what do you suggest? Should we just feed her hay and leave off the mare and foal feed?
We have been giving her a flake of hay and 4, 2llb coffee cans full of mare and foal feed a day. Is this right/wrong too much too little or any suggestions for changes appreciated!
Sounds like you are giving her plenty of grain. Do you divide that up into a morning and evening feeding? The only problem with the grain would be if your giving her all that all at once.
I would definitly increase her hay. 2-3 flakes twice a day.
Becky
I'd do what Becky recommended about not feeding grain unless and until she looks right, and it would seem that in general, you should be feeding more hay if there isn't good effective pasture. I feed mine two heavy flakes morning and night, and they aren't nursing. The amount should feel heavy, not just air, the thickness depends on how dense your bales are. Feed until there is waste, and then cut back the amount they are wasting. Unless it's alfalfa (which I don't recommend) she can have as much grass hay as she wants, and baby too.
The Mare and Fola feed should be more monitored, and I'd follow the directions on the label to start, and then add/subtract as needed.
Good morning everyone,
Don't give your mare any grain today and watch her closely. Also watch the foal for diarreha. Do you have any bran? If so, tomorrow morning feed her a bran mash. Bran, plus hot water, enough so that it's the consistancy of oatmeal and if you have it, some molasses mixed in. Check her hoofs to see if there is any heat at all in them.
Did you have a vet out after she foaled? If not, this is a good time to do it. He can check both her and the foal, give them any immunizations that they might need and check on her weight loss.
If she shows any discomfort at all, please call a vet right away.