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Date Posted: 21:27:40 11/29/03 Sat
Author: Sybil E. Sewell
Author Host/IP: rddrpx33-port-69.dial.telus.net / 161.184.22.56
Subject: Re: age for weaning
In reply to: Chris 's message, "age for weaning" on 18:50:46 10/23/03 Thu

With 33 years of experience in raising donkeys I can assure you that 2-3 months of age for weaning is far too young! ADMS suggests 5-6 months, australia's 'Donkey Business III ' book suggests 6-9 months. Much depends on the maturity of the foal and the body condition of dam and foal. We wean at 5 months providing the foal is eating foal pellets and hay and is drinking water well. Foals are started on foal pellets by 2-4 weeks of age. Research has shown the equine female milk supply starts to decrease about 6 weeks after foaling therefore it is essential to supply the foal with the added nutrition it requires long before the actual weaning date. If at all possible foals should be weaned in pairs so they have company, and are out of sight of the jennets. The supply of foal pellets and hay should not change, the foal has enough to edjust to at this critical time without changing his diet also. By the age of weaning the foal should have had it's hooves trimmed at least twice, been dewormed at least twice and had the first 4 way injection. Hopefully the foal has been imprinted, in which case leading it and working on the basics of kindergarten education, (lead - at word commands of walk, trot , stand and whoa; load in the trailer, and have feet handled etc.) will just be a continuing part of his training.

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