weaning

[codiie(Sandy)]

well, today I had to wean my 2 babies, 1 is 3 1/2 months, the other is 2 1/2 months.. the younger foal, the colt, has been wasting his mothers weight away to almost nothing. vet had me increase all food consumption, she is on a daily wormer, and she was still loosing weight.. she is a 14 yr old mare, and has had 4 babies.. but I was at a loss and I couldnt stand to let her lose more weight.. the babies are together, and one mom is across the aisle and one right next to the babies, so if anyone has weaned a foal this young (2 1/2 months) and has any info.. I would appreciate it.. They both eat, drink and are happy and healthy.. so I am not expecting any problems.... Keeping fingers crossed..

[twnpnds]

Wow, that is pretty young for weaning either one. I would add some Foal Lac pellets or Grow Colt to their feed to make sure they are getting all of those extra nutrients they need. Make sure they are getting extra protein also. They need 16%. Give them all the high quality hay they want. The hay will help cut down on ulcers some foals are prone to get when fed grain. Check out www.horsesense.ws/horsedoc/id54.htm for weaning info.

As for your mare, Farnam makes a product called Weight Builder that will help get her weight back up. They also make a supplement called Mare Plus. If your mare is bred back you can start feeding her this 90 days after being bred and feed it all year. This will help keep her in shape. There are other brands of these products that are less expensive. You can check with TSC - www.tractorsupplycompany.com or your agri center. Most of the online horse supply companies also carry these products.

Do you have a pasture or a paddock where you can put the 2 foals and the oldest one's mom together? That's if she will tolerate your colt. That way the oldest one will have it's mom and she might even adopt the younger one. You will need a crepe feeder so that the foals can get all the feed and hay they want. Just an idea. Good luck with them.

[Heather T]

I had one last year whos mother died at 2 months. She was already eating grain and she did great. She's one of my favorite fillies - her name is Precious.

I hope your weaning experience goes as well.

[ClevengerPaints]

I had a mare that I lost and her baby was 2 months old.. Had already started eating normal horse food though so didnt have trouble iwth her at all eating. She now is a 5 year old and a big old honry spoiled brat..lol. And I know of alot of people including myself that wean at 3 months and babies are just fine as well. To add weight healthy and quick try Super Gain.. We have done that with our rescue mare and in no time she is looking awsome!