Hi Dr Getty,

I have an 8 month old weanling who lost his mom about two months ago (it was an immediate weaning, we took him away because she was colicking and she died 8 hours later). He is UTD on worming, etc... for a long time he looked like a potted out belly on sticks but he is beginning to fill out....

Anyhow, I have been discussing what to give to him to both fulfill his needs and make him really DESIRE his food, rather than just pushing it around with his nose. He is putting on some weight and filling out correctly, but he still doesn't have a hearty love for his food... one person suggested that a yearling could get by on little to no grain and just good quality hay...

What would you suggest IDEALLY for a growing weanling? (He is 13.3hh, on the high side for me for a weanling, and I suspect he will do a lot of growing UP before he does too much growing OUT) I don't need him in show halter shape but I like them fat and sassy. :)

Thanks in advance!
Amanda

Where are you from? Canada

How did you locate this forum? Google :)

Hi Amanda,

Oh, poor little guy -- I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mare.

Yes, good quality grass hay is fine. But, you'll also want to give him alfalfa hay, pellets or cubes (soaked, please), to balance out his protein quality. In addition, he needs a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement designed to meet his additional requirements for growth. Mare/Foal IIP is one that I recommend. In your area, you can likely find something similar.

He doesn't need grain, nor do I recommend it since too much starch can lead to osteopathic disorders in growing horses.

So, prepare a meal each day that consists of alfalfa hay cubes or pellets, along with his supplement. Make sure he has a plain white salt lick available, and gets plenty of water.

Thanks for writing. Happy Holidays!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO