Newborn Foal Timeline

[Becky]

With foaling season in full swing, I thought I would repost this info. From 2006. Great information to know!

Healthy newborn foals hit a number of developmental milestones on a predictable time line. When a foal lags significantly behind the norm, it's wise to call your veterinarian for a closer examination.

Here's how soon after birth neurologic milestones are typically reached:

* 30 seconds to three minutes: lifts and shakes head

* One to 10 minutes: shifts up to his chest in sternal recumbency

* Two to 10 minutes: suckles reflexively on a finger placed in front of his mouth

* 10 to 40 minutes: moves ears and head to follow sound

* 15 minutes to three hours: stands

After the foal stands, note how soon thereafter a second set of milestones is reached:

* 15 minutes to three hours: walks well

* 30 minutes to 1.5 hours: nurses

* 30 minutes to 1.5 hours: passes meconium, the waste mater accumulated in the fetal digestive tract

* One to 15 hours: urinates

* Two to four hours: stretches, trots, gallops

 

[palsminihorses]

Good information Becky! Thanks for sharing.

 

[eagles ring farm]

Thanks Becky

It's always good to have a timeline of normal

great info

 

[Joanne]

I have this information in my foaling barn laminated to remind me when I am dead tired from foaling season.

 

[2minis4us]

Thank you ! I just printed it out

 

[Becky]

Great idea, Joanne. I need to do that too. I think this is excellent information for all breeders.