Is weaning this way ok?

horseloverinVA · 08-26-2008, 11:12 AM

I have posted a thread in the buying/selling section about a prospect colt. This colt is 5 months old and would be 6 months when I actually got him. The seller wants to load him and mom up, bring them to VA, and just leave him. That's the way she wants to wean him. I've never dealt with weaning this way. Anyone have any suggestions?

**gbarmranch** · 08-26-2008, 11:15 AM

We have sold a mare before and weaned the colt that day - it is actually easier in some respects as there is no mom to keep calling to her baby.. BUT that was keeping the foal at our place - a location he or she was familiar with..

I would think it would double the stress to move him to a completely foreign location to wean him...

Couldn't they start sperating them a bit where he is now, so that he learns to function on his own for a while before they bring him to your place

Carri · 08-26-2008, 11:15 AM

I really don't know much about weaning, but it seems like it would be a lot harder on both that way. It would be better if the baby could be weaned at home, in familiar surroundings, before coming to you...

cameo05 · 08-26-2008, 11:16 AM

That is the way Jolena and Di were weaned. There were no issues on my end, and I think Jolena did very very well....

cameo05 · 08-26-2008, 11:18 AM

Well I will add to mine, that I think Jolena had already been deciding on her own mom wasn't where her food was anymore

**gbarmranch** · 08-26-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameo05

That is the way Jolena and Di were weaned. There were no issues on my end, and I think Jolena did very very well....

But she stayed with us, in a familiar environment.. It is no different then sending mom to the neighbors (which a lot of people do) when they are weaned.. This boy would be going to a stranger, and being plucked from mom all at the same time.. a hard way to grow up IMO..

horseloverinVA · 08-26-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarmranch

We have sold a mare before and weaned the colt that day - it is actually easier in some respects as there is no mom to keep calling to her baby.. BUT that was keeping the foal at our place - a location he or she was familiar with..

I would think it would double the stress to move him to a completely foreign location to wean him...

Couldn't they start sperating them a bit where he is now, so that he learns to function on his own for a while before they bring him to your place

She says she takes him out for walks on his own, and mom calls but he never answers. She said that he goes out on his own in the pasture without being glued to mom. She said she didn't have the facilities to wean him at her place and that's why she wanted him sold before weaning time, was so she could take him and leave him.

cameo05 · 08-26-2008, 11:20 AM

Yes that does make all the difference in the world.... this is for gbar...

pvf · 08-26-2008, 11:22 AM

The only thing that might help is if you have a horse that you could put in with him to make him fill comfortable. Not exactly the best weanling situation also the mare could go nuts in her trailer once the baby is droped off which wouldn't be your issue but not something that I would recommend doing.

Also, if shes breeding horses why wouldn't see plan for a better weanling spot on her property.

Although, Miss Velvet had no issues leaving her mom and her mom didn't care etiher..
Lacy on the other had was different. (but she's also younger). I think with the colt being the age he is and some mares will wean there own young. He might be fine if he has a buddy.

horseloverinVA · 08-26-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarmranch

But she stayed with us, in a familiar environment.. It is no different then sending mom to the neighbors (which a lot of people do) when they are weaned.. This boy would be going to a stranger, and being plucked from mom all at the same time.. a hard way to grow up IMO..

Let me just say, that this is not an ideal situation for me. I'm very concerned about him getting the shaft, whether I get him or someone else does. My only consolation is that my filly would take him right in as a playmate, and he wouldn't be so alone. IMO she's be better for him than my geldings for a while.

horseloverinVA · 08-26-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pvf

The only thing that might help is if you have a horse that you could put in with him to make him fill comfortable. Not exactly the best weanling situation also the mare could go nuts in her trailer once the baby is droped off which wouldn't be your issue but not something that I would recommend doing.

I thought about that too. The seller is picking up a horse from training about an hour North of me, so she said the mare would have company on the way home. Like I said, this is not ideal for me at all but it's not my choice to make.

I have asked her if she's be willing to try and seperate them some before he came here should we get him. Haven't heard back yet.

**gbarmranch** · 08-26-2008, 11:27 AM

Then it will work.. he just may be a little goofy for a week or two - not ideal no; but doable, sure..

You may also want to spend a lot of time with him.. we did that with Jolena to compensate for not having a weaning buddy at the time, and I do think it helped not only her to deal with it - but also to become very trusting with humans..

carmor07 · 08-26-2008, 11:31 AM

I bought a weanling that way one time and he stuck to me like glue

I turned him out with 2 of my mares and my stud and he did great.I know most weanlings at that age dont depend on mom so much.If they live close maybe you could do a trial period.

My filly from my old mare only hollered for mom about 30 mins and she was off to be a big girl with the rest of the herd.

Jean Genie · 08-27-2008, 12:02 AM

When I bought my one-eyed mare years ago, she had a lovely filly by her side that was also sold, to someone else. Both were loaded up and my place was the 1st stop. Weaned in my driveway

. I was left with an unbroke, one-eyed, madder than heck mare to deal with...welcome to the family, girl

and the trailer left with the filly calling and calling to her Mom

. There was a bit of thumping around in the trailer and I was worried sick about her arriving safely to her new home. I knew the seller pretty well, he was very experienced, so I called him later in the day and he assured me that she made the trip OK. I guess it's always traumatic, really, but this did seem to make the ordeal more difficult for everyone, including ME

. So I guess it's not that uncommon? In your case, that wonderful looking colt you're considering will be 6 mos old, hopefully will be somewhat independent by then, and you have that gorgeous filly to keep him company. Goodness...what a pair those 2 might make a few years down the road...

...which is the plan, hypothetically, I presume

?

kaykay · 08-27-2008, 06:51 AM

I would never agree that this is the right way to wean. Its easy for the seller to do it this way but not in the best interest of the mare or foal. Just moving a horse creates a ton of stress and to move and wean in one day is just asking for trouble. Foals get ulcers very easily. I would make sure that hes at least been fed seperately so that you are sure he knows how to eat on his own. I have heard of foals being taken to the new home that had never had grain etc and it was a pill getting them to eat.

JoesLove · 08-27-2008, 06:55 AM

Sounds like a horse in NC I had emailed a lady about..maybe its the same one

nice chestnut AWB colt...she said she planned to put him in the trailer with mom and all. I wasnt too sure about this either because I was thinking so I'd get him and he'd get here and start acting all crazy!

horseloverinVA · 08-27-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pvf

Also, if shes breeding horses why wouldn't see plan for a better weanling spot on her property.

It's my understanding that the mare was bred when she was bought. The seller isn 't the owner of this mare either, I assume she may be boarding her, but couldn't say for sure.

horseloverinVA · 08-27-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean Genie

When I bought my one-eyed mare years ago, she had a lovely filly by her side that was also sold, to someone else. Both were loaded up and my place was the 1st stop. Weaned in my driveway

. I was left with an unbroke, one-eyed, madder than heck mare to deal with...welcome to the family, girl

and the trailer left with the filly calling and calling to her Mom

. There was a bit of thumping around in the trailer and I was worried sick about her arriving safely to her new home. I knew the seller pretty well, he was very experienced, so I called him later in the day and he assured me that she made the trip OK. I guess it's always traumatic, really, but this did seem to make the ordeal more difficult for everyone, including ME

. So I guess it's not that uncommon? In your case, that wonderful looking colt you're considering will be 6 mos old, hopefully will be somewhat independent by then, and you have that gorgeous filly to keep him company. Goodness...what a pair those 2 might make a few years down the road...

...which is the plan, hypothetically, I presume

?

The thought was to keep him a stud, however with the separation issues he may become a gelding if he ends up with me!

horseloverinVA · 08-27-2008, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

I would never agree that this is the right way to wean. Its easy for the seller to do it this way but not in the best interest of the mare or foal. Just moving a horse creates a ton of stress and to move and wean in one day is just asking for trouble. Foals get ulcers very easily. I would make sure that hes at least been fed seperately so that you are sure he knows how to eat on his own. I have heard of foals being taken to the new home that had never had grain etc and it was a pill getting them to eat.

According to seller he already eats seperatly and eats hay and grain well. He only nurses a couple times a day, and t's not really even for any length of time...think he's just making sure it's still there

pvf · 08-27-2008, 08:52 AM

At the age that this colt is he should be more independent and it should be fine to wean him this way. Yes not the ideal situation but it will more than likely go without any problems at all. He's old enough to become a big boy! Also, the new home and new surroundings might keep his mind off his mom especially if he gets a new playmate.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Looks like i will be weaning	knpaints	Health & Nutrition	10	07-08-2008 11:39 AM
weaning?	foreveryours	General Horse Advice	13	01-11-2008 12:49 PM
Weaning Help	Annie Oakley	General Horse Advice	10	09-29-2007 06:43 AM
Weaning	paige5785	General Horse Advice	12	12-24-2006 08:57 PM
Weaning should I do it now?	leosbluediamond	Breeding & Genetics	14	07-25-2006 03:41 PM

08-26-2008, 11:12 AM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,173	Is weaning this way ok? I have posted a thread in the buying/selling section about a prospect colt. This colt is 5 months old and would be 6 months when I actually got him. The seller wants to load him and mom up, bring them to VA, and just leave him. That's the way she wants to wean him. I've never dealt with weaning this way. Anyone have any suggestions? __________________ A horse can lend its rider the speed and strength he or she lacks, but the rider who is wise remembers it is no more than a loan. Pam Brown

08-26-2008, 11:15 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,218	We have sold a mare before and weaned the colt that day - it is actually easier in some respects as there is no mom to keep calling to her baby.. BUT that was keeping the foal at our place - a location he or she was familiar with.. I would think it would double the stress to move him to a completely foreign location to wean him... Couldn't they start sperating them a bit where he is now, so that he learns to function on his own for a while before they bring him to your place __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-26-2008, 11:15 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 9,984	I really don't know much about weaning, but it seems like it would be a lot harder on both that way. It would be better if the baby could be weaned at home, in familiar surroundings, before coming to you... __________________

08-26-2008, 11:16 AM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,694	That is the way Jolena and Di were weaned. There were no issues on my end, and I think Jolena did very very well.... __________________

08-26-2008, 11:18 AM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,694	Well I will add to mine, that I think Jolena had already been deciding on her own mom wasn't where her food was anymore __________________

08-26-2008, 11:20 AM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,694	Yes that does make all the difference in the world.... this is for gbar... __________________

08-26-2008, 11:22 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,420	The only thing that might help is if you have a horse that you could put in with him to make him fill comfortable. Not exactly the best weanling situation also the mare could go nuts in her trailer once the baby is droped off which wouldn't be your issue but not something that I would recommend doing. Also, if shes breeding horses why wouldn't see plan for a better weanling spot on her property. Although, Miss Velvet had no issues leaving her mom and her mom didn't care etiher.. Lacy on the other had was different. (but she's also younger). I think with the colt being the age he is and some mares will wean there own young. He might be fine if he has a buddy. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses Last edited by pvf : 08-26-2008 at 11:25 AM.

08-26-2008, 11:27 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,218	Then it will work.. he just may be a little goofy for a week or two - not ideal no; but doable, sure.. You may also want to spend a lot of time with him.. we did that with Jolena to compensate for not having a weaning buddy at the time, and I do think it helped not only her to deal with it - but also to become very trusting with humans.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-26-2008, 11:31 AM
carmor07 Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tn. Posts: 852	I bought a weanling that way one time and he stuck to me like glueI turned him out with 2 of my mares and my stud and he did great.I know most weanlings at that age dont depend on mom so much.If they live close maybe you could do a trial period.My filly from my old mare only hollered for mom about 30 mins and she was off to be a big girl with the rest of the herd.

08-27-2008, 12:02 AM
Jean Genie Started Join Date: May 2006 Location: NW Illinois Posts: 2,002	When I bought my one-eyed mare years ago, she had a lovely filly by her side that was also sold, to someone else. Both were loaded up and my place was the 1st stop. Weaned in my driveway . I was left with an unbroke, one-eyed, madder than heck mare to deal with...welcome to the family, girl and the trailer left with the filly calling and calling to her Mom . There was a bit of thumping around in the trailer and I was worried sick about her arriving safely to her new home. I knew the seller pretty well, he was very experienced, so I called him later in the day and he assured me that she made the trip OK. I guess it's always traumatic, really, but this did seem to make the ordeal more difficult for everyone, including ME . So I guess it's not that uncommon? In your case, that wonderful looking colt you're considering will be 6 mos old, hopefully will be somewhat independent by then, and you have that gorgeous filly to keep him company. Goodness...what a pair those 2 might make a few years down the road... ...which is the plan, hypothetically, I presume ? __________________ Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.

08-27-2008, 06:51 AM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 543	I would never agree that this is the right way to wean. Its easy for the seller to do it this way but not in the best interest of the mare or foal. Just moving a horse creates a ton of stress and to move and wean in one day is just asking for trouble. Foals get ulcers very easily. I would make sure that hes at least been fed seperately so that you are sure he knows how to eat on his own. I have heard of foals being taken to the new home that had never had grain etc and it was a pill getting them to eat. __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter

08-27-2008, 06:55 AM
JoesLove Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 357	Sounds like a horse in NC I had emailed a lady about..maybe its the same one nice chestnut AWB colt...she said she planned to put him in the trailer with mom and all. I wasnt too sure about this either because I was thinking so I'd get him and he'd get here and start acting all crazy!

08-27-2008, 08:52 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,420	At the age that this colt is he should be more independent and it should be fine to wean him this way. Yes not the ideal situation but it will more than likely go without any problems at all. He's old enough to become a big boy! Also, the new home and new surroundings might keep his mind off his mom especially if he gets a new playmate. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses