Weaning Questions

[clh]

I know I am a little late with this but with the really hot weather we experienced the past few weeks and having trouble finding a transporter I am now just getting to wean a few of my foals. Since this is the first time we've had foals on the farm, I've heard numerous suggestions on the best way to do this. I will have an older mare and her foal still at the farm and the two colts (with their dams) have been in the pasture with them. I've heard it is best to the keep the colts in the stalls for a few days and I've also heard to go ahead and turn them out with the older mare and her foal. My main concern is that the mares are not getting picked up until around 5:30 pm and I'm afraid if I turn the colts out they will run through the fence looking for their moms. Any suggestions on the best way to wean? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[joeangelo]

We wait for the sign. It has made life much easier. The first year we had foals we just pulled them in the morning from the mares. it was alright but not great. The next year we put the mares and foals in stalls for a few days at night and turnout together where the foals will be staying. then put the foals up at night after weaning for a few weeks. By coupling this method with the sign we (knock on wood) haven't had any problems.
However in our situation our mares stay with us. So you may want to tweak it for your situation.
Brian