[Haas Horse Farm]

Originally Posted by xiphias21034

Borrow a donkey, or is it a Llama, that will protect sheep and goats from wolves, dogs, and "yoties" I know there's something that will protect against them....do you have dogs? Cathy

Llama is what will rid the area of coyotes. You are much safer letting her foal outside and then moving her inside after the foal is born... that way there is nothing inside to clean and disinfect. I guess I am trying to decide how the foal is going to be any safer inside the stall than out in the paddock... Is the barn absolutely coyote proof? You would be surprised at how small a space they can crawl through if they want to. Outside the mare has a better chance of protecting the offspring and herself. Inside there is a greater chance of the foal being injured if there is a fight with the mare and something. Also foaling outside leaves all the blood and afterbirth outside. That is what many dogs {and I would bet coyotes} think is gourmet food.

Good luck... I cannot wait to see that gorgeous spotted offspring.

[JBandRio]

Is there ANY way to provide a bigger stall?

[Blistering Winds]

11x24 would be my vote if you know there are coyotes in the area. Turn her out during the day. I couldn't sleep knowing that coyotes and a new foal could be mingling. And not knowing how "protective" momma was.

I met a mare that watched her foal practically get beat to death by another horse. She didn't bat an eye.

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

Both times my mare miscarried she chose to do so in the stall. I think she felt safer in the stall then out in the paddock.

Though I have a 12X24 stall but it wasn't set up for her yet because she wasn't suppose to be doing anything with the foals for 3 more months both times.

Because of the coyoties I'd say get the big stall ready.

[Heavenly Jumper]

My mare foaled in the pasture On, and right at high noon...in JULY! ugh...

I had this same question when my mare was getting ready to pop. There was NO way that I could modify my stalls. They just weren't built to be anything but a 10x10. So, I left her out to foal where she chose...

[Haas Horse Farm]

Unless it is super cold out I always let mine foal outside... If it is real cold and nasty then they get put inside but otherwise they get to be outside. I have large foaling stalls so the stall size is not an issue... I am just so afraid that the mare or foal will get hurt or cast or worse yet cornered by something and really hurt in the stall. We have coyotes and foxes here, too but have never had the horses attacked. What attacked the horses was a neighbors pack of chow dogs... (Dog gone it ... they are all gone now!)

[imacowgirl2]

We've always foaled outside in the pasture/paddock, beacause we don't have inside facilities. We have a high problem with coyotes too, but have never had a horse attack. We just bring the mare up into a small paddock closest to the barn and house, that also has a pole light in it -- seems to deter the coyotes, as we've never had a problem. If you have aggressive coyotes and absolutely cannot modify that other stall, I would let her foal outside, but be checking her at least twice a night close to her due date and once the foal is on the ground put momma and foal inside the stall until the foal is a few days old.

[Aussiesnapps]

Thanks all, we've decided to push on to modify the stall. We'll put her in the upper pasture closest to the barn during the day and stall her at night.

[Bella]

I'd personally leave her outside, unless you have a wet night, then I'd throw her in the stall..

I believe they do better being outside, its far more natural. However, I've also seen the results of a foal being born when its too cold out...

All you can do, is what you feel is right.

-Bella

[horseyfrk145]

Originally Posted by Blistering Winds

11x24 would be my vote if you know there are coyotes in the area. Turn her out during the day. I couldn't sleep knowing that coyotes and a new foal could be mingling. And not knowing how "protective" momma was.

I met a mare that watched her foal practically get beat to death by another horse. She didn't bat an eye.

I agree 100%. my opinion as well