When should I wean my filly ?

[2minis4us]

This is my first foal ever born at our place. I own just her and her mama. Baby is 4 months old now and I can't bring myself to wean her, I dread it ! LOL !

She is a good weight if not chubby, and mama is doing fine so it's not like she is pulling the mare down. What do you think ?

 

[chandab]

If the foal isn't pulling momma down, then leave them together til he filly is 5-6 months old, older if needed. Baby will learn lots of social skills from her mom, so might as well leave them together, especially if there is no pressing reason to wean now.

 

[kay56649]

I have exactly what you have a 4 month old filly with just the mamma and the first foal born at our house. I am trying to wean my baby too. Lol. I am just trying to wean her but I'm heart broken too. Ha ha

 

[2minis4us]

I keep thinking if I stall long enough she might wean herself, dumb huh ? It's going to be hard to think how I can keep them separated.

 

[Joanne]

I agree with the 5-6 months time span. The moms start wandering off and the foals get more independent.

Start by putting the mom outside of where the foal is, but still in sight. Do it for an hour or two and slowly build up on the time, then put them together again.

It is often easier if when you finally seperate them am and pm they can see each other through the fence and stand together at night. There is less calling that way.

 

[kay56649]

I have been seperating most of the pm, well maybe about 8 hours where they can see each other. There where a coule whinnies from the foal, but momma is completely fine with it I agree with Joanne and chandab

 

[Miniv]

I also agree with the older weaning age.....If it's not hurting the mare, it makes the process more natural and less stressful for mom, baby, AND owner.