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...........
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Percy had a new chapter in his education today, we started the process of learning how to tie up. I just put the rope straight through the metal ring and held the other end whilst I brushed him. He was very good, he stayed where he was whilst I groomed him, combed his mane and picked out his feet. The real test will be when I actually tie him up and then move away from him. But as I only have one youngster to look after, I will take it slowly until i get to the point where I can tie him up. I don't want to rush it and have the insanely irritating situation of a horse that pulls back all the time. Needless to say I was please that he was happy to stand at the back of the stable while I brushed him, without fidgeting.
Percy and Penny have done well over Christmas. They both had a swede each for Christmas Day. Penny loved hers and Percy's is still in his stable! I think his mum will have to have it!
Percy's passport has arrived so he is now officially recognised as being in existence. He is due his second flu jab so I'll have to get the vet to come and do that for me.
Percy has started refusing to go in the field again now that it has become heavily poached once more. I am researching the possibility of using grass mats in the gateway. I need to check how much they would be and whether Bev and Andrew would mind me using them. I shouldn't see why not as the grass grows up through it and stops it getting so boggy. Once the grass has grown up, you wouldn't know it was there.
I will add some recent pics of Percy - he is doing really well, as is his friend Ruby. Poor Ruby has mus fever still, though touch wood, Percy seems to be ok so far...
Percy and Penny have done well over Christmas. They both had a swede each for Christmas Day. Penny loved hers and Percy's is still in his stable! I think his mum will have to have it!
Percy's passport has arrived so he is now officially recognised as being in existence. He is due his second flu jab so I'll have to get the vet to come and do that for me.
Percy has started refusing to go in the field again now that it has become heavily poached once more. I am researching the possibility of using grass mats in the gateway. I need to check how much they would be and whether Bev and Andrew would mind me using them. I shouldn't see why not as the grass grows up through it and stops it getting so boggy. Once the grass has grown up, you wouldn't know it was there.
I will add some recent pics of Percy - he is doing really well, as is his friend Ruby. Poor Ruby has mus fever still, though touch wood, Percy seems to be ok so far...
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
I managed to sort out the fence in the new paddock yesterday. It took me a couple of hours and I had no gloves on so I couldn'e feel my fingers after about 20 mins! My feet also got very cold, it took them ages to defrost when I got home.
Never the less, the babies now have a paddock with grass in to occupy themselves with. It is also much less muddy which is so much better for their joints. Ruby has a slightly puffy hind fetlock this morning which Kim thinks maybe down to mud fever.
I added new posts in to what was already there. Unfortunately it isn't any higher, but it is stronger and now is double taped, with both parts being electric. It should keep Hennesey, the huge horse next door, out and the babies in. The new paddock also means we don't have to give hay, which should save me some money I hope!
I am toying with the idea of feeding haylage to Percy in his stable. It has a higher feeding value and is far less dusty. The hay at the yard is perfectly ok at the moment though, so I think I'll hold off untill we get down to the dusty old stuff and swap him then.
Penny's water trough had about 4 inches of thick ice on it this morning. I had to smash it with my foot. Penny isn't keen on standing in the frozen mud bless her. I'm still feeding her which I shouldn't be really, but it's so cold, I feel she needs the extra bit to help keep her warm. She is still wearing her warm rug. She seems content and looks well so fingers crossed she is doing ok. Her tail looks very thin at the bottom, I think someone may have been chewing it at some point...
Never the less, the babies now have a paddock with grass in to occupy themselves with. It is also much less muddy which is so much better for their joints. Ruby has a slightly puffy hind fetlock this morning which Kim thinks maybe down to mud fever.
I added new posts in to what was already there. Unfortunately it isn't any higher, but it is stronger and now is double taped, with both parts being electric. It should keep Hennesey, the huge horse next door, out and the babies in. The new paddock also means we don't have to give hay, which should save me some money I hope!
I am toying with the idea of feeding haylage to Percy in his stable. It has a higher feeding value and is far less dusty. The hay at the yard is perfectly ok at the moment though, so I think I'll hold off untill we get down to the dusty old stuff and swap him then.
Penny's water trough had about 4 inches of thick ice on it this morning. I had to smash it with my foot. Penny isn't keen on standing in the frozen mud bless her. I'm still feeding her which I shouldn't be really, but it's so cold, I feel she needs the extra bit to help keep her warm. She is still wearing her warm rug. She seems content and looks well so fingers crossed she is doing ok. Her tail looks very thin at the bottom, I think someone may have been chewing it at some point...
Sunday, 16 December 2007
The weather is still very cold. It's been dropping down to -5 at night in some places. My thermometer in Doogle's kennel said that it was -0.6 last night and the kennel is a good couple of degrees warmer than outside in a field! Peepsie was all snuggley in her rug though, I'm very glad I left it on her as I was thinking yesterday morning that I should change it as the weather had become milder. I knew it was very cold when I had to scrape like mad to get the ice off my car when I got home from work at gone midnight this morning!
Percy and Ruby have been allowed access to the field next to them which isn't anywhere near as poached as the one they are currently in. They have been refusing to go into the field, which means that turning them out has been taking nearly half an hour each morning - not funny when you have to go to work! Andrew, the farmer is really flat out at this time of year so Kim and I are going to fix the fencing ourselves to make it foal proof. I'll be off to agrivet tomorrow to buy some posts! Only three more days at work after today and then my Christmas break! Whopee!
Percy and Ruby have been allowed access to the field next to them which isn't anywhere near as poached as the one they are currently in. They have been refusing to go into the field, which means that turning them out has been taking nearly half an hour each morning - not funny when you have to go to work! Andrew, the farmer is really flat out at this time of year so Kim and I are going to fix the fencing ourselves to make it foal proof. I'll be off to agrivet tomorrow to buy some posts! Only three more days at work after today and then my Christmas break! Whopee!
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
PERCY wormed 11/12 (should now be able to fit in with regular programme)
PENNY wormed 12/12
Percy is coping well without his mum and Penny has settled back down to life as an individual. She has made a firm friendship with her field companion, Rio. Percy is quiet when I bring him in, he gets straight down to the business of eating his dinner and doesn't bother to fret about where his friend is.
I lead both Percy and Ruby in together today and they were both very well behaved. They both lead from the 'wrong' side which is very useful when you are leading two horses together.
I have been picking Percy's feet out every morning, which has become accustomed to. i felt that this attention would be better than merely picking his feet out as it emulates what the farrier does a little more. It's also good to do to check for stones etc.
Because it has been so muddy, Percy has been having his pasterns and heels washed off when he comes in. Whilst he is not overjoyed by this, he is actually pretty amenable about it. Ruby on the other hand hates it and reverses round and round the yard when Kim tries to do her. Unfortunately for Ruby she has three white socks, which means she is in definite need of doing as she is much more prone to mud fever.
Mud fever affects the skin on the horses (normally)lower leg. The skin cracks, scabs and blisters as a result of bacteria getting under the skin, due to the legs being wet and muddy. The problem is worse when legs are changing from wet to dry often. It's like the skin on your hands getting chapped if you are constantly washing them. Some horses are more prone than others, especially those with white socks as they have pink skin underneath which is munch more sensitive. Fortunately Penny doesn't seem to get it and touch wood so far, neither has Percy.
It is so cold today, there was a really hard frost this morning. Because of this I changed Penny's rug to her medium weight one. I figure that if I am freezing when I step outside then she will be too. I'll change her back to her lightweight when the freezing weather abates.
The foals' paddock is completely frozen, which is terrible for young joints. However they are pretty sensible and tend to just stand and eat their hay. We place is well out of the really poached area, to try and give them a rest from the deep mud.
PENNY wormed 12/12
Percy is coping well without his mum and Penny has settled back down to life as an individual. She has made a firm friendship with her field companion, Rio. Percy is quiet when I bring him in, he gets straight down to the business of eating his dinner and doesn't bother to fret about where his friend is.
I lead both Percy and Ruby in together today and they were both very well behaved. They both lead from the 'wrong' side which is very useful when you are leading two horses together.
I have been picking Percy's feet out every morning, which has become accustomed to. i felt that this attention would be better than merely picking his feet out as it emulates what the farrier does a little more. It's also good to do to check for stones etc.
Because it has been so muddy, Percy has been having his pasterns and heels washed off when he comes in. Whilst he is not overjoyed by this, he is actually pretty amenable about it. Ruby on the other hand hates it and reverses round and round the yard when Kim tries to do her. Unfortunately for Ruby she has three white socks, which means she is in definite need of doing as she is much more prone to mud fever.
Mud fever affects the skin on the horses (normally)lower leg. The skin cracks, scabs and blisters as a result of bacteria getting under the skin, due to the legs being wet and muddy. The problem is worse when legs are changing from wet to dry often. It's like the skin on your hands getting chapped if you are constantly washing them. Some horses are more prone than others, especially those with white socks as they have pink skin underneath which is munch more sensitive. Fortunately Penny doesn't seem to get it and touch wood so far, neither has Percy.
It is so cold today, there was a really hard frost this morning. Because of this I changed Penny's rug to her medium weight one. I figure that if I am freezing when I step outside then she will be too. I'll change her back to her lightweight when the freezing weather abates.
The foals' paddock is completely frozen, which is terrible for young joints. However they are pretty sensible and tend to just stand and eat their hay. We place is well out of the really poached area, to try and give them a rest from the deep mud.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
PENNY AND PERCY WEANED
Yesterday I weaned Penny and Percy. I must confess to having a big lump in my throat when I took Penny away, especially as she gave Percy a last neigh when we rounded the corner. She was ever so good though, she walked with me to the field and when we got into the gateway she looked behind her for Percy and gave a really loud neigh.
I chose not to keep Penny in that night as we ended up bringing her and the two foals in early. This was because a little filly arrived a day early, who was due to be going out with Penny and Rio in the big field the next day. Initially they turned the little filly out with Rio and a lovely quiet old horse called Fox. However, Fox took an extreme dislike to the poor little thing and chased her through a fence. This was obviously a nightmare, as there was no stable available for the filly overnight. Therefore I brought our three in, so that the filly and Rio (who had been nice to her) could go out in Penny's big field. This meant there would be a good two hours of daylight for them to get used to their new field, I wouldn't want to turn horses into a strange field in the dark.
I pondered on what to do and decided to feed Penny and Percy together when they came in otherwise I knew they wouldn't eat anything later. I had intended to put Penny in the barn for the night and had made up her bed for her. Cathy had very kindly said I could use her stable. However, I was very worried that she may try and jump out of the stable, I didn't have a top door for it. I was also worried that she would be seriously stressed and would weave like mad and probably take a few chunks out of the stable by kicking it.
I decided that she would be safest out in the field, which she knows and where she was all summer. I was confident that she wouldn't jump the electric fence. Also meeting her new field companions would be a bit of a distraction for her.
When I turned her out she proceeded to charge off, neighing and looking for Percy. The two new ones followed her and then they all stopped to make friends. It is very common for horses to run about when they meet someone new, so I wasn't too concerned. Penny seemed to make friends with Rio pretty quickly, he was licking her and nuzzling her which was quite sweet. The poor little filly just followed the other two about.
Meanwhile, Percy took it a lot better. He stood in the corner of his box, calling every now and then. He didn't appear too distressed and even ate up his food which suprised me.
Today the weather has been absolutely hideous. Kim and I went to sort out the paddock which the foals were going in to. Half of the electric tape was broken and it was sopping wet with barely any grass cover. Beggars can't be choosers though, so we made good what we had. It's likely that we will have to out hay out for them.
When it came to turning them out the rain was lashing down and the wind was really strong. However the foals were incredibly sensible and just went into the paddock and walked around. We decided to muck out and then come back and check on them. When we did, they were soaked and were charging around, probably because they were cold. We decided to bring them in and as there was no-one to keep Ruby company in the barn, she went in the stable with Percy. They had a haynet each and spent a happy afternoon together.
Penny was still a bit stressed this morning, she was calling when dhe could hear Ruby and Percy. She would have a snatch of food and then march off and neigh, returning for a bit more food.
However this evening Penny was much calmer, she stood quietly when she ate her tea and I was able to feel that she was nice and dry under her rug. This was pleasing as it had done nothing but pour with rain all day.
When we took Ruby out of Percy's stable for the night Percy got a bit upset. More so than when his mum left him. He called a lot and walked around the stable. Once again though he settled and ate up his tea. All in all, fingers crossed, it went well.
I chose not to keep Penny in that night as we ended up bringing her and the two foals in early. This was because a little filly arrived a day early, who was due to be going out with Penny and Rio in the big field the next day. Initially they turned the little filly out with Rio and a lovely quiet old horse called Fox. However, Fox took an extreme dislike to the poor little thing and chased her through a fence. This was obviously a nightmare, as there was no stable available for the filly overnight. Therefore I brought our three in, so that the filly and Rio (who had been nice to her) could go out in Penny's big field. This meant there would be a good two hours of daylight for them to get used to their new field, I wouldn't want to turn horses into a strange field in the dark.
I pondered on what to do and decided to feed Penny and Percy together when they came in otherwise I knew they wouldn't eat anything later. I had intended to put Penny in the barn for the night and had made up her bed for her. Cathy had very kindly said I could use her stable. However, I was very worried that she may try and jump out of the stable, I didn't have a top door for it. I was also worried that she would be seriously stressed and would weave like mad and probably take a few chunks out of the stable by kicking it.
I decided that she would be safest out in the field, which she knows and where she was all summer. I was confident that she wouldn't jump the electric fence. Also meeting her new field companions would be a bit of a distraction for her.
When I turned her out she proceeded to charge off, neighing and looking for Percy. The two new ones followed her and then they all stopped to make friends. It is very common for horses to run about when they meet someone new, so I wasn't too concerned. Penny seemed to make friends with Rio pretty quickly, he was licking her and nuzzling her which was quite sweet. The poor little filly just followed the other two about.
Meanwhile, Percy took it a lot better. He stood in the corner of his box, calling every now and then. He didn't appear too distressed and even ate up his food which suprised me.
Today the weather has been absolutely hideous. Kim and I went to sort out the paddock which the foals were going in to. Half of the electric tape was broken and it was sopping wet with barely any grass cover. Beggars can't be choosers though, so we made good what we had. It's likely that we will have to out hay out for them.
When it came to turning them out the rain was lashing down and the wind was really strong. However the foals were incredibly sensible and just went into the paddock and walked around. We decided to muck out and then come back and check on them. When we did, they were soaked and were charging around, probably because they were cold. We decided to bring them in and as there was no-one to keep Ruby company in the barn, she went in the stable with Percy. They had a haynet each and spent a happy afternoon together.
Penny was still a bit stressed this morning, she was calling when dhe could hear Ruby and Percy. She would have a snatch of food and then march off and neigh, returning for a bit more food.
However this evening Penny was much calmer, she stood quietly when she ate her tea and I was able to feel that she was nice and dry under her rug. This was pleasing as it had done nothing but pour with rain all day.
When we took Ruby out of Percy's stable for the night Percy got a bit upset. More so than when his mum left him. He called a lot and walked around the stable. Once again though he settled and ate up his tea. All in all, fingers crossed, it went well.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Percy is ready to be weaned. He has come through his operation well and has barely even noticed that he no longer has bits! His attitude and behaviour haven't changed at all (he still let's me go near him!). I am very pleased with his progress.
Unfortunately it is now time to wean them. I will find it heart breaking as it is very distressing for both of them to be separated. Sadly I don't have the facilities to gradually wean them as I would like. Penny has been naturally weaning him off milk anyway, he rarely suckles now. I was watching them in the field today and Penny was moving away when he went to drink. This is good as this is the natural process. They will find it stressful to be separated whether it is now or next spring and it suits me, or rather my circumstances to do it now.
There are various schools of thought on weaning. The two main options are gradual separation and immediate separation. Gradual separation is considered to be kinder, by allowing the foal to become more independent slowly. Immediate separation is as the name suggests, very quick and instant with the mare and foal being separated and not allowed to see each other again (or for at least 3 months). This latter method was basically man made, with the 6 months of age being the time that foals went to bloodstock sales, so this is the accepted time for weaning. Some people wean earlier, for example Ruby was weaned at four months. This is the earliest that is generally accepted. Hence people have been traditionally weaning at 6 months for a long time.
Gradual separation is again man made, with people putting the mare and foak into stables next door to each other, fitting headcollars that make it uncomfortable for the mare when the foal drinks and turning the mare and foal out in adjoining fields. This method basically concentrates on weaning the foal off milk, before separating them.
In the wild horses will wean naturally, this will happen when the mare has another foal in the spring at which point she will chase her yearling away if he comes near.
As I don't have the facilities for gradual weaning or 'natural' I am going with the traditional method of immediate separation. This is the way I have done it at both studs I have worked at and this is the way I know. That said, I might still have a lump in my throat when I come to do it.
Mark has build a top door for Percy's stable so that he can't jump out when I take Penny away. Penny is going to spend the night in the barn and will then go out with her new friend Rio in the morning. She will then revert to living out, though she will have a rug on. Percy and Ruby will be together, just the two of them and will continue to come in at night until the warmer weather allows them to live out again -possibly back out with Penny.
Mark's top door is fantastic. I needed a custom made one as I want to be able to use the door manger whilst the top door is shut. This is because Percy always tips his feed over by sticking his foot in it when he eats. He then doesn't eat his food off the floor, which in turn encourages rats. A manger means that he can't tip it over and will eat every last bit, without the need for my supervision. This will save me time as I will then need to go and feed lady P in her field.
A door grill varies in price, one for a door as wide as mine would cost around £45. They also attach to the door, which would make using a manger impossible. Mark and I designed our top door with a 3inch gap between the top and bottom door, allowing the manger to be attached, but not leaving a big enough gap for Percy's hoof to get caught.
Mark and I went to B&Q where we purchased some pre treated 4x2 timber and some woven willow. Mark made the frame with the timber and strengthened it at all four corners with metal brackets. He then attached the willow screen, which will (hopefully) prevent Percy from thinking about jumping out, but still allows him to see his neighbours. This is tacked on with steel staples. There is another bar which runs horizontally across the middle of the frame, which gives the frame extra strength. Mark then attached the frame to the side of the stable on three large hinges, so that I can open and close the top door. He has fixed a latch to hold it in place when not in use. We are going to use the big bolts from our garden door (no longer in use) so that we can close the top door. All I need to do now is stain it, which I had intended to this morning but the weather defied me!
I'm a bit concerned that Percy will eat the willow frame, but I will put cribox (nasty tasting stuff) on it if it looks like he is eating it. The other alternative is to replace the willow with wire mesh.
Well we shall see how we get on. Next entry will be after the weaning, so fingers crossed...
Unfortunately it is now time to wean them. I will find it heart breaking as it is very distressing for both of them to be separated. Sadly I don't have the facilities to gradually wean them as I would like. Penny has been naturally weaning him off milk anyway, he rarely suckles now. I was watching them in the field today and Penny was moving away when he went to drink. This is good as this is the natural process. They will find it stressful to be separated whether it is now or next spring and it suits me, or rather my circumstances to do it now.
There are various schools of thought on weaning. The two main options are gradual separation and immediate separation. Gradual separation is considered to be kinder, by allowing the foal to become more independent slowly. Immediate separation is as the name suggests, very quick and instant with the mare and foal being separated and not allowed to see each other again (or for at least 3 months). This latter method was basically man made, with the 6 months of age being the time that foals went to bloodstock sales, so this is the accepted time for weaning. Some people wean earlier, for example Ruby was weaned at four months. This is the earliest that is generally accepted. Hence people have been traditionally weaning at 6 months for a long time.
Gradual separation is again man made, with people putting the mare and foak into stables next door to each other, fitting headcollars that make it uncomfortable for the mare when the foal drinks and turning the mare and foal out in adjoining fields. This method basically concentrates on weaning the foal off milk, before separating them.
In the wild horses will wean naturally, this will happen when the mare has another foal in the spring at which point she will chase her yearling away if he comes near.
As I don't have the facilities for gradual weaning or 'natural' I am going with the traditional method of immediate separation. This is the way I have done it at both studs I have worked at and this is the way I know. That said, I might still have a lump in my throat when I come to do it.
Mark has build a top door for Percy's stable so that he can't jump out when I take Penny away. Penny is going to spend the night in the barn and will then go out with her new friend Rio in the morning. She will then revert to living out, though she will have a rug on. Percy and Ruby will be together, just the two of them and will continue to come in at night until the warmer weather allows them to live out again -possibly back out with Penny.
Mark's top door is fantastic. I needed a custom made one as I want to be able to use the door manger whilst the top door is shut. This is because Percy always tips his feed over by sticking his foot in it when he eats. He then doesn't eat his food off the floor, which in turn encourages rats. A manger means that he can't tip it over and will eat every last bit, without the need for my supervision. This will save me time as I will then need to go and feed lady P in her field.
A door grill varies in price, one for a door as wide as mine would cost around £45. They also attach to the door, which would make using a manger impossible. Mark and I designed our top door with a 3inch gap between the top and bottom door, allowing the manger to be attached, but not leaving a big enough gap for Percy's hoof to get caught.
Mark and I went to B&Q where we purchased some pre treated 4x2 timber and some woven willow. Mark made the frame with the timber and strengthened it at all four corners with metal brackets. He then attached the willow screen, which will (hopefully) prevent Percy from thinking about jumping out, but still allows him to see his neighbours. This is tacked on with steel staples. There is another bar which runs horizontally across the middle of the frame, which gives the frame extra strength. Mark then attached the frame to the side of the stable on three large hinges, so that I can open and close the top door. He has fixed a latch to hold it in place when not in use. We are going to use the big bolts from our garden door (no longer in use) so that we can close the top door. All I need to do now is stain it, which I had intended to this morning but the weather defied me!
I'm a bit concerned that Percy will eat the willow frame, but I will put cribox (nasty tasting stuff) on it if it looks like he is eating it. The other alternative is to replace the willow with wire mesh.
Well we shall see how we get on. Next entry will be after the weaning, so fingers crossed...
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