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Foal Behavior

5K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  MHFoundation Quarters 
#1 ·
I didn't see any folders for horse behavior so I thought I would place it here.

Do foals basically make the same noises as adults? (Yes, I know they squeal, nicker, snort etc, like the adults.) I guess what I'm asking is, what noises do they usually make when interacting with adults?

I read something about them "chopping" with their ears forward when they greet another adult, but I wasn't able to find much explanation about that or other general behaviors...

I also read that behaviors change as they grow up, but that too, didn't go into detail. Any links or pages on foal behavior? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Here's an example of the chomping they do:



You might want to just google foals on youtube some and watch some of the videos to get a general idea of behavior. With babies it's pretty much eat sleep and play!
 
#3 ·
That particular behavior is exhibited by virtually all foals. It is a display of submission - the same as a dog turning over and exposing its belly to a more dominant horse or a human master, although horses don't display submission to humans.

They will continue doing that (depending upon whether they are in a herd environment or not) as a yearling. Usually they stop around 2, but sometimes they will stop sooner or even do it longer.

It is a perfectly natural behavior, and it would be highly unusual if they DIDN'T display that behavior.
 
#6 ·
We've always called it "chomping". My little guy is an expert, especially if he's getting a good wither scratch...or chest...or butt...or belly....lol! He got himself in big trouble with momma last night over it, fine to chomp air but not so fine to chomp momma's butt ;)
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