Question
I have an orphaned 30-day-old colt. He is not drinking the liquid milk replacer but is nibbling at orchardgrass hay and chopped alfalfa hay. I am also feeding a milk-replacer pellet and some textured feed designed for growth. What else can I do for this foal?
Answer
The combination of the two feeds could work fine as long as the foal doesn’t start sorting the feed and neglecting the milk-replacer pellets.
Some brands offer a specific product for this scenario that combines the growth formula with the milk replacer. Feeding a combined product would eliminate the potential sorting problem. The manufacturers often recommend feeding these products free choice because foals require several small meals each day. If free-choice feeding isn’t possible, six to eight small meals a day should be adequate.
The hay and chopped alfalfa will be helpful. If the foal has the chance to get out on grass pasture, it would be even better. The grass blades are tender and easier for a foal to chew than hay. Make sure the foal has easy access to plenty of clean water.
The colt has probably already endured foal-heat scours. If you notice any discomfort or further diarrhea, then you may want to try a digestive supplement intended for use in foals.
Do you have a babysitter to stay with the foal? For optimal social development of the foal, he should have a mature horse for company and guidance. Companionship can help with the depression that sometimes hits young orphans. Orphans raised without other horses can become incredibly spoiled and difficult to handle as an adult. Barren or aged mares and patient geldings often do well in this attendant role. Above all, the companion should be patient and willing to cope with youthful antics, while still doling out discipline if necessary.
One challenge with a companion is keeping it from eating the foal’s ration. There are many commercial creep feeders specially designed for this purpose. Alternatively, the two could be separated for feeding, though it is a good idea to keep them in sight of one another.
Pay careful attention to the foal, allowing yourself plenty of time each day to watch the foal. If at any time the foal begins grinding its teeth or lying on its back. contact a veterinarian, as the foal may have gastric ulcers.
