Weaning by the Signs - 2010

[VirginiaBred]

January 19th, 20th & 21st
February 16th & 17th
March 15th & 16th
April 11th, 12th & 13th
May 9th & 10th
June 5th & 6th
July 2nd, 3rd & 4th
August 26th & 27th
September 22nd & 23rd
October 19th, 20th & 21st
November 16th & 17th
December 13th, 14th & 15th

[VirginiaBred]

[Copied from 2010 Weaning by the Signs (http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241141) thread -- please direct questions there]

January 19th, 20th & 21st
February 16th & 17th
March 15th & 16th
April 11th, 12th & 13th
May 9th & 10th
June 5th & 6th
July 2nd, 3rd & 4th
August 26th & 27th
September 22nd & 23rd
October 19th, 20th & 21st
November 16th & 17th
December 13th, 14th & 15th

[gubbyz]

I want to wean my filly soon, I am not familiar with this signs. Can you explain please?

[Fairview Horse Center]

Weaning by the signs is something that some breeders believe makes it easier. It has to do with the horoscope signs. I personally have never believed in the horoscope signs, so I wean when it is best for the horses, and my schedule, and it has always gone easy.

[VirginiaBred]

I want to wean my filly soon, I am not familiar with this signs. Can you explain please?

It started from the old farmers many, many years ago when they weaned their cows and they tried different methods to reduce the stress level on both cow and calf so not too much weight would be lost and milk production was lost.

It is not based on "horoscopes" as the uninformed or those that don't know anything about it think, but the moon signs as they occur with the tides. There are but a few days each month that the "right" or "best" days occur.

It has been proven to work so well that many horse publications will print the days. Bloodhorse and Thoroughbred Magazine publish the days each year.

[alliekat]

I weaned mine by the signs last month in Dec. I was very pleased at how well things went. I also found the mares much more calm about being separated from their foals. My mares were the ones who always got upset any time I took their foals away for 10 minutes before weaning. When I finally weaned them by the signs, they never even called once to their babies and vice versa. Made me a believer for sure. Thanks for posting, I had never heard of it before.

[CowgirlDressage]

Again, it is not by the astrological signs & charting what so ever. It is by the moon signs, tides, etc., by which farmers have not only weaned, but planted, harvested, etc. for thousands of years.

I did wean our colt by the signs last year, and he nor his dam called out to one another, etc. No pacing, no upset, nada.

He went into his field with the "uncle" he'd been stalled next to since his birth, she went back out with the main herd she's known for several years, and they were both peacefully grazing like no biggie right from the get-go. Love it!

[VirginiaBred]

[quote=CowgirlDressage]Again, it is not by the astrological signs & charting what so ever. It is by the moon signs, tides, etc., by which farmers have not only weaned, but planted, harvested, etc. for thousands of years.

quote]



Exactly right!

This information is now in the "Sticky" of Breeding info at the top of this forum.

[gubbyz]

So you just pick the date that works best, nothing to do with the babys birthday, right? So I missed the jan. ones, so I wait for feb. She is 5 months old, so that should work!

[stoicfish]

What is the relationship between the moon and the dates? It seems that the dates are at different stages of the moon, and not just one. I do know of many instances of the moon affecting animals in nature. Was just wondering how they come up with these dates.

Full moon ............Weaning dates

2010 Jan 30 .......January 19th, 20th & 21st
2010 Feb 28........ February 16th & 17th
2010 Mar 30 ........March 15th & 16th
2010 Apr 28 ........April 11th, 12th & 13th
2010 May 27 ........May 9th & 10th
2010 Jun 26 .........June 5th & 6th
2010 Jul 26 ..........July 2nd, 3rd & 4th
2010 Aug 24 .........August 26th & 27th
2010 Sep 23 ..........September 22nd & 23rd
2010 Oct 23 ..........October 19th, 20th & 21st
2010 Nov 21 ...........November 16th & 17th
2010 Dec 21 ...........December 13th, 14th & 15th

For interest http://www.innerself.com/Astrology/full_moon.htm

[Fairview Horse Center]

The Zodiac signs are thought by some to rule certain body parts. During each month, there are times that each sign is suppoised to be affecting life. Pisces is supposed to rule the feet, so it is thought that is the best time for weaning. Some people live their lives according to signs, numbers, and astrology. http://hubpages.com/hub/Numerology-Numbers-and-12-Zodiac-Signs-representing-parts-of-the-Human-Body

Others, like myself, don't believe in it, and I have actually had the worst weaning on what what supposed to be the best day "according to the signs". This last year's weaning was definitely not on the "signs" days, but super easy, no calling. Foal just went in her stall, and ate her dinner. 12 hours later, she was back out with the herd, grazing calmly.

What is important is to make sure you have a safe environment, and have a good companion for the foal to go out with.

[stoicfish]

The Zodiac signs are thought by some to rule certain body parts. During each month, there are times that each sign is suppoised to be affecting life. Pisces is supposed to rule the feet, so it is thought that is the best time for weaning. Some people live their lives according to signs, numbers, and astrology. http://hubpages.com/hub/Numerology-Numbers-and-12-Zodiac-Signs-representing-parts-of-the-Human-Body

Others, like myself, don't believe in it, and I have actually had the worst weaning on what what supposed to be the best day "according to the signs". This last year's weaning was definitely not on the "signs" days, but super easy, no calling. Foal just went in her stall, and ate her dinner. 12 hours later, she was back out with the herd, grazing calmly.

What is important is to make sure you have a safe environment, and have a good companion for the foal to go out with.

How do you know when it is the Pisces time of the month? It must be based on the planets...
The tides follow the new and full moon.

[VirginiaBred]

How do you know when it is the Pisces time of the month? It must be based on the planets...
The tides follow the new and full moon.

You can go to your local feed & seed store and see if they have the calendars that show the signs. Many do just for this reason. The signs will be shown at the bottom of each calendar day.

Pisces is the sign of the fish and since they live underneath the water, it's also the lowest of the signs. When you wean using the lowest sign, the blood of the animal is thought to be at the lowest part of the body (in the feet, not the head) and thus any reactions are lessened (jumping out, running the fence, losing weight, excess neighing). It's all about keeping things calm.

We have been breeding ponies since 1972, and my mother (who is 91) was told this by quite a few GREAT horseman that have long since died. They swore by it, as do we. We have so much invested in out breeding stock we do anything possible to reduce the stress level in both the mare and the foal. We also tend to wean at 6 months of age.

[Blonde Filly]

So you just pick the date that works best, nothing to do with the babys birthday, right? So I missed the jan. ones, so I wait for feb. She is 5 months old, so that should work!

You can pick any time age wise. I wait until my foals are 6 months old and then whatever comes next in weaning dates, I go with that one. I weaned 7 of mine this year by the signs and all went very smoothly. I had one weaned by the death of her dam and she has a long trailer ride home alone and was younger than I would wean a foal, but life did not give me a choose and her weaning was the only stressful one. I also think weaning too young can cause un-needed stress too.

I have weaned by the signs ever since I heard about it here and none have been dramatic like they use to be.

I will not wean unless it is during the best time now. If the foal stays on the dam a bit longer no big deal..the signs come up every months so I just time it with the best days.

You should give it a try, it seems to work for everyone except Fairview. Then you can form your own opinion on it.

Best of luck with all the weanings this year!!! :D

[stoicfish]

You can go to your local feed & seed store and see if they have the calendars that show the signs. Many do just for this reason. The signs will be shown at the bottom of each calendar day.
Pisces is the sign of the fish and ..............

I tried that and they have heard of it but no book. I honestly was just wondering how they know what day is Pisces. I read the moon thing but noticed that the moon and the dates where not always at the same stages, sometimes full, 1/4 or new.
Thank-you for posting the dates.
I did try it last month but the weather was really bad and unfortunately the animals were really flighty, the colt tried to jump a metal panel and I could not get him to stop running. At -20C that is really bad.
Not saying it does not work, but that is what happened in my case. I will try again.

[VirginiaBred]

Not a book, but on the co-op calendars. Or in Bloodhorse.

[VirginiaBred]

I did try it last month but the weather was really bad and unfortunately the animals were really flighty, the colt tried to jump a metal panel and I could not get him to stop running. At -20C that is really bad.
Not saying it does not work, but that is what happened in my case. I will try again.

I am sorry you had a bad experience. :no: Not sure what the situation was leading up to it, but I do remember the weather was bad. We tend to keep the baby in for a few days and make sure the mare is out of sight and earshot.

[Fairview Horse Center]

it seems to work for everyone except Fairview.

On previous threads, many of the regular COTH posters said they did not wean by the Zodiac signs, and have calm, easy weanings.

People can believe anything they like, but many wean on whatever day it works best for them, their farm, and their horses, and are highly successful, no injuries, no stress.

[VirginiaBred]

On previous threads, many of the regular COTH posters said they did not wean by the Zodiac signs, and have calm, easy weanings.

People can believe anything they like, but many wean on whatever day it works best for them, their farm, and their horses, and are highly successful, no injuries, no stress.


Good! Hope that continues!

[MoonWitch]

As any woman knows, there are certain times of the month that we are - lets just say - not our best. We, like other living things are directly influenced by the moon.

I think we have been here before and while there are many different methods of weaning, this thread is specifically dedicated to those interested in learning about it. I for one, found that it worked perfectly for me. I'm sure there are other methods that people swear by too, and maybe a thread should be started for those who don't believe in this one.

Just sayin':cool:

[VirginiaBred]

Weaning for March is tomorrow and Tuesday! Good Luck!

[Waterwitch]

VB

Would you mind sharing your weaning dates for Aug-Sept-Oct?

TIA!

[can't re-]

August 26th & 27th
September 22nd & 23rd
October 19th, 20th & 21st
November 16th & 17th
December 13th, 14th & 15th


I just weaned two on the 27th, all went well.

[VirginiaBred]

August 26th & 27th
September 22nd & 23rd
October 19th, 20th & 21st
November 16th & 17th
December 13th, 14th & 15th


I just weaned two on the 27th, all went well.


Glad to hear that! I SWEAR it works so well. :yes:

Waterwitch, sorry I missed your question earlier.

[Sugarbrook]

My September weaning went so very well. Now we are going to do the October weaning. Its the best doing it this way. Why doesnt everyone listen?? I have been doing this for many many years.

[VirginiaBred]

Weaning dates for November right around the corner:

November 16th & 17th

[VirginiaBred]

Anyone else weaning this coming week? :) I'm weaning two!

[NaniLio]

I'm going to try weaning this week by the signs. My weaning earlier this year was not done by the signs and it was shall we say, challenging! Wish me luck :)

[VirginiaBred]

I'm going to try weaning this week by the signs. My weaning earlier this year was not done by the signs and it was shall we say, challenging! Wish me luck :)

You will be fine! We're weaning Tuesday!:yes:

[VirginiaBred]

I actually just did the deed.

Blood is in the lower legs today (will be in the feet Tue & Wed.) but due to incoming rain I wanted to do it today. Besides, I'm a vendor for The Clothes Horse this weekend and I wanted to be sure to have it done and the babies having been turned out while we were still at home.

Here are the two mares just minutes ago. :)

[NaniLio]

I'm waiting until tomorrow so the rain has time to pass. I hope it goes as smoothly as yours seems to have gone! Thanks for sharing the pic :)

[VirginiaBred]

Keep us posted!
Raining hard here which is why I wanted to get things started yesterday. The fillies are doing well (listening to the radio that's rather loud in the barn) and wondering what the heck happened.

[NaniLio]

I'm happy to report today's weaning has made me a believer in weaning by the signs! I almost postponed it until tomorrow as I had no help today but bit the bullet and I'm sure glad I did. Only one that gave a fuss was the "babysitter" for the fillies. Go figure. All is quiet on the farm now and everyone is contently munching hay.

Thanks for the words of wisdom! :)

[VirginiaBred]

I'm happy to report today's weaning has made me a believer in weaning by the signs! :)

Awesome!!!! :)

[Sugarbrook]

Weaned one yesterday. Piece of cake. No calling, no nothing. Only problem is that I have 5 little ones (from 8 months down to 6 months) that have no leader. Hmmmm......who will step up and take charge.

So, another perfect weaning. This is the only way to do it ,,,,only need to have more believers, huh Randee??
Thanks a million one more time. sandy

[VirginiaBred]

[quote=Sugarbrook

So, another perfect weaning. This is the only way to do it ,,,,only need to have more believers, huh Randee??
Thanks a million one more time. sandy[/quote]

:yes: You are absolutely correct! Glad it was smooth!

[Sugarbrook]

I have just been thinking about this. Do you, Randee, think its because we always wean them about 6 months, that they are more than ready? Mares more than ready to leave? Its got to be more than just the right time of month, but I know it helps, but with a 3 month old would it be the same? Never tried that. Wont try it either, as I know you won't. s.

[Fairview Horse Center]

Its got to be more than just the right time of month, but I know it helps, but with a 3 month old would it be the same? Never tried that. .

I have weaned as young as 3 months when I worked for a big Hanoverian breeder, and as late as 8 months. They wanted foals weaned as soon as possible after their July Inspection. Foals born in April were weaned at 3 months. I didn't have any problems, no matter when they were weaned - age or time of month. All super easy, and out with their herd 8 -12 hours after weaning. No injuries, no jumping fences, very little calling.

IMO, easy weaning is about the environment you wean in, and choosing the right time for the foal's development.

[Sugarbrook]

Darlyn, I totally agree. Timing is a lot of it!!!

[VirginiaBred]

I have just been thinking about this. Do you, Randee, think its because we always wean them about 6 months, that they are more than ready? Mares more than ready to leave? Its got to be more than just the right time of month, but I know it helps, but with a 3 month old would it be the same? Never tried that. Wont try it either, as I know you won't. s.

I do think that's a lot of it. I weaned at 5 months for ages and was asked by one of the best ever long time breeders what was my hurry? Giving them that additional month makes so much difference for both mare and foal mentally. Since I was asked that years ago, I've only done the 6 month weaning since and talk about simple! So happy yours are doing well also. :yes:

[Sugarbrook]

:yes: 6 months works so very well. Can we spread the word??

[VirginiaBred]

:yes: 6 months works so very well. Can we spread the word??


I try. All the time. Especially here. :yes: