Weaning Process

Without a doubt, winter is here. I had high hopes of getting a few more things accomplished but it didn't happen. The only high priority left is building the open front, more because the lumber is sitting out and getting covered with snow. Once the open front is built, I can do some make shift fencing and all will be well until the April thaw.

I've been a naughty pony mom and haven't called the trainer. It's on my todo list for today. I am not sure where the ponies will go but I've sure missed them and will be glad to get them home.

Weaning is going much better. I opened the pasture gate last night so the big herd can go out into the pasture again. Rabbit hasn't been hanging out on that fence line since the wind comes blowing down in that exact spot. She's discovered a much more protected area where she can keep an eye on Mayhem.

Mayhem is adjusting although still very unhappy. When she can't see momma, she whinnies. I've learned a few things during this process.

1. Rabbit is an excellent mother and very devoted even if there are two fences and a herd of boys between her and her baby.
2. Rabbit is finally progressing to a better feeding spot but still wont' come up to the fence to eat since she can't keep an eye on Mayhem.
3. Water, water, water. Since Rabbit won't leave, I have to haul water down to her "post". The big water tank is happily plugging way with warm water but Rabbit would rather go without water than be out of eyesight of Mayhem.
4. Mayhem hangs out with the boys. Unfortunately she stands next to the fence where I through the first flake of hay. That flake is designated as Dude's and if it's big enough, he'll eat that instead of harassing the rest of the herd. So Mayhem is hanging out with Dude .
5. Feed Mayhem her grain mash first to distract her and then feed Rabbit. That way Mayhem is distracted and wont' whinny, which sets of Rabbit at a gallop back to her "post".
6. Weaning is hard on everyone, including momma, baby, all the boys, and me!

It's definately been a learning curve. I've started Rabbit on alfalfa and she devours it the same way I devour chocolate. Hopefully I can increase her alfalfa intake so she can finish packing on the last few pounds. I still say she's at least 50 pounds underweight (but I'm always a poor judge of weight).

Rabbit has put on a winter coat, not as thick as I like but it's getting there. I can't throw a blanket on since she stands in between trees and would rip the blanket to shreds. Hopefully the sub zero temps will stay away for awhile yet until she's back to proper weight.

Rabbit is coming at a trot to eat her grain and if she's in eye sight, she'll stick around and polish of her grain. Silly girl prefers her alfalfa to grain but eats her grain like a good girl.

This has all been a huge learning curve for me. It's only day five of the weaning process. This Saturday will make a full week. I need to do some reading up on how to handle everything. I was thinking of putting the ponies in with Mayhem but not sure just yet. We'll see.