 |
Re: [RC] Weaning - more questions - heidiI got a flyer in the mail the other day for this thing. What are your opinions? http://horsingaroundllc.com/ezeewean/index.htm I don't think I'd recommend a system like that. For one, weaning is as much about creating social independence in the foal as it is about stopping nursing. Second, the mare and foal will have increasingly divergent nutritional needs post-weaning, and it is far easier to address different dietary requirements if they are separate. I have two pastures about 15 acres each, separated by a 20 foot alley. Mares/nursing foal in one, stallion and riding gelding in the other. Fences are 4- strand electric wire on wooden posts. Pros and cons of weaning by just moving the little guy in with the gelding and stallion (foal's sire), or using this contraption? Foal has never been with the other two, just interacts with them through the fences. Depends ENTIRELY on the personalities. That might be wonderful--but then again, it might be tragic. Can't make that call without knowing the individuals. Personally, either an older "uncle" horse (the above may or may not be that) or a small enclosure where I become the foal's social reality are my two preferences--depending again on the personality of the foal(s) involved. I'm also looking into gelding the foal before weaning, if that makes any difference. Although it doesn't make a difference in the actual weaning process per se, it certainly does make life a lot easier all the way around if baby is already gelded at weaning! Heidi ============================================================ There are few places where the horse does not fit in; at least in my world, as delusional as that one may be. ~ Howard Bramhall ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
|