Weaning Advice

[mcnaughty]

I have a small problem - or possible problem.

I am due to wean my mare and foal at the end of the month but my stable does not have a top door. I am really worried that she will just come straight out over the top.

Any suggestions?

Foal is going to a new home so straight up into lorry/trailer and out of yard and gone.....

Fi

 

[Girlychu]

Hi
Is it possible to seperate mum from the wee one for short periods of time? This may get mum used to the idea of baby not being there. My mare tells me when she is ready for the baby to go - so IM half way there at weaning time.

 

[guido16]

Is this the mares 1st foal?

Plus, can you use two stables before weaning.

We have always kept them in for a few days.
Mum in one stable, foal in the other, and foals new buddy in the next one.
As your foal is leaving, I would try and keep them both in for a few days, seperate stables.
Then, bring a buddy in and put mum out with her buddies.
You can hang a rug over top half of stable door (from top of door or roof) if foal is threatening to go out.

 

[mcnaughty]

OK - just to clarify mare and foal are at yard with 3 fields - about 6 acres at the moment and no stables so no chance of weaning there. Actually the foal squeezed through into other field by itself a couple of times last week because the YO does not know how electricity works so propped up the fence with a stick so earthed it... anyway, that is another story!

So on the 30th I am moving to a new yard - moving both mare and foal together - then, same day new owners are coming to take foal.

OK, I know this will be quite stressful for all but I thought it would actually be better to get it all done on one day rather than faf around putting leaving it a few days then weaning.

New yard has loads of good grazing and good sturdy stables but no top doors.... Well a couple of the stables do have top doors so might be able to borrow one for a few hours then move her to her own stable later that same day...

Any ideas??

 

[guido16]

OK,

Lets think.

If you can borrow a stable with a top door then I would.
Failing that, try the rug thing or a make shift bit of wood half way up the top door and hang a rug over it.

Sounds like the foal is getting quite independant anyway, did the mare bother when it went wandering?
She may be more than happy to get rid of it!

I would just play it by ear on the day.
Can you bring a new field buddy in for a few days, or even a day, for her to get to know?

You didnt say, is this her first foal?