Hello,
I was wondering what the best bedding material would be for a miniature mare at foaling time. Is it true that straw might be harmful to eyes? What about putting a canvas tarp over the straw? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
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foaling time...bedding material
cowgirlkelly
Nov 23, 2004 09:48 AM
Replies (2)
PH Cody
Nov 29, 2004 01:57 PM
>>Hello,
>>I was wondering what the best bedding material would be for a miniature mare at foaling time. Is it true that straw might be harmful to eyes? What about putting a canvas tarp over the straw? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
This is one of those where everyone has their preferences 
We use straw and haven't had any problems with it. I usually have a thin layer of shavings under the straw to help with absorption. We've foaled out on shavings before too when the mare got sneaky on us, but tend to go with the straw because there is a higher chance of the foal inhaling shavings. The only thing right off that I would say definitely not to would be sawdust - because it is so easily inhaled while the foal is trying to figure out their environment. But even in saying that, I know people who use it...of course we treated one of their foals last year for pneumonia so...
My favorite foaling medium is clean pasture/paddock Unfortunately, since we moved north that tends to be covered with a rather thick layer of snow during that particular time of year!!!
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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator
Come join our Saturday Night Barn Party from 9-11 also! PHRitters is always ready to party
jcherry
Jan 08, 2006 01:15 AM
I have to agree with PH, we use a layer of shavings covered with coastal hay. The mares tend to nibble at it during foaling, which reduces stress and out of over 300 foals in the last 5 years have not had a problem with the hay in the eyes. One thing to watch though after the foal is about 2 - 5 days old is the foal getting shavings impacted in the sides of the mouth from nibbling at them. It is amazing how many times we see this, probally 1 out of 8 or 9 foals. Cheeky little buggers LOL.
John Cherry
Cherryville Farms
