The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Pets & Working Animals => Horses, ponies, donkeys & mules => Topic started by: minibn on October 22, 2016, 06:55:50 pm

Title: Hard feed recommendations for native foals
Post by: minibn on October 22, 2016, 06:55:50 pm

Hi,

I have finally collected my Dartmoor hill pony foal, which actually turned into foals. So I now have a little colt and filly. They are around 6 months old. Known as Bramble and Tiny Tim. Tim got his name, as he has come from a young mother and although she has done as good a job as possible, he is a little on the poor side.

They have been wormed, vaccinated etc already.

Does anyone have any recommendations on hard feed for them? I want to make sure they are getting everything they need, but as natives I don't want to over do it. They will be out in the day and in at night. They have as much hay as they will eat to.

Any advice welcomed.

Thanks for reading

Emily

Title: Re: Hard feed recommendations for native foals
Post by: Buttermilk on October 23, 2016, 08:32:36 am

I would just feed a balancer and forage.  I tend to use suregrow at half the recommended rate for natives as it is formulated for warmbloods.

Title: Re: Hard feed recommendations for native foals
Post by: harmony on October 23, 2016, 09:14:44 am

I was wondering if you had collected your little one minibn and lo and behold one became two!As with all youngstock feeding at this age is really important to give them a good start. I agree with the advice given. I am sure you will soon see a change.


We need piccies!!!

Title: Re: Hard feed recommendations for native foals
Post by: muddypuddle on October 24, 2016, 10:35:57 am

If they have good access to pasture and forage then they shouldn't need a concentrate really. As Scarlet Dragon said, they live off air and water. If you want to put a bit of weight on Fibre beet (on cold days I use warm water) and just regular veg oil and ad lib hay. They have been wormed too so you should notice a difference soon. Enjoy them  :)