Let the weaning commence!

[TikusMom]

I just got back in from feeding the critters, and brought Sizzle up from the pasture into the maternity/weaning lot. I put my old boy, Letrero, in with her so she has company. Right now she could care less as she's happily munching her pellets, but when she figures out that she can't go get that comfort milk from momma, she's gonna be ticked off! Letrero is the most awesome horse ever and he's the best babysitter for weaning and ponying the babies...still, weaning is nerve wracking for me as well as the babies!
Here's hoping all goes well!

[Halo]

for a happy, easy weaning!

[TikusMom]

There was a little bit of whinnying last night from Sizzle once it got dark. This morning, however, with Zip grazing on the other side of the fence, Sizzle was quite contented. Poor Zip's a little uncomfy this a.m. though.

I took some pictures of Sizzle and Letrero sharing breakfast this morning. There are 2 feeders, but Siz just likes to eat with someone! LOL!

The coolest thing is this: Letrero is the dominant horse of the pasture and will promptly put anyone in their place should they dare to challenge, or heaven forbid get close to his food! With the babies, though, he's so gentle and patient, and even SHARES his food! He'll discipline them if they need it, but not as harshly as he would the adults in the herd. He's the bestest Grampa a filly could ask for! LOL!

[TikusMom]

Day 2: Poor Sizzle! About 6pm last evening we had some strong thunder storms blow through here and they lasted through out the night. We had another this a.m. and now it's just raining....and BLOWING! There is a stout east northeast wind pounding our little farm, and it is COLD! We're expecting some flurry activity to day, but so far just lots and lots of rain. Sizzle is more like a soggy fizzle.
On the up side, Zip is feeling a little less uncomfy. The chill in the air seems to have helped with her over engorged udder.

[Halo]

Ohhhhhhhh so gorgeous!!!! I'm glad things are going well!

We are supposed to get snow tonight too.

I want a colt someday!!! lol

[TikusMom]

Thanks Halo!
I'll trade ya for a little black and white calf! hehehe!

[Halo]

LOL I promise that if we ever cannot keep our little Blessing, you will be the first to know!

[TikusMom]

Yay!! ROFLOL!

[KDK241]

They are beautiful but Sizzle is just darling! I always hated weaning time, hearing babies cry, moms answering back...it always made me feel so evil for taking them from mama. At least they usually get over it quickly, lol.

[TikusMom]

Thanks Katie! Yeah, that's what I hated about weaning too. This year I decided to try something different instead of sending the mare off...the maternity/weaning pen that Sizzle is in is directly adjacent to the big pasture ( up till this year it was used for weaning our calves ) where Zip and Sizzle can stand near each other, but Siz can't nurse unless she wants to get zapped by the 5 strand electric fence. I think it's been a much better way to wean so far, as there's no frantic whinnying per se, and very little stress on either of them. Siz does nicker to her momma if she happens to get out of sight, but then Letrero is right there with her to keep her from freaking out.