Why breed for foals this early? May be a silly question

[Bess Kelly]

It's great if you can move them next to your own quarters and/or have a cam to monitor.....but, if this isn't possible, then by all means try to get an Equipage & or Breeders Alert. I have Breeder's Alert and while it is set to ring my phone, I use the beeper most often. The beeper can carry about 3 miles. In fact, I have hand tested mine to know if I'm in the fields, at the gas station, etc......so it can work for you. Yes, every time they lay down, not just when foaling, it goes off.

: Thus, the monitor helps you to not have to make as many trips to the barn -- you can just watch them on the monitor as they get more sleep than you! :lol:

Depending on the material that the shelter they are in is made from, a wireless cam may work...some can transmit more than the 300' of most, but you are talking 500+. They are fairly inexpensive now at Lowe's, WalMart, Radio Shack, etc. BUT -- you can't stay away 24/7 to watch. That is where the halter type alert system comes in.......that will set you back in the area of $700.

 

[pepperhill]

If it helps, I got a nice camera system on line at X10.com. I got it in the mail 2 days later. You can put it in your carport and watch from bed. I just got mine set up a few weeks ago and now wonder how I ever lived without it. I believe you can get a system that goes on your TV and on your computer so you can watch from work too. Linda

 

[DunPainted]

:aktion033: ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING TOPIC :aktion033:

What's interesting is the regional perspective of "best" time of the year to foal. It never occurred to me that in warm climates, the heat presents a BIG problem for the foals.

Here in NE Wisconsin, my personal preference is foaling in June, when the fluctuation in temperature seems to level out.

A nearby sporthorse breeder previously bred for March/April foals. Sadly, there were problems due to cold weather (even in a barn). Being new to horses, in general, I naievly suggested that perhaps breeding for late-April or May might be a good idea to help mortality rate. Couldn't believe it when the breeder of nearly 30 years changed their strategy two years ago, as a result of blurting out an idea.

Thanks to all who've shared their experiences.....very enlightening!

 

[Cronewolf]

:new_shocked: :saludando: I would being on a cot in the stall myself in your case.

Are these mares due now??

Lyn, I am not sure WHEN they are due. They were both exposed from mid February until early May, so it could be even April. Megan has bagged up, croup soft, inside vulva red, but Starbaby has not. Both are about the same size, belly-wise, and both fetuses seem to have similar activity levels. Megans maybe a little more.

OK, will a camera or alert system reach here from the barn? What is that alarm that will call my phone? I've heard those discussed. I DO NOT want to be posting sad news on here. I really pray that this will come out just fine.

 

[Ashley]

We try to foal late April May here. Any earlier and its iffy(however we do have some due in march) and were told absolutely not after early June. It gets to hot here then and the mares dont like to try as hard to get the foals out.