Udder development. How early?

[me_n_super_abby]

Hiya

Question in the title really. When is it 'normal' to show udder changes?

My mare went out yesterday and at the horrid flies have nibbled her udder area and its slightly swollen. Got me thinking when is safe/normal to see udder changes.

Thanks in advance

 

[hayinamanger]

Hi, I am assuming that your mare is in foal so, from my experience it varies quite a bit but it is normal to see udder development from about 12 weeks before foaling.

I watch the udder daily and you see then how much it changes, and in due course you will have a pretty good idea when she is going to foal.

Very exciting stuff

 

[me_n_super_abby]

Thanks for that. She will be about 9 months at the the end of march.

 

[ElleSkywalker]

My mare has been having udder changes pretty much all along, with the most significant changes starting just before Christmas filling very slowly and developing little boobies about a week or so ago.

She is due anyday and hasn't changed much since the little boobies grew last week

 

[me_n_super_abby]

Thanks for the reply. I feel much better now, i was starting to panic incase it was not fly related. Oh why did i decide to put myself through this. Abby is fine and just chilled, im a nervous, paranoid wreck

We never have any luck so i am hoping this will be our turning point I have worried myself to death over every little thing, i just worry because shes my baby

Appreciate the replies and reassurance

 

[Rosehip]

This is really interesting, as my Dad commented the other day that Seri hadnt 'made much of a bag' (he's a farmer!) to which I replied that she shouldnt have as she still has 8 weeks to go...but now I thinking she should have more bag?? ARGH!!
This is a pic of her today - shall we compare?!

 

[Gucci_b]

my maiden mare who is now 305 days started to bag up about 5 weeks ago. here is a pic taken last week. sorry if the photo is big

 

[ALS]

Als udder started enlarging this week at one side not the other she is due 31st May. Still as a while to go, vet saw them when she was out Wednesday and even tried to milk her re the discharge we had had. I am like you in first time and panicking.

 

[me_n_super_abby]

Thanks for pics. I feel better now. I am driving myself mad And i look on internet for things and i always find the bad reasons why things may be happening, but thats just the way isnt it. Even my vet said when i had them last shes fine, just leave her to it, if anything happens she will let you know by being out of sorts. I just look for the bad its just my nature.

Thanks for reassuance and replies, its appreciated.

 

[Gucci_b]

I found this web site quite good to compare your notes with photo's
http://www.yellowhouseranch.com/foaling.htm

 

[haras]

I started taking pics of my mares udder. she is a maiden.

here is 269 days

and today, 276 days

i'm not allowed to touch her udder, but i am allowed to take pics. daft mare!

i'm trying to take pics every sunday.

 

[Enfys]

327 days. A bit blurry, Juno doesn't appreciate me getting near her boobs at all.

At least her 2nd pregnancy, 1st for me, so I have no idea what this mare does change wise. She isn't very big at all, if the Vet hadn't checked her out recently I would be doubting that she was even still carrying a foal.

 

[Magicmadge]

My maiden mares udder looked like Efys mare at 340 days and i was worried that she would foal without enough milk. It finally filled only 2 days before she foaled on day 359 when she waxed, dripped milk for a half a day.

 

[me_n_super_abby]

At least her 2nd pregnancy, 1st for me, so I have no idea what this mare does change wise. She isn't very big at all, if the Vet hadn't checked her out recently I would be doubting that she was even still carrying a foal.

QUOTE]

Abby is hiding her bump well. I remember seeing a pic you posted and she is about the same size. The vet checked her (blood test) too as i would have thought not. She has always been very lean and tube like shape. So i know shes got a belly now, but anyone who did not know her before just thinks she got a bit of a gut but nowhere near some of the bellies on here.

I checked her udder again, not gone down so dont think its fly related. YO had a grope this morning (abby not me!) and told me to get a grip! I am a very mad granny to be at the the minute haha

 

[Tempi]

My mare is 343 days today and she has no changes at all, she dosent bag up until about a month/3wks before foaling normally.

 

[Rosehip]

Im starting to get nervous that Seri is 286 days and looks/feels completely empty bag wise! argh!! x

 

[dianchi]

hmmm with 7/8 weeks to go think i best start a udder photo diary as well now!!!! Tho no notable changes so far!

 

[Rosehip]

Hey dianchi, were due to be grannies on the same day!

 

[Beano1]

My mare is 320 days today and she doesnt have much of an udder. She allowed me yesterday for the first time in about 6 months to give her tum a good scratch and clean her teats. I got all excited when I found a drop of milk on my finger when cleaning 6 months worth of dirt off them! Today she still doesnt have much of an udder but she does have white dots all over her teats. I'm not going to build my hopes up for a foal in the next few days even though it would be great, I bet my girl keeps me going for a few weeks!

 

[hmc]

My Mare is 316 days. She seems to have a bigger udder in the morning and then when she comes in its gone down a bit!
She started getting little bits of yellow coloured wax at the weekend and that doesnt seem to be going away.
If anyone saw my phone I think I would get arrested, I take loads of photos! lol

How long before foaling is it normal for them to be waxing up??

 

[Gucci_b]

hmc have you any more photo's!!!! my mare is also the same as you 316 days. Here is a photo i took today, no milk yet and no white spots... she is also out 24/7 at the moment

 

[hmc]

Hi Gucci_b, here is a photo i took earlier but its not very clear, Ill try and get a better one in the morning! Is your mare showing any other sign?? Is it her 1st foal?

 

[hmc]

Gucci_b when are you planning to start your 24 hr foal watch??

 

[Gucci_b]

she started to bag up over a month ago now, and now nothing much seems to be happened in the udder department. she is slowly relaxing behind but apart from that just taking things in her stride. Not to sure when to start foal watch just yet, you!!!! yes, this is her 1st foal

 

[hmc]

Mines a bit the same, she started getting little bits of honey coloured wax on her teets and the bagging seems to go up and down. I was thinking about starting watch any day soon, things seem to be changing quickly, but after reading other peoples posts I could start foal watch and still be here in a months time... its hard to know its my first foal so sometimes wonder if i am being too over cautious!

 

[Gucci_b]

I think at the end of the day, you know your mare better than anyone and when the time comes... your'll know!!! I think next week I shall be looking more closely at my mare,. I have the foaling box ready, stable all ready night accom all ready all we need now is the weather to be on our side and the safe delivery of bambi

 

[indie moo]

Hi there i have got a 1st time pregnant mare (320 days) she is huge but not much udder there is udder there but not that big. she is being evil to her friend in the field. she will foal indoors and i have a camera connected to my tv. she wont let me touch her udders at all as she is a moody mare. she looks in a right state as i cant even brush her belly no more. could anyone help me with her udder should it be big or a little bit or what? i cant wait til this foal comes. should i be foal watching now? many thanks

 

[indie moo]

i have just got my mare in and her udders have gone there just normal size now is that normal at 320 days

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Can you take some pictures and post them for us to look at?

 

[Rosehip]

i have just got my mare in and her udders have gone there just normal size now is that normal at 320 days

Dont quote me on it being normal or not...but my girl did exactly the same thing at around the 315/320 day mark x