When do u geld your colts?

[Hurricanelady]

Last year's colt was gelded at 5 months old on veterinary advice because he was growing too fast, the change (for the better) in his character almost overnight was breathtaking. The previous jumping on mum stopped immediately and the attempted biting (of us!) drastically reduced.

This year's colt foal will be gelded very soon at about 5 months old as well, he has an absolutely fantastic nature (probably inherited in a big part from his lovely dad Future Illusion) and hasn't been biting at all, however my personal experience from last year was that it's a smaller operation the early you do it, and it really helps to still be with mum when it's done.

Good luck

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

I spoke to the stud vet & he advised as follows,

6/6.5 months is ok, have first vaccs before & 2nd after.

Take foal into vets to be done so they can knock him out, as with it bring Dec time it will be cleaner for him.

Take mare away & leave foal, weaning foal. Vet says it will give foal something else to think about (!)

Foal ok to come home & go straight out with yearling, even if muddy.

Not quite what I was expecting to hear, so am back to reconsidering again!

 

[Hurricanelady]

I have to say I am also very surprised at what your vet has advised - I honestly would not wean that way - it can be stressful enough without combining it with a sole trip to hospital, full sedation and an operation!

Unless the colt is in poor health I can't see any reason for not doing it in November when he is still with his mum, mine sailed through it last year using this approach. Vet that time advised a couple of days in then turned out, but some of them will advise turn out immediately the next day.

Perhaps you could speak to another equine practice and get a second opinion.

Good luck.

 

[Spring Fever]

Just had our lad cut on Tuesday, approx 6 months old and still with mum. He can have some time to get over it and will then be weaned over winter.
Seems like the right time to me and as not many flies around to bother or infect the wound.

The procedure was done under sedation and local injections while standing next to mum. They have been out in the field for a few hours everyday since. Everything looks fine and minimal stress.