Early weaning

[LB27]

I'm getting a miniature filly in a few months. The owner said she would be ready when she was 3 months old and after researching and hearing from other people I learned that is very early. If the owner is not willing to keep her longer than what should I do? I would love to hear from people who have had to wean early and what problems they encountered and what precautions they took (feeding, socializing, etc). Hopefully I can get her later than 3 months old.

 

[Riverrose28]

I can only hope that I don't come off as sounding offensive, as I just want to offer you help.

A really good reputable breeder will allow the foal to stay with the mare until it is four to six months old. As a reputable breeder I have even given 30 days free training, if I've felt the foal was maturing slowly, as they all mature at different levels. The last foal I sold was last year, a filly, that was purchased as a four month old weanling. Sold as a pet becuase in my opinion her head was a little long for showing, she was also very immature, so I left her with her dam until she was six months old and in with the rest of the mares. Mares are the best teachers, then when I did wean her at six months old it was a gradual weaning, I put her in a paddock with the other weanling fillies, and the mares in an ajoining paddock, where no nursing could happen, but babies could still see Moms. This filly was already halter broke, been clipped partially, had her hooves trimmed several times, shots, wormings, bathed, well you get the picture. The buyer did not want her bridle path clipped, so what ever the buyer wants the buyer gets. I also kept this filly for an additional 30 days, since she was going to a home with small children, so that my grandkids could acclimate her to all sorts of sights and sounds and interaction. Such as strollers, carts, flags, balloons, screaming, running up and down the aisles with toy trucks. When she was delivered to her new home she had no problems and fit right in. If your breeder is reputable just ask if you can pick her up at a later date.

On the other hand, in this economy some sellers are bound and determined to sell and the breeder may not want to keep the filly any additional time, so, if your heart is set on this one, go for it. I would recommend to take along an older experienced traveling horse for company. Three months old is even too young for first vaccinations, so filly may get ill, as they need the first one around four or five months and then another in two to three weeks, depending on which is used.

I would ask the breeder some questions such as: Is she halter broke and walks nicly on a lead? Has she had her hooves trimmed? Been wormed if so when? Maybe someone else can offer more advice.

 

[supaspot]

imho 3 months is way too young , mine are weaned at 6 -7 months , the earliest I have done it is just under 5 months and I felt awful doing that

 

[Minimor]

I have gotten a foal at three months, just pulled off his mom when he was delivered. He did come with a buddy so at least he had company, but he didn't eat to eat anything but grass-abdbitbwas late enough in the year that we didn't have much for grass left. I tried to coax him to eat various kinds of grain and finally found one pellet e would eat. We offered him three different kinds of hay and pulled what little bit of grass we could still find in the yard. He would eat the grass and nibble on hay and finally started eating a full ration. He did just fine but it took some work on our part.

Keep in mind that if your seller is determined to wean at three months they may wean then even if they tell you they will keep your foal an extra month. Depending how much effort they put into caring for the earling wrangling you baby may be better off if you go ahead and get her at weaning rather than waiting until later.

 

[LB27]

If I must get her early I was thinking about this feed: Progressive's Foals First Starter & Creep. It says it is for early weaned foals (under 4 months of age). Did you by chance try this feed for your early weaned foal Minimor? We have a lot of pasture (more than my regular sized horse's need) so I should have plenty of pasture for her and I also have hay so hopefully with all those options she eats enough right of the get go. And good point about them saying they will keep her longer but wean her anyways. I will definiately baby her no matter what and keep a watchful eye.

 

[Carolyn R]

I am not a fan of weaning at three months either, esp. if there is no reason other than the owner wanting to. Had a full size foal once, breeder sold the dam when the foal was 11 weeks. I had nothing but severe gastro intestinal issues with that horse. Way more than any horse at that age should have. I strongly suggest 4 months plus for weaning. Long story short, after lots of vet care. foal had to be put down at 9 months. if the breeder has a sufficient facility, I would suggest that if she feels she must wean at 3 months, see if the foal can stay on the premises until it is 4 months to give it a chance to adjust, rather than weaning and relocating all at once.

 

[mini horse mania]

I was in the same predicament with a foal..we did get him at 3 months amd he was fine..i tried to get him to let him stay longer,but he refused. I dont like,to wean before 4_5 months myself

 

[LB27]

Mini Horse Mania: was he fully or partially weaned when you took him home? Or was it his first time away from his mother when you picked him up? When it gets closer I plan to ask the breeder about their weaning techniques but as of now I don't know which way they wean.

 

[Miniv]

I'm not familiar the the product you mentioned by Progressive. But I will add that I too think 3 months is too early unless there is a problem with the mare and there is no choice.

One problem with weaning early (and it can happen anyway) is that the foal doesn't get enough protein and will develop a pot belly. The foal may also not be as lively and curious. If the product you mentioned is high in protein that may help.

You'll have two things to consider with your little one.....the stress of transport and being put into a new place, plus being pulled from mom before it's really ready.

By any chance do you have another young one that your new weanling can buddy up to?

 

[LB27]

Sadly, there will be no other mini's for my filly to buddy up to. She will share a fenceline with 3 average sized horse's and we will also have a couple of newborns Jersey calves...they will be fairly small as well so would a miniature buddy up with them by chance?

 

[ohmt]

I know of at least one big name farm that weans at 3 months. I was shocked as they brings weanlings to worlds every year, but maybe that's why they wean early? For me i would keep them on the mare longer to keep the belly down and reduce stress, but maybe that allows them enough time to get the foal off the mare and into show shape. I don't know, but i agree with others that it's too early.

Free choice alfalfa and free choice 14-16% feed would be what i'd feed. I would even contemplate supplementing with milk pellets.

 

[mini horse mania]

Mini Horse Mania: was he fully or partially weaned when you took him home? Or was it his first time away from his mother when you picked him up? When it gets closer I plan to ask the breeder about their weaning techniques but Ikas of now I don't know which way they wean.

Frim what I was told they started weaning him at 2.5 months..he was totally away from mom when I went to get him...he was born aug.1..i was "supposed" to pick him up at christmas..but I got a call early nov..telling me to pick him up..he was ready..and they wanted the other half of the money..i have learned my lesson with this breeder..i was got all the way around

 

[Becky]

Progressive's Foal Starter and Creep would be an excellent choice for a first feed for one so young. It's a milk based product and I've used it many times with my young foals. I suggest you contact Progressive directly for help with a feeding program. They will likely suggest their Growth Formula feed too. It's an excellent product. Good luck with your new little one!