If a foal is orphaned at birth, he’ll require critical care within the first few hours of life. Unfortunately, this leaves little time for an unprepared owner to learn about providing essential support to an orphan.

"It’s important to be aware of what might be needed and be prepared to administer to those needs before the birthing process," said Tommy Puffinbarger, Alfalfa County Extension Office agricultural educator and horse enthusiast.

Nursing

Foals are expected to nurse within two hours to three hours of birth. This allows for the ingestion of colostrum in time for antibodies in the milk to be ingested, absorbed, and used for strengthening the foal’s immune system