This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have only raised one foal so am no expert. Bjorken was weaned at 14 months! He was gelded at 11 months. Since he was born the end of june here in Fairbanks, the plan was to leave him with his mom until the next spring to get through the very cold winter with warm milk in his belly. but I just never got around to separating them until early the next fall. No problem, he is the most well adjusted horse I know, had old BJarne to play with (his role model) so only went to Mom for a drink of warm milk in the later months. Stella was slim and fit when we weaned, played a lot with her son and got lots of exercise. She hasn't looked that fit and trim since! Hard to keep the weight off her.
My friends here who have raised a number of fjord foals also leave the foals with their moms until the following spring. Most were born about the first of June and winter is much easier on them with warm milk available from mom. The mares are fed grain and supplements to support nursing through the winter..It seems easier to feed the mare extra and let them feed the foals (who are also eating some of the grain) than trying to get these foals through the cold without mom's milk. And weaning is no problem at the later age. People who raise other breeds here wean at the "usual" 5-6 months and often that first cold winter is very difficult for the weanlings. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska At 10:21 AM 9/1/1999 +0000, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > I have been lurking through the discussion about weaning, partly >because it seems that we are handling weaning WAY DIFFERENTLY than >others. Assuming the mare is in good shape (thrifty-looking coat, >some flesh on her bones, ribs capable of being felt, but not seen), >and assuming she is getting good hay and some grain, we have weaned >as late 9 months after foaling, even when the mare is bred back 1-2 >heats after foal heat. ************************************************************ Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
