Weaning can be a sad time for foals but not too bad when we have a couple to do at the same time. It makes the adjustment for the foals much easier. Such was the case for Minnie & Joey who were weaned and then taken to their new homes this past November.
Everyone has their own thoughts on weaning but this is how I feel most comfortable doing it:
When I wean our "babies" I like to make it a gradual change, that way it is not so hard for the mares or the foals. The first day I start by keeping the foal in his normal spot with his pasture buddies, whether mares or foals, and just take the mother out of the pen. I usually put her in a pasture next to the foal so that they can still see each other and maybe even touch noses through the fence. I do this for a couple of hours the first day and increase the separation time each day that follows. After approx. 2 - 3 days I will take the mare to a farther pasture where they cannot see each other very easily. *Note: Each day I also have to walk the mare to the foal so that the foal can relieve the pressure on the mares udder to help prevent mastitis. I do this whenever the mare's udder feels tight.
During the weaning process I also give our foals a special mixture to help keep their tummies full and provide good nutrition to their growing bodies. This mix consists of a small amount of softened alfalfa pellets with a tsp. of garlic granules mixed in it. If I have any apple or carrot pieces I will toss those in too. They absolutely love this!!!
Usually the weaning on our farm is approx. a week long peradventure everything goes well. And then all too soon the foals are going to their new home where they will bring joy to someone else's farm. :)
So, until next Spring's little blessings....
~ Lacy
