Posted 2015-04-28 10:25 AM Subject: Mare is getting close to foaling
Elite Veteran
Posts: 731 Location: WNY
I know I havent been on here in what seems like two years lol... I managed to get a few minutes to surf the web and pick some brains about the best situation to put your mare in when she is laboring. If anyone has any general tips... maybe supplies you wish you'd had handy...
I'm also wondering which type of bedding is best- fluffed up flakes of straw or shredded?
Posted 2015-04-28 2:16 PM Subject: RE: Mare is getting close to foaling
Toastest with the Mostest
Posts: 5712 Location: That part of Texas
I was glad that I had bought some cheap towels from Wal-Mart to use to help clean the foal off somewhat after watching him being born. I had a maiden mare that took a bit to catch on that she was a momma now and so we helped her out a bit in that regard. The worst part of the whole process was that my mare decided to walk across the pasture to have the baby in some straw hay. With all of the birth fluids, it was a slippery mess and we had to move him off of it before he could probably get his footing to stand.
Posted 2015-04-29 1:58 PM Subject: RE: Mare is getting close to foaling
Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri
I kept shavings in until I thought she was going into labor, then I put down straw on top. Picking straw is a pain, but you don't want wet, dirty shavings all over baby and in its eyes. As soon as the baby got dried off, I pulled out the wet straw and put more shaving in. I'm not an expert by any means...only done this once...but just my opinion on bedding. Things I was thankful to have: Video monitor! Towels Iodine Phone (pictures and emergency vet call) Husband (b/c I had just had surgery and couldn't pull, lift, etc. He had to help baby, plus it was just awesome to share the amazing moment with him!)
Wish I had: Something to tie the cord. Hers broke too soon and it was a huge, bloody mess. My husband had to pinch it while I ran around like a crazy person looking for something to tie it off. More bedding. I didn't have a deep enough base, so she pawed through to the dirt floor. Should have had more shavings and straw.
Posted 2015-04-30 8:07 AM Subject: RE: Mare is getting close to foaling
Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553 Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah
I know everyone loves shavings but there is a problem with it. My friend lost two very expensive foals by shavings choking them and inhaling it up the nose. Straw is cheap and can be bedded deep. A towel and iodine and a good leather or breakaway halter for the mare leave on your going to need it. Enjoy and good luck.
Mare is getting close to foaling
