Caring for Mares & Foals
Lesson 8: The Older Foal
Weaning
The big question is when. And the answer is: “it depends.” It depends on the individual mare, foal, and the owner’s plans and situation. At the least, a foal needs its mother’s milk for the first six weeks of life. The general weaning time is about three to four months, although some farms allow the foals with the mare until about six months.
Why would you wean as early as six weeks? The mare’s lactation peaks at this point and the quality and quantity of her milk decreases after this point. However, unless the mare is losing condition rapidly by supplying a growing foal, it is more usual to wait until the foal is three to four months old.
We have also weaned earlier if the mare needs to be prepared for competition, but you should not do that to the detriment of the foal. Make sure the foal is eating well on his own before removing him from his mom. Also don’t pick a time when the foal is already stressed (been ill, just wormed, or vaccinated).
How do I do it? Well, be ready for the heartrending cries of Baby. Mom seems to overcome the separation anxiety before Baby, but if you can, give Baby a companion. This alleviates some of the problem. If you can keep them out of hearing distance of each other they also seem to adjust faster. If you have gradually separated Mom and Baby for shorter periods previously, they also seem better able to adjust to the permanent separation.
A word of warning - when initially separating Mom and Baby make sure baby is in a safe place. He/she will probably be frantic and it's amazing where they can put their feet. Stall walls should be solid and over their heads, paddock fences high enough to discourage jumping and solid enough to withstand battering. In a few days all will be peaceful again. You may also find that your foal will become more affectionate with you without Mom to relate to.
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