Haflinger adopts mini horse foal - Unbelievable!

[Wolf-Kim]

Very cute!

Although it brings to mind a couple of questions. This does mean that you will have to wean the foal again, correct? It also makes me worry, whether or not that foal was correctly weaned the first time, because if it was weaned, doesn't that mean that it was completely independant of mom and eating grain and hay for it's sole source of nutrition? If it were completely weaned, would it have taken to nursing this mare so quickly?

They are adoreable together!

 

[joedie]

Quote:
The foal has been eating hay and grain since I got her when she just turned 4 months. The breeders told me they kept her away from her mother half of the day for one week and then cold turkey for the next 2 weeks. I had asked them not to wean her at this age to no avail.
So even though she can eat like she should, I'm sure she still has the sucking need at this age. She will have to wean again but hopefully it won't be as traumatic. I raise donkeys and don't wean them until 6 months and then only if they are sold. I usually let the jennet decide when to wean them and it is usually around 9-10 months. IMO they need more than just the mothers milk, they learn life skills and the moms scold them when they are brats! These things to me are important as well. I'm just glad this mare treats her like her own.

 

[Skyesrocket]

You just gotta love those halflingers! I do!
You are so right about leaving foals on momma as long as possible. Puppies too! Momma needs to teach them social skills.
It's so cute to see the two together.

 

[19hhbelgian]

That's always so cute!! It's a shame the people wouldn't do what you asked of them. Maybe the mare couldn't handle the filly anymore?? I had a mare one time that was getting more than enough food, hay... But it still got to the point where I had no choice but to wean the colt from her - he was just running her ragged. I like to let my foals on the mom until about 5 months. My mare is pretty good about weaning her babies on her own though, so it's not always that long... This years colt is a real fire cracker - I have a feeling she's going to be kicking him to the curb pretty early

I also have a pony that I can't trust to be nice to my horses (she's only 12.2, but a pistol), but put her in with the babies, and she's wonderful

She was a rescue, and was in foal, but he was still born (long story) - it was so sad. We just barely saved her, and she got right up and went to the baby trying to get him to get up and moving, absolutely broke my heart

Congrats on your little filly... Gotta love the minis, small horse - BIG attitude!

 

[TheNo-NameChick]

OMG that is soooo cute! I just love those Haflingers! They are so calm and sweet

 

[Luna_Chick66]

I love Haflingers! They are so gorgeous!