Adge was born on 26th December and thunder was born I think on the 30th Jan. So only 4 months and 3 months. Misty never put on a lot of weight whilst pregnant and lost it all straight away after foaling. She is having all that she is supposed to have as a nursing mare plus extra.
We have already discussed and decided how to wean them, we have an empty field (not adjoining the colts) that we can put the mares in. We think that leaving the colts in the field that they are used to would be less traumatic for them. We would like to wean them together but I am concerned for Misty. Adge has been seperated for over an hour recently when we have worked with him and he did not seem to be overlly concerned. I know it varies from owner to owner when to wean.........what do you think?
It's too soon to wean them. The youngest should be at least 5 months.
Just keep feeding the moms well... there are supplements you can add if they keep dropping... and give as much hay as they want.
The short term separations are good, they can help regulate and know exactly how much each horse is eating and ensure Misty is actually getting what you are feeding her.
Remember to drop moms' feed for a few days to start to dry them up and then increase it to get them back to the right weight after they dry up.