wcr
Well-Known Member
One of the most asked questions I see on the forum is what signs to watch for that the mare is getting ready to foal. Changes start about a month out with the bagging and body changes that experienced people look for to predict when a mare is leading up to foaling.
Let's hear from all you experienced people what signs you look for, at what time you put your mare in the barn, when you know foaling is imminent. All mares are different but we all have signs we watch out for.
I have found that mares start to bag up about a month out. As soon as they start to bag then I keep them close to keep an eye on them. I spend more time with them scratching and feeling the bag as it develops and baby my mares as they like the attention and are used to me messing with them. This rapport helps when I have to be in the stall at foaling time and they are used to my presence.
As foaling time approaches they will get a little like jello in the muscles above their tail(not all do this) Sometimes you can see the hooves move in this area when the foal is in position to be delivered.
The last week or so the foal moves into position towards the birth canal and your blimpy looking mare will start to look more slab-sided. This is definately when I put them in the barn under cameras. They will also lose the rounded abdomen in front of their back legs and tend to be a little flatter. Edema and milk veins along the bottom of their abdomen and in front of the bag tends to be more prominent.
I know I will think of more so lets hear from everyone.
Let's hear from all you experienced people what signs you look for, at what time you put your mare in the barn, when you know foaling is imminent. All mares are different but we all have signs we watch out for.
I have found that mares start to bag up about a month out. As soon as they start to bag then I keep them close to keep an eye on them. I spend more time with them scratching and feeling the bag as it develops and baby my mares as they like the attention and are used to me messing with them. This rapport helps when I have to be in the stall at foaling time and they are used to my presence.
As foaling time approaches they will get a little like jello in the muscles above their tail(not all do this) Sometimes you can see the hooves move in this area when the foal is in position to be delivered.
The last week or so the foal moves into position towards the birth canal and your blimpy looking mare will start to look more slab-sided. This is definately when I put them in the barn under cameras. They will also lose the rounded abdomen in front of their back legs and tend to be a little flatter. Edema and milk veins along the bottom of their abdomen and in front of the bag tends to be more prominent.
I know I will think of more so lets hear from everyone.