How to be on time for the birth of your foal!
The most beautiful time of the year is just around the corner - it’s foaling season again! You are lucky and your mare or pony is pregnant, and you don't want to miss the birth of the foal? The birth of a foal is a special moment, and as a horse owner or breeder, you would like to know when your mare starts foaling, so you can watch everything and, if necessary, intervene to help. Then the Birth Alarm could be just the right tool for you.
The different types of birth alarms
At Epplejeck, you can choose between two models of birth alarms: the Lite version and the Premium version. Both are very effective but have differences that we will explain to you in more detail in this blog. There are also other interesting items in our assortment, such as the brand's Wi-Fi camera, which you can easily connect to the birth alarm to keep an even closer eye on your pregnant mare.
Birth Alarm Lite
Birth Alarm Lite is an affordable entry-level model from the Birth Alarm series. It has a GSM system (Global System for Mobile Communications) and can be set up on two cell phones. The birth alarm is very easy to install and attach to the anti-roll girth or to the horse's halter. The transmitter registers when your horse takes up the typical birthing position and sends an alarm signal to one or two connected phones after only 7.6 seconds.
Please note that Birth Alarm requires a SIM card to alert you on your cell phone.
Birth Alarm Premium
In addition to the features mentioned above, the Premium model of Birth Alarm offers a number of additional functions.
You can connect
Birth Alarm Premium to up to four phones, which gives you much more security when your horse is not located at your home, but in a stable further away. This way you can additionally connect your stable owner's phone to the system, the phone of a friend who lives nearby or even your vet if he/she agrees. Four precautions are better than one, right?
Did you know that around 15% of pregnant mares sleep fully on their flanks? That's why this birth alarm has a special sleep function that senses and registers the beginning of labor in all circumstances.
Camera Birth Alarm Wifi
If you live a little further from your stable or want to keep an extra close eye on your mare, the
Birth Alarm Wi-Fi camera might be interesting for you. Combined with one of Birth Alarm systems, there's a good chance you'll be alerted in time to be there for the entire foaling process.
The camera is waterproof and can connect wirelessly to your Wifi network, so you can watch your mare throughout the entire day. It can also take photos and videos and send them directly to your smartphone via the included app. The Full HD resolution and 30 infrared LED's allow for good night vision of up to 20 meters. So you don't have to leave the lights on in the barn to see something on the camera.
The Anti-Roll Girth
You can attach the Birth Alarm to a specially designed
Anti-Roll Girth, which prevents your mare from rolling around and getting trapped in her box. Both tools form a great combination that monitors your mare from the moment she lies down. It is not necessary to strap it too tightly, as the girth may then cause discomfort to your mare, especially since she may have to wear it for quite a while.
The
Anti-Roll Girth from Horsegear can also be used in combination with the Birth Alarm system. The set consists of the top piece, with a length of 80cm per side and the girth, with a length of 115cm.
Additional measures
Is your mare about to foal? Or not...? To anticipate foaling even better, you can use
pH Milk Test Strips from Horsegear. Before giving birth to their foals, mares start producing colostrum, also called first milk. This is what causes the pH-level to drop. To test the pH-level, simply run some of your mare’s milk onto one of the test strips. If the pH-level of the mare's milk has dropped to or below 6, there is a very high probability that birth will begin within the next 24 hours.
Now you are ready to get up in time to be there for your mare at this wonderful moment and witness the birth of your foal! We hope your mare's foaling goes well and hope you enjoy getting to know the new member of your family.