Mares will tend to get antsy right before foaling (ie: a few days before) and they will drip milk from their udders. I've written an article about our mares during foaling @ http://www.ehow.com/how_4526561_prepare-mare-foaling.html
A mare will care for her newborn foal by licking/grooming it dry, then encouraging it to stand and to nurse within an hour of birth. After this, the mare will watch over the foal, nurse it throughout the day and teach it how to interact with other horses, how to eat grass and drink water, and generally teach it survival skills. Over the course of about 6 months, the foal will become progressively more independent and will generally be weaned by the mare about this time.
The mare gave birth to foals...the mares foaled.
That depend on the mare.... if she has had a foal before and is having regular cycles it might be OK. If she has never had a foal before its not a good idea. The mares uterus looses its elasticity when they get older. I know of lots of older mares that have had beautiful healthy foals..... but I know of even more old mares that will no longer get in foal. Its really up to your mare and your vet. Good Luck!
This can vary in breeds. It can be a week before the birth, just after the milk bag waxes. It can be the day of the birth. Milk is produced about 24 to48 hours after birth. The milk bag will produce colostrum first. This is vital to the foal. It contains antibodies the foal needs for fighting off diseases.
No, it is not normal. You should probably talk to a vet, and the foal may have some health problems. The correct gestation period for a mare is 11 months.
Heavy breathing can be a sign of many things, including that she may be in labor and ready to have her foal. Heavy breathing most commonly means the horse is uncomfortable or has exercised heavily. Mares who are in labor will breathe heavily. Mares who have a foal inside them that is in an awkward position will also be uncomfortable and sometimes breathe heavily.
Some mares are already in milk before the foal is born. It is generally only maiden mares or early foaling mares that take more time for their milk to come in.
The mare gave birth to foals...the mares foaled.
Yes, a foal can die before birth.
A Mares' offspring is called a "Foal".
That depend on the mare.... if she has had a foal before and is having regular cycles it might be OK. If she has never had a foal before its not a good idea. The mares uterus looses its elasticity when they get older. I know of lots of older mares that have had beautiful healthy foals..... but I know of even more old mares that will no longer get in foal. Its really up to your mare and your vet. Good Luck!
She should have udder growth but there are waxy substances keeping the milk from being leaked out. Some mares get more milk sooner, some later. Some right before they give birth.
a foal
This can vary in breeds. It can be a week before the birth, just after the milk bag waxes. It can be the day of the birth. Milk is produced about 24 to48 hours after birth. The milk bag will produce colostrum first. This is vital to the foal. It contains antibodies the foal needs for fighting off diseases.
A foal.
=no you can not take a mare away from its foal straight after its birth=
No more than fillys or any other foal.
Mares typically stay pregnant for 11 months, but may give birth up to a month early or late.