Baby Coming Soon!!!!! :)

As spring has begun we are enjoying the beauty of bright, green grass, beautiful blooms and the chirping of lovely birds in the trees.  God's creation is truly AWESOME!  So many miracles are popping up every day, all around us!  And we are soon to experience yet another miracle, on our farm, as our miniature mare, Sweety, gives birth to a foal! 

Sweety's "bag" (her udder) has filled up and we are now waiting for the next sign of up-coming parturition that will signal her delivery that could be within 4-7 days.

As you can see in these pictures her udder has filled up as her hormones prepare for the coming foal.  This usually happens within 4-6 weeks of foaling.  We are now at the 4th week and waiting for the next sign which is an increase in the size of the udder which will extend the teats as they fill up with milk.  A sticky substance, called wax, will appear which is a very good indicator that a baby is coming soon!  I must keep a very close watch on her.  :)

As you see in this picture the teats still have dimples in them and in order for me to see the teats I have to bend over and look under her.  On the other hand, when they fill up, I will be able to see them in an upright position.   Let's keep watching!  :)

                                                         What a sweet Matron!!!!!  :)

Weaning Foals

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

Fun With Foals!

 This is Claire's 3 week old filly, Minnie.  As Jasmine was petting her she decided to have a seat on her lap!   :)   Too Cute!!!!

Lacy trying to keep up with the fast growing foals! :)

Here Lacy is imprinting our newest colt, Joey.  And as you can see Daisy always wants some attention too!

2 New Foals Born on the Sparks Family Farm!

                  On June 25th, 2015, Claire gave birth to a healthy 18 1/2" filly.  Minnie, as we call her, is so adorable!  She is for sale for $850.

                           On June 27th, 2015, Buttercup gave birth to "Joey!"  He measured around 19 1/2" tall.  He is also for sale for $500.

Both of these foals are in the process of being imprinted.  So they will make wonderful pets.  Please send us an email if you are interested in purchasing one of these foals. 

It's a Filly!!!! :)

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, Sweety gave birth to a gorgeous, red & white, paint filly! 

 

The imprinting is going very well and this little girl is turning into a sweet filly.  :)

 

She will be a great kids pony.

 

Sweety Is Getting Ready to Foal!

Excitement is rising in the air as our first foal for 2015 is soon to come.  Sweety is not one of our tiny miniatures.  She is actually our tallest mare at 36".  She is starting to wax, so any day now and a new addition will be added to the Sparks Family Farm!  Keep watching for new pictures that are soon to come!

No, she is not a "tiny miniature horse", but for those of you who would like a cart or riding pony, Sweety's foals would be ideal.  :)

 

                                           These are pictures of her last foal, "Carmella".

                                                        Carmella is a beautiful paint!

If you are interested in possibly being a buyer for Sweety's unborn foal please let us know and we will keep in touch with you.