Bagging up

[Bethany]

Hi just wondering how long before foaling a maiden mare can bag up before foaling?

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Generally speaking there is a distinct change in "muscle tone" around this time of year for mares due in April or May time.

I find it much harder to discern my "Old Timers" bags than I do the maidens.

Bagging up proper will start around 13 weeks before foaling, but Minis can wait longer than that....often!!!

I have had mares with virtually no bag at all foal and come into milk with no problem at all.

But I have never had a mare with no bag development at all do the same...when I say "No bag" I mean she has not filled completely and is not swollen, I do not mean there is no bag present.

I have seen pictures on this forum of mares that have absolutely no bag development whatsoever, no tone, no let down , nothing.

This is when I feel sure the mare is either not in foal or the dates are radically wrong.

There are no hard and fast rules about this, but there are obvious safety issues and it is not the norm for a mare with no udder development to foal.

It is, at least as far as my mares are concerned, the norm for a mare not due until May to start relaxing her bag and "getting ready" around now.

I must stress that I handle all my mares udders from now on,(*edited on instructions from mares....WARM YOUR HANDS!!!) every day, which gives you a comparison, this is not looking at the bag we are talking about, here!!

You need to get up close and personal, in the same way as you do with descending testicles.

Happy Christmas!!

 

[kaykay]

most of mine bag up about 6 weeks before foaling. I have had about 2 that didnt hardly get a bag until they foaled or right before. Those mares will make you crazy

 

[Kim~Crayonboxminiatures]

My website has some photos to help "visualize" what the udder looks like, as little development and a full udder. The link is below on my signature.

 

[Bethany]

Thanks for the replies, I have a maiden that is due any day now. She has had a small udder for 11 weeks now although has no milk/fluid at all. Was just wondering how much longer I may have to wait

She was scanned negative early so not 100% sure on dates (pasture bred) she had an estrone sulphate test back in July and that has estimated her to now be between 311 - 472 (lol) days

 

[Bethany]

Great website Kim!!!

Her udder is not as big as the mares on your website although her vulva colour is about the same. She is driving me crazy!

 

[AppyLover2]

Kim I've never been involved with foaling, and probably never will, but wanted to tell you your web site information is really good. Great pictures for comparison purposes and learning what to look for. Good job!!!

 

[lyn_j]

When you say scanned negative what do you mean? That she was NOT ultrasounded in foal? Is the mare overweight? My friends mare has a asmall "bag" and has had for a year. She is obese not pregnant and the bag is a fatty deposit. She also hasnt come back in heat for a year and a half because pf being overweight.

At 311 days my maidens have a fairly large but soft bag. A little bigger than Kaiser Rolls if you know what they are.

Lyn

 

[rabbitsfizz]

An overweight mare will show signs of "bagging up".....so, maybe have her tested again???

Sorry Kim, I keep forgetting your site, yes, it is an excellent visual aid....possibly we could get some of these links moved onto the "best of" Forum??

Then we could just send people there to look....ML are you there??

She's probably propped up behind the sofa snoring gently....

Maybe wait a few days??

Who am I kidding she'll probably be unconscious until the New Year!!!

OK, I'll be on the naughty step if anyone wants me!!!

 

[Bethany]

LOL

Hi Lyn she was ultrasounded not in foal early on she has now been confirmed in foal by my own vet

Can see the foal moving aswell.

Dont know what Kaiser rolls are sorry but have some pics

12th Dec

26th Dec

Any ideas?

 

[shelly]

Hi Bethany,

She looks to have a little udder development...not alot but it is a start! She does look to be getting that "V" shaped belly too so I would be keeping a close eye on her!!!!!!!

Shelly

 

[Bonny]

Hi Bethany,

yep still in the same boat I see.

Your mare is still bagging and not foaling and Bonny still has NO bag.

I still think she is going to go soon. Glad you found this site!

 

[lyn_j]

Kaiser rolls are sandwich buns with a hard crust, bigger than a hamburger bun. Your mare is not over weight and yes obviously pregnant , that looks like a bag working to me.... when the teats are full also and pointing down not at each other then she is VERY close. Where do you live that your mare is slicker rather than fuzzier? Australia or NZ?

Lyn

 

[Bethany]

Thanks Shelly its amazing how slow time goes when you're waiting for a foal!!!

Holly if we rolled Bonny and Beth into one we might actually get a foal LOL

Lyn im in Australia its nice warm weather here at the moment the minis are all standing in the shade to avoid it !

her teats are pointing down alot more today and yesterday but not full yet.

Any guesses on how much longer we have to wait til she pops?

 

[Bethany]

Here is a new photo from today

Any guesses on how long she has left she is at least 313 days today and has had a bag for 11 weeks

2 days ago

Today

 

[shelly]

She is getting closer...a week or so maybe?!? How's her vulva looking?

 

[Bethany]

Hi Shelly its only slighty relaxed not all the way yet

(a week would be great

)