Posted 2019-02-14 8:45 AM Subject: Cold Weather Foaling
Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530 Location: OH
Can anyone give me some advice here if needed. We have been breeding for 20 years but always foal in April--May. We ended up buying a daughter of FG that was already bred to one of our studs but the people had set her up to foal at the end of February. We have NEVER had one that early. It is going to be in the 20's here and she will be brought into the barn and we have a foal blanket for it and heat lamps set up---anything else I may need ??? THANKS
Posted 2019-02-14 9:34 AM Subject: RE: Cold Weather Foaling
Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
Cooler for momma. Make sure momma's water is not cold. Lots of hay for momma. As far as the foal - towels to rub dry and then that blankie. The heat lamps will be nice too. But don't forget that you want the foal to feel the cold a little since it will be many weeks before true spring and higher temps get there.
Posted 2019-02-14 10:36 AM Subject: RE: Cold Weather Foaling
Elite Veteran
Posts: 885
My Heidi was born in Jan & it was butt cold that early morning. We wiped her down with towels & put a foal blanket on her. She looked so cute in her blankee :) Her & mom were bedded thick in straw. All was good. I think you have everything just right for mom & baby. You guys do a great job raising your horses. I'm sure all will be fine :)
Sounds like you have this all figured out and you are ready. My only worry would be in regards to the heat lamps. When my mare foaled this past week early (20 degrees with a 6 windchill) I tried the heat lamp, but worried. I wouldn't leave my barn with the heat lamp on (fire fear). Also my stall is 12x24 and the baby wasn't really near the lamp. I think the biggest thing is to keep them dry and inside (out of the wind). Dry baby, foal blanket, momma and you should be good. Can't wait to see your new arrival!
I agree with the heat lamp concerns. That would terrify me in a barn full of hay and cobwebs, etc. There's a good chance that with the height it would need to be to stay out of momma's way, it's really not going to do much. Being dry and able to snuggle in lots of hay with a blanket would be my choice.
we bought a mare once that was in foal to WR This Cats Smart and was due in Jan. It was like -10 out and had her foal inside and we put kids socks over his ears so they didn't frostbite. We normally would shoot for May also
Cold Weather Foaling
