Question about taking baby away from mom

[jdomep]

I would like to take our new baby into the boys school for their little "farm show" for the K and 1st grades. It isn't for another 2 weeks so he will be about 4 weeks old. Most people bring their dogs or cats, one lady is going to bring a calf - so there are not a bunch of animals. He will only be away from his momma for 30 minutes tops. Is this a bad idea? Or will they (mom and baby) be okay if we take him?

Thanks

 

[dmhstacy]

I personally would not take a 4weeks old baby away from its mother unless it was for something really important (like urgent trip to the vets).

It puts undue stress on the mare & foal.

The mare can produce less milk while she is stressing ( she would also have to be locked up in a very small safe yard)

The foal stress for its mum and it can put it off its food for a few hours.

not worth the risk for me

 

[bevann]

I personally would not take a 4weeks old baby away from its mother unless it was for something really important (like urgent trip to the vets).It puts undue stress on the mare & foal.

The mare can produce less milk while she is stressing ( she would also have to be locked up in a very small safe yard)

The foal stress for its mum and it can put it off its food for a few hours.

not worth the risk for me

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I would not do it. toomuch stress on both baby&mom.I would suggest taking both if mom is the kind who would let people ogle her baby .Good luck.

 

[littlehorse2]

How about taking mom and baby? I just took my daughter's filly to her school last week for show and tell and the kids loved her. When the baby comes next spring I'm going to take him/her and mom for a visit.

Christy

 

[Sunraye Miniatures]

I espeically wouldn't do it for 30 min. with a 4 week old. I shown a 4 weeker before but that is 10 min. atleast away from mom and wouldn't do it any longer than that! Especially I would think of the children's saftey because that baby will fuss! And also mother and foal's saftey. Just wouldn't do it unless you do both!

 

[pepperhill]

Another thing to consider is that even the sweetest foal can be a real stinker when stressed. It will ruin everything if he is agitated and dancing around, whinnying etc. It is hard for kids to pet an upset horse, and the kids can end up afraid of horses. I would take a trailer with both mom and baby. Keep mom close while the kids pet the baby. Can someone go with you to hold mom? Linda

 

[jdomep]

Thanks - that's why I asked (you guys are WAY more knowledgable than some "know it alls" around here LOL ) I think I will ask the teacher about Spring for a "Show and Tell or something"

So I guess I will be riding up on my Big horsey

 

[Marty]

No way> I would not chance that one at all. All heck will break loose and you can have some serious trouble on your hands not only with the baby, but with the mare who's been left behind. I also think that all those kids at once would completely overwhelm him and stress him out so bad.

I do take Timmy out daily by himself just with me for short periods of time for grooming and things like that. I'm increasing the time more and more but in the event that either began to stress for the other, I can remedy that easily, keep it calm and reassuring.

 

[lilhorseladie]

Well I guess I will be the odd man out on this post and stick my neck out. I begin my volunteer program when they are only about a week old. I take them out, if mom will allow it. My mare is used to my constant interuptions. By four weeks they are gone for one hour each week. I have done this for three years. My mare isn't nervous however and won't hurt herself and that would be my main concern. Just because I do it, though, doesn't make it right.

 

[Bess Kelly]

I have taken foals this young, with their very calm dam, to such events and not an issue. You need two people, one for each animal, and both of your animals need to be used to people and be calm natured. My foal was well handled from birth.

Actually, they were a great hit and both enjoyed the visit. The kids loved it!

BUT, you must let the children know to be gentle and move slowly, not run. Yep hard for this age but, they will do great if you give a little talk first about horses in general and their interaction with people....

Then, invite them to calmly pet them. They need to learn to be gentle with all animals. It can work.

 

[Aggravation Acres]

I was at an AMHR show this year where someone showed a month old colt. I asked them where the mother was and was told that he is eating some hay and grain now and does not need his mother around all the time. I was shocked

WE are talking about being seperated 6 hours or more. And 2 weeks later they did it again for a one day fair show. The colt seemed fine but I would never think about doing anything like that.

But we do not wean ours until they are 5 - 6 months old.

Deb