Posted 2007-07-19 5:07 AM (#64099) Subject: What age do you wean?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Iowa
Ive always weaned at 4 months. i have a futurity baby that's three months old now. The futurity is the end of september. She's eating great, and is fat health and halter broke. I was told that the mare's milk peaks at 3 months, then falls off. I see no reason not to go ahead and wean her now. Comments?
Posted 2007-07-19 12:02 PM (#64121 - in reply to #64099) Subject: RE: What age do you wean?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I wouldn't do it that early. Is the foal eating on his own? If you take the foal off and he drops weight and starts to look poor you'll have ruined your chances at the futurity.
Posted 2007-07-19 1:42 PM (#64128 - in reply to #64099) Subject: RE: What age do you wean?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I usually wait as long as possible, last year the filly was 7 months, but with this years foal I am weaning now at 4 1/2 months. The mare is starting to drop weight.
Posted 2007-07-19 7:08 PM (#64146 - in reply to #64140) Subject: RE: What age do you wean?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I had to wait on the first filly. Stress of travel (800 miles), stress of new home, stress of weaning..... I don't think so. Colic treatment wasn't in the moving budget.
Posted 2007-07-20 5:28 PM (#64182 - in reply to #64166) Subject: RE: What age do you wean?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Iowa
She's been in a stall tonight, next to momma eating on her own and milling around, munching on hay. Baby didn't seem to mind at all, mother didn't get too upset either. I think I'll leave them side by side for a few day's and go ahead and wean her. She has other company in the barn with her too. I have wire mesh stalls, so everyone can see the other one.
What age do you wean?
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