Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
DEBRA WAWZYSKO
Member
Username: Dwawz
Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 10:32 am: |   |
Heard about a rescue group that rescues orphan foals, usually over 100 every spring.(not sure how they end up with all these foals, probably don't want to) never experienced raising an orphaned foal, I have broodmares and usually have 2 to 4 babies every year. Any thoughts out there about orphan foals, read the article about feeding etc. what I read sounds somewhat labor intensive at first but not impossible. I also know that sometimes there is a lot more involved?? yes - no? I guess I'm more worried about behavior and training, suitable companion, things like that.
Any info or experience that you can share is much appreciated, I want to make sure I can do this the right way. |
Colleen Goolsby
Member
Username: Goolsby
Post Number: 304
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 11:22 am: | |
Debra
Although I havent adopted one yet, I have been on a group Orphanfoals.org. This may be the rescue you are talking about. You can get all the infromation you need from people who have actually raised these nursemare foals. They have several foals in the barn now that need homes. Check out the site.
Colleen |
Cynthia Dittmar
Member
Username: Ryle
Post Number: 41
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 12:06 pm: | |
I know of one rescue that does quite a few orphaned foals due to farms that raise mares specifically to harvest and sell colostrum. They also get some through auctions and feedlots.
As far as raising an orphaned foal, it is time intensive. Orphaned foals (or bottle babies of any type) often come out spoiled and not respecting people due to the "he's too cute to discipline" attitude. You have to teach them from the beginning what is accepted behavior and what isn't, because it may be cute when they are little but when they are full-grown it may be very dangerous.
I also recommend using a feeding bucket for that reason. When bottle feeding, the baby has an instinctive "butting" that isn't too bad when they are very small, but if they learn to butt humans when they are little then they will continue it when they are big. Plus the powdered formulas are good for several hours after they are mixed so you can hang a bucket on the fence and the baby can eat as he is hungry.
An older mare or gelding who is a good babysitter horse makes an excellent companion because they teach the babies how to be a horse. And when they are older, those babies are going to need to know how to relate to other horses in a herd situation.
Cindy D., RVT |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 544
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 1:40 pm: | |
I agree with Cindy that raising an orphan is time intensive; it's also very rewarding. Any I've raised have needed to be on the bottle at first, then when older switched over to a bucket, then foal lac pellets, softened. The discipline factor is a big one. Remember that their real mom and the other brood mares in a herd will discipline the youngsters, so you need to also. But, don't be afraid to love on them, too! Finding a babysitter is important, also, as Cindy said. If you don't have another horse that will fill the bill, donkeys, miniture donkeys, and goats are great at the job. |
Cheryl Hohler
Member
Username: Chohler
Post Number: 197
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 1:47 pm: | |
Debra, I have adopted orphan foals and rescued many horses in the past. I love to do it but as mentioned it is very labor intensive and it can be very heartbreaking, yet so rewarding. You know nothing about their background and all the ones I have adopted came to me sick. Nothing that didn't resolve itself in time but it was exhausting. I give them lots of love but I let them know I am boss. When they are healthy enough and big enough I put them with a nanny horse and so far no problems.
I can't say enough about quarantine. The last babies we rescued had strangles, lice, and ringworm. |
barbara
Member
Username: Oscarvv
Post Number: 639
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 7:53 pm: | |
I adopted a nurse mare's foal at 6 weeks of age. You must be able to commit to around the clock care. IMO, worrying about training and behavior is the smaller issues with an orphan foal. If you teach them manners from the start and have them well socialized, you'll be fine. My boy grew up to have perfect ground manners and was a star undersaddle. The most amazing thing was how my guy would stare at me and look to me in scary situations. his unwavering trust was just amazing......
I adopted my boy from Casey Creek. They are very knowledgeable and the foals usually come halter broke and drinking from a bucket. |
Colleen Goolsby
Member
Username: Goolsby
Post Number: 305
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Apr 5, 2005 - 9:09 am: | |
Barbara
I am currently a member of the Casey Creek group. When did you adopt your foal. Do you still visit their web site and look at the new foals? |
barbara
Member
Username: Oscarvv
Post Number: 640
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Tuesday, Apr 5, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
I adopted him 5 years ago. I do still look at the foals they have available every year. |
Cheryl Hohler
Member
Username: Chohler
Post Number: 203
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 7, 2005 - 12:32 pm: | |
I know two other places that do orphan foals and they have some really nice stock.
www.lastchancecorral.org
www.eaglehillfarm.com |
