Foaling-What to Expect

LittleMiss · Apr 4, 2009

I have a pregnant mini, and she is my first mini. I bought her to ger her out of a bad situation. Although I have experience with foaling (although its limited), I have no experience with minis.

Just wondering if there is anything special I should do to prepare and what I should look for.

Thanks Guys.

kaykay · Apr 4, 2009

Bless your heart for taking her on! If you read some of the current threads they give a lot of info on signs to look for that foaling is close

Be prepared for redbags (placenta previa) If you see red coming out you must get the foal out asap.

also be aware that a lot of minis cant break the bag so they could smother if you are not there to open it.

IMO minis are a little slower to nurse and get the hang of nursing so be sure once its born that it really is nursing and not just sucking the sides of the bag.

I would also read everything you can on dystocias and how to manipulate a foal into the right position

Sending good thoughts to you and your mare!

Kay

minie812 · Apr 4, 2009

Expect the unexpected

shelly · Apr 4, 2009

First of all WELCOME to the MINI world!!!

Bless your heart for taking in a mini in need!!!

I'm new to foaling minis too and this forum has been a HUGE help!!!!!! I'd advise reading the two most informative books on minis there is: Blessed are the Broodmares by M. Phyllis Lose and The Complete Book of Foaling by Karen E. N. Hayes

They are the best for explaining the foaling process and what to expect and do in bad situations!!!! I keep rereading them while I wait for my minis to foal. GOOD LUCK!!!

Scoopiedoo · Apr 4, 2009

I have The Complete Foaling Manual by Teresa Jones, and it is SUPER!! I have foaled several mares and I still reread it before foaling season. It's a fantastic book.

Good luck to you and if you have questions (more specific questions), this is a GREAT place to get answers. Welcome and I look forward to seeing your baby. Thank you for getting the mare out of there.

Jodi