 months and it is so rare for them to be born alive! ~ I am keeping fingers and toes crossed for you all and hope they both get stronger and stronger. You are doing brilliantly! x
 
Just seen this thread. Congratulations and good luck with them.

Although rare twins do survive - the BDS area Commissioner for Central Scotland had a mare deliver healthy twins who both did well.
 
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