As we learn and research about the best way to care for orphan foals, and receive information that is provided to us via our online friends, we will publish it here as a resource guide to folks going through the same issues as us!
Not all of the information posted has been tried by us, but we would like the information readily available for folks to use their own judgment in deciding whether to use the suggestions or not.
Tips for raising an orphan foal:
- Put the orphan with another horse. An older pony, well mannered youngster or any other horse that will be kind to your orphan while serving the dual purpose of keeping the orphan company, and teaching him manners and how to be a horse.
- When bottle feeding the orphan, make sure that the bottle is lower than his withers. Too high a bottle can cause aspiration, which 95% of the time causes pnemonia. Pnemonia in foals can be fatal if not treated.
- Make sure you keep in mind that this poor little orphan will some day (God willing) become a 1000 lb full grown horse! Manners are important. Reportedly the biggest issue with orphans is their poor manners and bad attitudes towards people when they are grown. Remember that you are the mare, and mares do not put up with bad manners. Be kind, but firm.
More articles and information coming as time permits.
