[Tazzie]

I have a friend who has a 3 week colt. Normal birth but the mom has now gotten sick. Vet thinks that the best thing possible for both mom & colt is to get a nurse mare.

Neither of us has experience in doing this.

What is involved in getting a nurse mare?

What is the best way for me to advertise to try to get one ASAP?

Thank you so much for any help you can possibly give!

[GatoGordo]

One idea is to call other local vets (including VA Tech's EMC in Leesburg or New Bolton, depending on where in MD you are) to see if any of their clients have lost a foal and might be willing to let you use a nurse mare.

[Tazzie]

One idea is to call other local vets (including VA Tech's EMC in Leesburg or New Bolton, depending on where in MD you are) to see if any of their clients have lost a foal and might be willing to let you use a nurse mare.

Great suggestion, thank you. I've also registered on cyberfoal.com.

[tucktaway]

so sorry for your friend, you have a pm

[Tazzie]

so sorry for your friend, you have a pm

Thanks so much tucktaway! I sent you a reply PM.

[Fairview Horse Center]

Here is some information on raising an orphan foal with an igloo cooler. Also a link to how to induce lactation.

Hope your baby is doing ok.

[sporthorsefilly]

Here is the page that Fairview's info is on:

http://www.fairviewhorsecenter.com/breeding.html

It is at the bottom and is a word document.

I saw this work on a foal whose mom wouldn't let him nurse! The bucket was his nurse mare and his mom stayed with him.

Thanks Darlyn this is such a wonderful contribution to anyone with foals

[Fairview Horse Center]

Here is a direct link http://www.fairviewhorsecenter.com/Orphan_foal.doc

<I guess it didn't print in my last post, thanks sporthorsefilly!>

[TWFarm]

If you can not find a nurse mare. I took my orphan foal to PA where Gert Stearns at Justaplain Farm takes in orphan foals and bucket trains them. She puts all foals out out groups according to age and size. She did a great job with my filly and Commander Cody's filly. I'm located in Lovettsville, VA and it took me about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to get to her place. She is very reasonable when you consider the cost on milk supplement plus foals get to grow up together. Phone # 610-869-4039. Good luck.

[Tiki]

Didn't say where in Maryland you are, but Justaplain Farm is right near New Bolton. Besides taking wonderful care of orphans, I think they also have nurse mares.