PERCY - 2nd FLU JAB 03/01/09 NEXT DUE MAY

Percy had his 2nd flu jab and was good. The vet looked at him and said that he was a very nice foal. He looks a bit long which is something I had thought myself. However his limbs are straight and he has a very good temperament. The vet advised that I make sure I am feeding him enough, without feeding too much. I have reviewed this and I don't think I was feeding him enough. A weanling should be consuming approx 1lb of hard feed per month of his age per day roughly - or about 4Kg according to most advice. Percy hasn't been getting this much and so I have increased his feed. I have split the feeds in to three so that he now gets in each feed:

1 1/2 scoop Mare and youngstock mix (1.5 lbs)
1 scoop alfa oil (.5 lb) (not hard feed)
1/4 scoop suregrow (16oz)
1/4 scoop speedibeet (.5 il)

This is a very large feed, but when it is well mixed with the Alfa oil, it takes him a long time to eat it, meaning that he does not rush his food and there is time to diegest it. I have had to go to three feeds in order to safely give him what he needs.

I have also ordered some calcium supplemnt from the vet as he advised this. He also advise surelimb, but I mistakenly got suregrow. I may take the suregrow back and get surelimb instead.
This makes 6 lbs of cereals a day with alfa oil and speedi beet counting as a forage. He is fed ad lib hay which equates to about two slices a night. He eats that or leaves some if it's three. I'll increase to three before long.

It's such a worry, making sure you feed them right. It was a worry with Penny when she was in foal and lactating and it is a worry now with Percy. I can only go on experience and advice frome the vet and feed suppliers. Hopefully this new diet will see him looking a bit better, though he isn't skinny, just short!

I'm sure there will be loads more sleepless night to come...........